Our Team
Staff
Executive Director
A multifaceted individual with an admirable past, Denise is steeped in the experiential wisdom of a former dancer, executive assistant, teacher, small business owner, wife, mother, and grandmother. Denise dedicated the past 30 years to homeschooling her 5 children, volunteering for community churches, overseeing children's education programs, directing activities for children's youth theater curricula, and generally pursuing her passions for engagement with the youth, families, and non-profit organizations in her community. Following four years of service to Audience of One as program director, Denise was promoted to executive director where—in addition to leading the organization to over 60% growth in 3 years—she has expanded the audience and market for the message of the Gospel.
Diane Dodd
Finance Director
Diane Dodd is one of the founding board members of Ao1. A licensed CPA, she has been the finance director and box office coordinator at Ao1 since its inception. She has three boys (24, 22, 17) that have grown up with the Ao1 family.
Rachel Hughes
Program Manager & Marketing Assistant
Rachel’s involvement with Ao1 began as a student in 2012. With her experience as a participant, LIFEGuard, intern, and assistant, she is excited to now be part of the Ao1 staff as Program Manager and Marketing Assistant. Rachel graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a bachelor’s in communications with a concentration in theatre and a second major in Spanish. In addition to being an avid participant in her university’s theatre program, she ran the university newspaper, was an executive officer on student council, studied abroad in Spain, and interned as executive assistant at Durango PlayFest. Outside of Ao1, Rachel spends her time building her health and wellness business, hiking with family, volunteering at church, and continuing her lifelong search for the world’s best ice cream.
Kelly Evans
Administrative Assistant
Kelly has been with Audience of One since 2011 as a parent and since 2017 as a staff member. She is currently our Administrative Assistant, where she takes care of all the details and helps to keep everyone on track. Her skills from wrangling and homeschooling two children over the past 16 years are a natural transition to her role with Ao1. She has her bachelor’s in management from the University of Wyoming and her MBA from the University of Denver. Upon graduating, she spent nine years in human resources and recruiting before making the decision to stay home with her children. She has been married for 22 years to her high school sweetheart (Phil), has a 16-year old daughter (Grace), and a 12-year old son (Owen). If you can't find her, she's reading or listening to a book, walking her dog, or both.
Crystal Williams
Rehearsal & Costume Assistant
Crystal has been costuming for Audience of One since 2019 and an Ao1 parent since 2018. She then joined the staff as Rehearsal Assistant in 2021. Crystal holds a bachelors degree in Fashion Design from Texas Christian University, as well as a Masters in Fashion Merchandising from Texas Woman’s University. In her former life, she has touched all areas of the fashion industry: buying program at Neiman Marcus, Store Manager and Merchandise Manager at Gap, as well as product development for Fossil Watches. She has never been happier and most in her element than creating costumes for Audience of One. She considers herself incredibly blessed and lucky to spend time with our amazing Ao1 casts and to help them all feel special on stage and off. Her motto is that of Academy-Award-winning costumer extraordinaire, Edith Head: “A designer is only as good as the star who wears her clothes.” Crystal is often heard telling the kids, “I provide the clothes, you make them shine on stage. Without you, they are just pieces of fabric.” Crystal has been married to her husband, Brad, for 19 years and has two daughters, Cameran and Gemma.
Cassidy Elmer
LIFEGuard Director
& Stage Manager
Cassidy Elmer has been involved with Ao1 since 2012. She is currently going to school for an elementary education degree with a theater minor at Colorado Christian University and has an Associates in American Sign Language.
She started at Ao1 as an actor and has been a Lifeguard, assistant director, intern, assistant choreographer, and now Lifeguard director and stage manager throughout her time here. Some of Cassidy's favorite activities include snowboarding, hiking, dancing, and anything sports related.
Cassidy is very excited to train the new generation of teen leaders!
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" ( Jeremiah 29:11)
artistic Team
LaCretia Gelley
Director
LaCretia Gelley is a director, teacher, producer, music director, choreographer and professional singer. Through her work, she not only nurtures aspiring artists, she also explores how theatre, and the arts in general, can challenge participants, both arts-makers and audiences, to embrace the idea of storytelling and the amazing power that stories have to remind us that we are all connected and have shared stories and experiences. Arts education exists to create more complete humans, who have curious minds, are critical thinkers, and are productive people.
LaCretia has been a part of AO1 since 2009 and also teaches at area schools and programs, as well as designs curriculum. She has directed and produced dozens of shows locally and has acted in many shows like Antigone, Pirates of Penzance, and Guys and Dolls. She holds a MA in Education, many certifications in the arts and physical movement, and was voted best director for Mary Poppins, the musical. She has a private studio for voice, acting, and audition prep. She is a life-long student and has spent years completing continuing education and is currently working on her terminal MFA degree and Hair and Makeup certification. Her passion is helping artists to understand how truly unique and special they are, encouraging them to let His light shine through them while realizing the full potential of their God-given talents.
Carolyn Jordan
Choreographer
Carolyn Jordan has loved choreographing (and directing) at Ao1 since 2015! Carolyn grew up in Cleveland, Ohio performing wherever and whenever she was able. She then went on to earn her BFA in Theatre - Acting from West Virginia University. Thanks in large part to the 2.5 years she spent traveling the country as a Tour Actor/Director with Missoula Children’s Theatre, Carolyn has taught and directed in 31 states!
When not at Ao1, Carolyn teaches Middle School Theatre at Parker Performing Arts School (DCSD Charter) and teaches Music Together in Denver. She has also performed locally at THAC, Aurora Fox, Foothills Theatre Company, and PACE. Carolyn shares her passion for the arts with students as they create together.
Thank you for supporting live theatre!
Jaime Johnson
Music Director
Jaime is looking forward to another session at Ao1. She is the Music & Theatre Director at Ben Franklin Academy, a K-8 STEAM school in Highlands Ranch. She is responsible for directing 15 performances each year in band, choir, and theatre. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Redlands and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. In addition, she has a certificate in vocal coaching from New York Vocal Coaching and a level I certification in Orff Schulwerk, an approach to building musicianship in every learner through the integration of music, movement, speech, and drama.
Jaime has a strong passion for teaching. She believes music and theatre have the ability to create well-rounded students in a way that other subjects can’t always achieve. Through performing, she has seen students come out of their shells and embrace learning.
Joshua kirk
Director & Production Coordinator
Joshua Kirk has been using theater to touch lives since 1995. He has worked as a Teaching Artist throughout the US, leading classes and corporate workshops through his company, Improv LEAP. He has transformed corporate cultures, church communities, and the lives of students in every grade (K- Grad) and age (5-85). "Director Josh" moved to Denver in 2002 to build a children’s theater program. He began working for Ao1 shortly after its inception. Joshua received a Masters Degree in Theater Education from the University of Northern Colorado. He is an award winning director and has led over 30 fully staged children’s musicals. Joshua also has a passion for giving back beyond the stage as an unpaid professional with Alpine Rescue Team, a mountain search and rescue team.
Amy Summitt
Music Director
Amy Summitt is delighted to be a musical director for Ao1. A native of Colorado, Amy grew up performing in numerous shows around the country and studied opera, musical theater, and vocal performance during college. Her background and experience led her to become the Assistant Director of Bands for Boston College, a piano and voice teacher, and a touring vocalist with the Continental Singers. More recently, Amy won Best Supporting Actress from the Nebraska Association of Community Theater for her performance in Way Out West Theater Company’s Boise, Idaho. She worked alongside her husband Jeff to direct Way Out West’s youth theater performance of the Nifty Fifties, and she is now honored to work with the talented youth, parents, and staff of Ao1.
Jeff Summitt
Director
Jeff, prior to Ao1, was involved in the theater group Way Out West in Sidney, Nebraska where he directed The Nifty Fifties and acted in Forgiven a Fairytale, Boise-Idaho, and as part of their improv group. Growing up he was part of a theater group like Ao1 and acted throughout High School where some of his favorite productions were Oklahoma, Bye Bye Birdie and Where's Charley? He is looking forward to another session with Ao1 and directing The Wizard of Oz.
Whitney Dayberry
Choreographer, Dance Instructor,
& NightLight Director
Whitney Dayberry is an accomplished professor, choreographer, director, and performer. She received her B.A. in Dance and completed her M.S. Degree in Kinesiology. She has studied under many artists, like Gregory Hines, danced with several professional companies, has performed in numerous full-length ballets and a variety of musical theatre productions. Her passion for dance led her to found and co-direct a pre-professional dance company, and has won a National Championship with her choreography along with many other specialty awards. Since moving to Colorado in 2016, she has choreographed for Evergreen High School and directed and has choreographed for StageDoor Theatre’s Junior and Senior companies. Whitney feels blessed to share her passion for theatre, musical theatre, and dance with characters of all ages, and is beyond excited to be working with a talented creative team and wonderful students at Ao1 since 2019!
Rebecca sarian
Music Director
Growing up in a musical family, Rebecca's earliest memories involve singing around the piano and watching her parents perform in different productions. After playing the cello with the Denver Young Artists Orchestra and spending a year at the Wheaton Conservatory of Music near Chicago, she was awarded the Boettcher Scholarship from the University of Denver and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Music Education. She has been the music director for Christian Youth Theater and Front Range Christian School musical productions and has taught private voice, piano, and cello lessons. She was also the Assistant Director for Ovation West (formerly Evergreen Chorale), and has spent the last 10 years as a worship director. When her children were young, she loved participating in Audience of One productions, first as a parent and then as the music director, and she is excited to return to this fantastic organization!
Addisson Wehner
Choreographer
Addisson Wehner has been dancing since she was 9 years old. Her training is primarily in classical ballet, however she has also performed in modern, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical and contemporary. She worked with Ao1 in 2017 for a semester before moving away to pursue a college major in dance. While away, Addisson was diagnosed with a chronic illness that left her sequestered to the house for two years. During this time she created a social media brand to which she now runs on the side. Addisson is passionate about the upcoming generations and making sure they believe they are loved. Addisson rejoined the Ao1 team in 2023.
Matthew Newell
Choreographer
Matthew has especially loved his involvement with the Ao1 community. Matthew grew up in Chicago, was heavily involved in musical theater, and moved to Denver, Colorado to pursue education at Colorado Christian University. Matthew is currently affiliated with Castle Rock Dance Academy (CRDA), Christian Youth Theatre (CYT), and the dance program at CCU. Above all, Matthew is so grateful to be a part of Ao1 and to use his abilities to glorify and honor the Lord.
Ao1 Board of Directors
Sean McInturff, President
Melanie Plourde, VP
Heather Haugen, Treasurer
Casey Bauer, Director
Denise Fenner, Director
Elisa Gray, Director
We are always seeking new additions to our Board of Directors. Please contact Denise Fenner for more information on how to get involved.
Employment Opportunites
Audience of One Youth Theater is always looking for creative and energetic candidates interested in joining our Team.
If you have a passion for musical theater, love working with children, and have theater experience in directing, vocal instruction, or dance/choreography then Ao1 is the place for you! It is a great opportunity for you to become part of an established, successful, and growing youth theater company.
For more information, please contact Denise Fenner or call 303-564-1569.
INTERNSHIPS:
Each session we have the opportunity for some of our students to get involved in the productions as interns! These positions can vary from assistant directing to acting as a dance captain. Reach out to the creative team of the show that you'd like to work with or to Denise Fenner if interested in applying.