Our Team
Staff
LaCretia Gelley
Executive Artistic Director
LaCretia Gelley has served with Audience of One Youth Theater since 2009 and currently serves as Executive Artistic Director. With more than 20 years of experience in theatre education, performance, and arts leadership, she is passionate about creating Christ-centered experiences where young artists grow in confidence, character, and their artistic abilities.
LaCretia holds a MFA in Theatre and a Master of Arts in Education, combining advanced training in theatre, education, and leadership. She is an Intimacy Director committed to fostering respectful, healthy rehearsal environments and continues to pursue professional development through organizations including the North American Drama Therapy Association, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and New York Vocal Coaching. She also holds multiple certifications in theatre, movement, and arts education.
Throughout her career, LaCretia has directed, produced, choreographed, music directed, taught, and performed in dozens of productions. Since joining Ao1, she has helped shape the organization's artistic vision while mentoring young performers and cultivating a community committed to excellence, faith, and belonging.
LaCretia believes theatre is a powerful tool for education, discipleship, and personal growth. She is passionate about helping students discover and develop their God-given gifts, inspiring them to pursue excellence on stage and in every area of life.
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 that have grown up with the Ao1 family.
Kelly Evans
Company Manager
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.
Operations Manager
Michelle is excited to be a part of the Ao1 team as our program manager! She has previously been involved through programming lights and helping run tech for Ao1 since 2018. Her son, Luke, was a part of Ao1 for 10 years and did 36 shows with this amazing organization. He is now a freshman at Colorado School of Mines and is super thrilled to be giving back to Ao1 by assistant directing Anything Goes this session. Michelle is also a first grade teacher in Denver and has been married to her high school sweetheart (Mike) for 25 years. When Michelle is not at the theater, you can find her having fun with her amazing family and friends.
Joshua Kirk
Scenic Manager,
Director
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.
Kim thornber
Rehearsal Assistant
Parent Coordinator
Kim is very excited to be part of the Ao1 staff as Rehearsal Assistant! She has been part of Ao1 as a parent since 2017, and has loved watching four of her six children (so far) thrive at Ao1. She lives in Littleton with her amazing husband, Spencer, and they have 6 children ranging in age from 3 to 20 years. Kim graduated from Regis University in 2001 with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and worked for 16 years as a pediatric nurse before making the choice to be home full time with her family.
John pacheco
Stage Manager,
Assistant Capenter
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John Pacheco is a man of many trades. Having grown under the eyes of his great grandfather, an ex Mariachi, John learned the ways of stealing the show while making the back feel like the front row. He has been in multiple shows, movies, bands, and music projects, but has always found himself in awe at the amount of planning it takes to execute a brilliant performance. It's no wonder, then, that John began finding himself behind the scenes as early as his junior year of high school, where he helped manage set teams alongside his teachers. John went to the University of Northern Colorado for his degree in Theatre Studies, emphasizing his studies towards theatre leadership and directing. Managing, directing, (and sometimes producing) each show and film, he strives for near-perfection, planning and executing as his wisest professors have before him. Most recently before Audience of One, John produced a full score for the feature film "Centerpiece". He couldn't be more thrilled at having found Audience of One, as he has never felt so welcomed before in his life.
Crystal Williams
Lead Costume Designer
Crystal has been costuming for Audience of One since 2019, and an A01 parent since 2018. Shethen came on board the staff as rehearsal assistant in 2021. Crystal holds a Bachelors Degree inFashion Design from Texas Christian University and a Masters in Fashion Merchandisingfrom Texas Woman’s University. In her former life she has touched all areas of the fashionindustry: buying program at Neiman Marcus, Store Manager and Merchandise Manager at Gap,and product development for Fossil Watches. She has never been happier and more in herelement than creating costumes for Audience of One. She considers herself incredibly blessedand lucky to spend time with our amazing A01 casts and to help them all feel special on stageand off. Her motto is that of Academy Award winning costumer extraordinaire, Edith Head, “Adesigner is only as good as the star who wears her clothes.” Crystal is often heard telling thekids, “I provide the clothes, you make them shine on stage. Without you, they are just pieces offabric.” Crystal has been married to her husband, Brad, for 19 years and has 2 daughters,Cameran and Gemma.
Rory Summitt
Social Media Coordinator
Choreographer
artistic Team
Mandy Newkirk
Music Director
Mandy Newkirk is honored to be a part of the Ao1 team! She is currently a voice actor, stage performer, pianist, and writer, but her artistic journey began with community theater in the Colorado mountains. It is her privilege to support the journeys of other young performers the way her former directors did for her.
Mandy is a graduate of Valor Christian High School and Colorado Christian University (BA in Music and English). Some theater highlights for Mandy include competing at the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta with Colorado Children’s Theatre’s Annie, Jr. and sharing a Bobby G award with her Pippin castmates at Valor. She has studied dance under the instructors at the Shadowlight Theatre, known for America’s Got Talent’s The Silhouettes®. Favorite past roles include Fiona in Shrek, the Musical, Beth in Little Women, the Musical, Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, and the Witch in Into the Woods. Keep your ears out for her voice, which will be featured in various projects releasing in 2026 and 2027!
Mandy also loves astronomy, birdwatching, snowshoeing, raising cattle, and anything else to do with the outdoors. She has some fun stories to share about her year working at Walt Disney World!
Mandy is a pianist of two decades and has spent extensive time working with children, including time as a classroom teacher. She is delighted to blend these worlds together as a music director for Ao1. Soli Deo Gloria!
Cassidy Elmer
Choreographer
Cassidy Elmer has been involved with Ao1 since 2012. She started at Ao1 as an actor and has been a Lifeguard, assistant director, intern, assistant choreographer, Lifeguard director, stage manager, and now choreographer. She is currently a middle school math teacher at Parker Performing Arts K-8. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education and a theater minor. Some of Cassidy's favorite activities include snowboarding, hiking, dancing, and anything sports related. Cassidy is very excited to jump into a new position at Ao1!
"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)
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?
Amy Summitt
Director,
Music Director
Amy Summitt has spent most of her life believing that theater is cheaper than therapy… although anyone who has ever produced a musical knows that may not actually be true. A longtime performer, music director, vocal coach, and director, Amy began her vocal training in college and has spent decades performing, directing, teaching, and helping young performers discover what they’re capable of onstage. As a Music Director with Audience of One, she has had the joy of working with incredible young artists on productions including Oklahoma, Hadestown and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Amy especially loves the moment when a performer stops worrying about getting everything “right” and starts telling the story. Whether she’s teaching harmonies, coaching a solo, directing a scene, or reminding an entire cast for the 47th time to USE THEIR FACES, her favorite part of theater is watching young people grow in confidence, courage, and connection. For Amy, theater has always been about more than putting on a great show. It’s about creating a place where people belong, take risks, find their voices, and maybe even feel something they didn’t expect to feel. She is incredibly grateful to be part of the Audience of One family and considers it a privilege to serve the Lord, make music, tell stories, laugh a lot, and create a little theatrical magic with these amazing kids.
Luke DuMoulin
Assistant Director,
Tech Coordinator
​Luke has been a part of Ao1 since he was eight years old. He has done over 40 shows with Ao1. He is currently a second year physics major at Colorado School of Mines and participates in the Mines Little Theatre Club there as well. He loves theater and loves getting to direct with many individuals he did shows with for so many years.
Jeremi Richardson
Director
Jeremi Richardson is a seasoned performer, vocal coach, conductor, and composer with a career spanning over two decades. Most recently, Jeremi led the artistic endeavors for American Academy Charter Schools, where he developed dynamic K-8 arts programming across three campuses. His leadership resulted in record-breaking enrollment, numerous accolades, including two consecutive years of MainStage recognition at JR Thescon, and sold-out performances of shows including The Addams Family, Matilda, Mean Girls, A Christmas Carol, Finding Nemo, and Anastasia.
As a former member of Walt Disney Entertainment (The Voices of Liberty, Four for a Dollar) and the Grammy-nominated, Dove and American Music Award-winning CCM group Avalon, Jeremi has toured internationally, performing in countries such as India, Brazil, and Israel. As a conductor, he has led choral ensembles to statewide recognition, inspiring a love of music in students and audiences alike.
Jeremi holds a master’s degree in Worship Arts from California Baptist University, where he explored the transformative power of silence in worship. Beyond his professional life, Jeremi cherishes time with his wife, Amy, also a former member of Avalon and Walt Disney Entertainment, and their three daughters, Ariah, Shalom, and Noa. Their home in Castle Rock, CO, is a vibrant space filled with laughter, faith, and love.
Joel Frank
Music Director
Joel is thrilled to be part of the Ao1 family as an Assistant Music Director. Joel has been a part of theatre productions for over 13 years and playing music for even longer! He came to Colorado to study Accounting and Music at Colorado Christian University, where he was, and still is, heavily involved with the Theatre and Instrumental Music Departments. Since graduating, Joel has also been involved in local arts scene as a music teacher, worship leader, and orchestral and freelance musician. His big passion is using his classical musicianship and love of musical theatre to inspire and support young talent and sees no better place to do that than Ao1! He is so thankful for a supportive team and amazing cast of talent to work with!
jamee tinnirello
Director
Jamee Tinnirello first came to Audience of One when her two daughters joined in 2021. Her own love for musical theatre began in high school and she is thrilled to join the Audience of One team. Jamee holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a master's in Educational Counseling. With a decade of experience as an elementary music teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools, Jamee has been instrumental in organizing numerous school productions. She is passionate about giving young children the opportunity to perform, making music and theater enjoyable as these experiences often mark their first introduction to the arts. In her free time, Jamee enjoys reading, walking, spending time with family and friends, and watching her kids do the things they love.
Ao1 Board of Directors
Sean McInturff, President
Katherine Price, Treasurer
Jennifer Rockwell, Secretary
Sara Bechtold, Director
Diane Dodd, Director
LaCretia Gelley, Director
Ellis King, Director​
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We are always seeking new additions to our Board of Directors. Please contact LaCretia Gelley for more information on how to get involved.
sean mcinturff, SR
Sean’s connection with Audience of One began more than 12 years ago when friends introduced his family to Ao1. At the time, Sean and his wife, Jenny, were looking for ways to get their oldest son involved in the arts and help him become more comfortable in front of people. What started as an opportunity for one child quickly became an important part of their family’s life. Sean and Jenny have five children—Sean Jr. (23), Emily (21), Nathaniel (19), Madison (17), and Abbilynn (14)—four of whom have performed with Ao1 over the years.
Sean found his own place at Ao1 early on—just not on the stage. With a love for technology and sound, he began volunteering on the technical side of productions and has worked alongside other parents and Ao1 staff to grow the technical capabilities of Ao1’s shows. One of his favorite parts of being in the tech booth is watching everything come together during tech week—and, of course, having the best seat in the house!
What has kept Sean and his family connected to Ao1 goes well beyond the productions. They love how deeply the directors care about the kids and their passion for both theater and teaching. Sean especially values Ao1’s focus on developing the whole person, with weekly devotionals keeping Christ at the center and the LIFEGuard program giving students opportunities to grow as leaders, serve others, and invest in younger students.
Sean joined the Board of Directors in late 2020 and was honored to be nominated as Board President in 2022. Professionally, he has spent more than 25 years in technology, consulting, and leadership and currently works as an Applied AI Architect at Salesforce. He enjoys bringing that experience to Ao1 and giving back to an organization that has invested so much in his family.
After more than a decade, Ao1 has become an important part of the McInturff family’s story. Sean is grateful for the opportunity to help Ao1 continue creating a place where kids can grow in their gifts, confidence, leadership, and faith. And while four of his kids have been willing to step into the spotlight, Sean is perfectly happy hiding in the tech booth—where he plans to stay, safely out of reach of anyone holding audition forms.
Katie Price
Katie’s journey with the AO1 family began in 2018 when her youngest, Kennedy, took the stage in James and the Giant Peach. Since that magical first show, Kennedy has participated in over 25 productions, and Katie has been right alongside her—volunteering backstage, welcoming families at the box office, or trying to be creative by painting sets at the AO1 storage unit.
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Katie is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve on the AO1 Board of Directors. As Treasurer, she has jumped into the ins and outs of budget management and securing grant funding to help keep this wonderful organization thriving. Her heart for empowering young people began in 2011 through her work as a college counselor, and she loves supporting AO1's mission of helping every child discover their fullest potential.
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When she isn’t cheering on AO1 performers or guiding college-bound students, Katie loves traveling to visit her oldest daughter, Madison, at the University of Maryland, as well as soaking up the outdoors by camping and paddleboarding with her husband and their energetic labradoodle, Ziggy!
Jennifer rockwell
Jennifer grew up in Louisiana and has always loved musicals and singing. Throughout her younger years, she participated in numerous plays and musicals and was also a member of her high school choir. She has now called the Denver area home for the past 23 years, where she met her husband of 18 years, Mike.
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Jennifer and Mike’s two daughters, Jane and Amelia, have always gravitated toward performance and were thankful to be introduced to Ao1 five years ago.
Jennifer currently serves as the Ao1 Board Secretary. She holds degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Culinary Arts. She loves spending time with her family—including their pup, Pearl!—as well as cooking, crafting, traveling, working out, watching movies, coffee and Saturday mornings catching up with her sisters.
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One of Jennifer’s greatest joys is getting to know others through Ao1 parent service committees. She values the connections that develop when people come together to support a shared vision and create something meaningful. Ao1 is so much more than a place to perform. It is a community where students can discover their voices, families can serve together, friendships can grow, and everyone has a role in creating something special. She is incredibly grateful that her family found Ao1 and for the many memories and relationships it has brought into their lives!
Sara bechtold
Sara was introduced to theater when her kids, Levi (16) and Lola (13), took an interest in performing. What started as something for her kids quickly became something she fell in love with, too.
Both of her kids have grown up in the Ao1 program, and Sara has loved watching them find their people, build confidence, and discover their passion for theater. Theater has become a big part of their family life—from seeing shows at DCPA and supporting youth theater around town to traveling to New York City and squeezing in as much Broadway as possible on every trip.
Around Ao1, you’ll find Sara hanging with the LIFEGUARDS, which she assist in leading with LaCreatia; decorating the lobby before shows; attending board meetings; or manning her favorite volunteer position: backstage. She loves being part of the show without having to perform herself and especially enjoys spending time with the actors, artistic team, and fellow LIFEGUARDS who volunteer alongside her. You'll find her husband in the tech booth running the board because Ao1 is truly a family affair!
Professionally, Sara is the Vice President of Design for Sekisui House, a homebuilder, where she leads design and brings her experience in leadership, creativity, and problem-solving to Ao1. She is excited to serve on the board and give back to the community that has given her family so much.
Outside of work and Ao1, Sara fills her time—and her home—with foster puppies through Colorado Puppy Rescue and Lola’s Rescue. Between theater, puppies, work, and two teenagers, she lives a very full and very blessed life and is incredibly grateful for the role Ao1 has played in it.
Ellis King
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Ellis is the father of three teenagers Emrey (18), Eli (16), and Eden (13) who have all participated in multiple Audience of One productions over the years. His family’s Ao1 journey began when Emrey discovered a love for theatre in Moana Jr. in 8th grade, and before long, Ao1 became a big part of life for the whole family. Along the way, they’ve built lasting friendships and watched their kids grow not only in their confidence and skills on stage, but also in their faith, character, and relationships with others.
A longtime guitar and bass player, Ellis has always loved music and theatre, even if he prefers being behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight. He has played in worship bands at numerous churches and, as an aerospace engineer and problem solver, feels right at home in the tech booth or backstage. At Ao1, you’ll often find him helping with sound, lighting, music, and other technical and design elements that bring a production to life.
Ellis is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Ao1 Board and give back to a community that has brought so much joy to his family. He especially values helping Ao1 remain a Christ-centered organization where young people can grow in their faith, build meaningful relationships, develop their gifts, and create truly excellent theatre together.
