Micheal Davenport – Director
Returning to Urbandale Community Theater after directing last year’s successful staging of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Michael has since directed two musicals at Southeast Polk Junior and Senior High, in addition to serving on the directing team of “The Great Gatsby” at the Des Moines Playhouse. Micheal also helped found “Open Door Rep,” Des Moines’ first Pop-Up Theater.
Renée J. Davenport – Music Director
Returning to Urbandale Community Theatre as Music Director for the 2017 production of Guys & Dolls, having previously worked as Music Director on the 2016 UCT production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Mrs. Davenport has been a prize winner at many regional competitions and has performed with Cedar Rapids Opera, StageWest and the Des Moines Community Playhouse. Additionally, Renée is an Assistant Show Choir Director at Southeast Polk High School and maintains a private voice studio, where she works with students from throughout Central Iowa.
Lorainna Nedved – Choreographer
Returning for her second season with UCT after having worked as Choreographer in last summer’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Lorainna attended Iowa State University where she studied Theatre with an emphasis in Acting & Directing and also Dance. She also performed in a number of shows with the Ames Community Theatre ACTORS. She currently is the Director of Competitive Dance for the Grimes Superstars Dance and Tumbling Studio and this past June earned two National Tap Championships. She is a certified LTD cheerleading judge and does choreography for local high schools throughout Iowa including the 3 time 3A Champions Dallas Center Grimes.
Carl Johnson – Conductor
Carl is back for his 18th show with UCT! Carl received his Bachelor of Arts in Music and his California teaching credential from the University of California, Los Angeles. He taught high school instrumental music (and some vocal and English) in California for 19 years before moving to Urbandale.
He was awarded his Master of Music degree in conducting from Drake University, where he studied with Robert Meunier as a graduate assistant. He continues his teaching career through affiliations with Mercy College, Heartland AEA 11, the Urbandale Community School District, and the Johnston Community School District. Mr. Johnson is currently a member of the Iowa Bandmasters Association, and the Iowa Music Educators Association/Music Educators National Conference. Carl has served as the conductor for summer performances of musicals presented by the Urbandale Community Theatre since its inception.
Rick Manion – Technical Director
Rick is a familiar face both in the local theater community and in Urbandale since this is Rick’s 3rd year working on Urbandale Community Theater’s summer production. Rick most recently worked as Sound Designer on the Des Moines Playhouse’s production of “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
Nicholas Amundson – Set Designer
You may have seen Nicholas’s recent designs in Stage West’s production of “Marjorie Prime,” or The Des Moines Playhouse’s production of “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” and “Young Frankenstein.” He is also the driving force behind Kata Klysmic Productions. We’re excited to see what fresh design ideas Nick has for using our huge stage!
Carter Smith – Master Carpenter/Crew Chief
Carter will be joining shortly after his graduation from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Theater Production and Design. Carter has worked on many shows at UNI while working on his degree, but you may have seen his work locally on The Addams Family, Spamalot, Into the Woods, You Can’t Take it with You, or Rock of Ages at the Des Moines Playhouse.
