Contact
Contact Us
Paramount Theatre: 23 East Galena Boulevard, Aurora, IL 60506
Box Office: 630-896-6666. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
General Info, Questions or Staff: 630-896-7676
Show Questions: BoxOffice@paramountarts.com. A box office representative will respond to your message as soon as possible. If we receive your email outside of box office hours, we will contact you within 24 hours.
Donation Requests: Nikkih@paramountarts.com
Job Opportunities Weddings, Rentals & Events Press
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Leadership
LEADERSHIP
Tim Rater
President & Chief Executive Officer

Jim Corti ‡
Artistic Director
Paramount Theatre’s Artistic Director and 8-time Jeff Award winner
Elena Gerk
Artistic & Casting Assistant
Kara Davidson
Director of New Works & Associate Artistic Producer
* indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
† indicates member of United Scenic Artists (USA)
‡ indicates member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
Development & Sponsorships
Development & Sponsorships
Education & Community Engagement
Education & Community Engagement

Jessica M. Duplessis
Director of Education and Community Engagement
jessicad@paramountarts.comJessica holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Dance, and Film Education (TADF) with a specialization in theater and dance education from Keene State College (Keene NH). Jessica previously served as the education manager upon the opening of PSA and has enjoyed the opportunity to be a hands on participant in the growth and development of the school. Jessica is an accomplished dance and theater educator as well as choreographer. Jessica is committed to the continued growth of Paramount School of the Arts, its programs and the school and theater’s connection to the beautiful Aurora community.

Liz Hilsabeck
School Manager
lizh@paramountarts.comLiz is so excited to be a part of the Paramount School of the Arts! She began teaching dance and musical theatre after earning her BA in Theatre from The University of Wisconsin-Madison and has taught and directed at several different schools throughout the Chicagoland area. VIEW FULL BIO

Josely Hernandez
School Experience Coordinator
joselyh@paramountarts.comJosely is elated to be a part of Team Education here at the Paramount School of the Arts! Combining her two greatest loves- the Paramount and kids- she can’t wait to work alongside this amazing team of teachers and staff to continue bringing the arts to Aurora

Jenna Gagliano
Education & Engagement Manager
jennag@paramountarts.comJenna is very excited to be a part of the Paramount School of the Arts! She has been dancing since she was a little girl, and her passion continues to grow as she dances through adulthood. A graduate of Illinois State University, Jenna majored in theatre and has had the incredible opportunity to work with students of all ages in theatre, music, and dance. Having been with the Paramount for over a decade, Jenna brings passion and commitment to all things Paramount and PSA!
Marketing, Sales & Public Relations
MARKETING, SALES & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Liz Lauren
Broadway Photography
Finance & Human Resources
Finance & Human Resources
Erika Miller
Vice President of Finance & Human Resources
Catherine Morton
Accounts Receivable Associate
Colleen Filipek
Accounting Associate
Johanna Whitaker
IT Support Analyst
Rentals & Special Events
Rentals & Special Events

Jennifer Hahn
Special Events Director
jenniferh@paramountarts.comJennifer Hahn became part of the Paramount team in 2010. She learned of her passion for event planning when she organized a fundraising gala to help her and NIU classmates travel to Guatemala to build a school.
In her spare time, she gets her hands dirty updating her 160+ year old farmhouse with her husband and two daughters, loves reading historical fiction (and is a member of three book clubs), trying her green thumb at gardening, and crocheting mostly scarfs and hats

Jordan Scherpe-Lencioni
Rentals Manager
jordansl@paramountarts.comJordan became part of the Paramount family in 2015 as a Special Events Intern. Soon after, she transitioned into an Event Coordinator and assisted in the renovation project for the Copley Theatre and North Island Center before becoming Rentals Manager. Jordan loves working with clients in creating their dream events at the variety of venues that Paramount has to offer. Outside of work, Jordan spends time and traveling with her husband, son and bernedoodle, Cannoli.

Sam Haywood
Event Manager
samg@paramountarts.comSam joined the Paramount team as an Event Coordinator in January 2020. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration and Dance Performance. Sam loves working with clients throughout their planning process and seeing them through their big day! In her free time, she choreographs for musicals, dance productions, and dance competitions. She also loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and their three dogs.

Emile-Margaret Spangler
Event Coordinator
emilemargarets@paramountarts.comEmile-Margaret joined the Paramount team as an Event Coordinator during the summer of 2022! Her previous endeavors include working as a Rental & Facility Coordinator for the St. Charles Park District and as a Stage Manager for Elgin Community College. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and photography. Emile-Margaret loves getting to work with clients throughout their process and helping them bring their special day to life!
Banquet Crew: Justus Becker, Rosilyn Caldwell, Timothy Davis, Tatiana Hughes, Steven McReynolds, Savion Montanez, Jonathan Palazzolo, Barbara Silva, Bethany Travis
Production
Production
Rose Quealy
Vice President of Productions
Rose is in her eighth year at the helm of Paramount’s production department following six years in production management with Congo Square Theatre and The Music Theatre Company. Quealy also worked for over a decade as a Stage Manager, including thirteen of Paramount’s first sixteen Broadway Series shows, televised specials with HMS Media, and multiple productions with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Writers Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Barrington Stage Company, Playhouse on the Square, and other regional theatres. (she/her)
Jonathan D. Allsup
Production Director
jonathana@paramountarts.comJonathan has been in the Production Department at Paramount since 2017. Jonathan was an equity stage manager for over 10 years. He also was Production Stage Manager and Managing Director for Creede Repertory Theatre from 2007-2014. A theatrical logistician by trade, Jonathan also enjoys baseball and trains. In his spare time, Jonathan makes puns while creating Gantt charts and Venn diagrams. Jonathan teaches theatre workshops and classes across the nation at theatre festivals, college and universities. (he/him)
Yesenia Esparza
Associate Production Manager
yeseniae@paramountarts.comYesenia is honored to be a part of Production Management at Paramount since joining the company in 2016 as Production Associate. Promoted to Associate Production Manager in 2019, Yesenia is the lead production manager for the Bold Series in Copley Theatre. Prior to her return to theatre full-time, Yesenia worked with Ravenswood Events Services to produce live events all over Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and served as a freelance stage manager at various theaters. During her free time, Yesenia loves gardening, flower-arranging, or finding any excuse to be outdoors. She is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and the first college graduate in her family. BFA: Northern Illinois University. (she/her)
Heather Azem
Presented Productions Coordinator
heathera@paramountarts.comHeather is thrilled to be part of Paramount Nation since 2021. As the Presented Productions Coordinator, she works with artists Paramount presents at RiverEdge Park, Paramount Theatre and Copley Theatre, such as Andy Grammer, Jay Leno, Under the Streetlamp, Los Lobos, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and The Second City, to name a few. Prior to her time at Paramount, she spent 16 years managing Lyon & Healy Hall in Chicago, where she worked to present world-renowned harpists in concerts, festivals and competitions worldwide. Heather is a proud resident of Aurora, where she lives with her husband, Jason; sons, Noah and Isaac; daughter, Celine and beagle-mix, Nacho. (she/her)
Kat Shehan
Production Management Associate
Kaylee Billman-Galuhn
Company Management Associate
Robert L. Wilson
Technical Director
Kelly Steimel
Associate Technical Director
Kelly started with the Paramount in the summer of 2013 as Assistant Technical Director. Kelly was promoted to Associate TD in the Fall of 2021 and is the lead technical director for the Bold Series in Copley Theatre. Kelly earned her MFA in Technical Direction from UNC School of the Arts and her BA from the University of Miami (FL). She is a native of Louisiana and enjoys crocheting and cooking. Kelly is a mom to two wonderful, spunky daughters and she would like to thank her husband for his love and support.
Akari Harada
Assistant Technical Director
Matt Guthier
Costume Shop Manager
Christina Leinicke
Associate Costume Shop Manager
Christina has been a part of the Paramount Theatre Costume Shop since August of 2014. During the past eight seasons, Christina has worked on Paramount productions as a Cutter/Draper, Design Assistant & Wardrobe Coordinator, Wardrobe Crew Member (Jesus Christ Superstar), Costume Shop & Design Assistant, Costume Shop & Design Associate, and now Associate Costume Shop Manager. During her time at Paramount, Christina has worked as a Costume Designer for BoHo Theatre, Underscore Theatre Company, Green House Theatre Center, Chicago Children’s Choir, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, American Shakespeare Center, and First Stage Milwaukee. Teaching Artist in Residence at Concordia University, Chicago (2014-2019), Paramount School of Arts – Tech Theatre Teaching Artist. Degrees in B.S. Theatrical Design & Production, Illinois State University, Normal and M.F.A. Costume Design & Technology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
Jessi Tampa
Assistant Costume Shop Manager
Phil Wooding
Audio, Lighting and Media Manager
Katie Cordts
Wig, Hair & Makeup Manager
Miguel Armstrong
Wig, Hair & Makeup Assistant
Jesse Gaffney
Properties Manager
Jesse has been designing and managing the props dept since 2018. Her favorite Paramount productions include Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Kinky Boots and Sweat. Previously, she worked as the Assistant Props Supervisor at the Goodman Theatre for two seasons. Jesse also worked freelance in Chicago as a props master with Victory Gardens, Silk Road, Theater Wit, Lookingglass, Northlight, and Lifeline theater companies, among others. She is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University. Get a behind the scenes look at the magic in the Paramount Prop Shop on Instagram @paramountpropshop.
Aimee Plant
Assistant Properties Manager
Aimee started at Paramount in September of 2018 and became a full-time staff member in 2021. Design credits include Hand to God and BULL: a love story. Other Paramount props artisan credits include Into the Woods, Rock of Ages, Sweat, Groundhog Day, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Producers. She has also done props work at The Santa Fe Opera, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theater, Pavement Group, and Actors Theatre of Louisville. She is very happy to be making theater so close to her hometown of Montgomery and in the community in which she grew up. Get a sneak peek into the world of props by following the shop on Instagram @paramountpropshop
Scene Shop Department Heads: Taylor H. Entwistle (Scenic Charge Artist), Michael Burke, Liam Norris, Jacob Puralweski, Scott Robertson
Properties Shop: Jonathan Berg-Einhorn, Persephone Lawrence
Costume Shop: Anne Hauge (First Hand), Alex Kosbab (First Hand), D.J. Reed (Craft Specialist), Danielle Soldat (Draper), Natalie Zelman (Stitcher)
Stage Crew: Chad Carlson, Jeremy Drechny, Gary Emmert, Samantha Flipp, Liannah Foster, Karl Gfall, Blake Hardin, Tyler Hughes, Tom Kane, Kelly Lipsey, Jacob Loew, Jillian Luce, Joe McDonnell, Mat Piotrowski, Mike Reardon, Alan Richards, Susie Rodriguez, Henry Toohey
Operations & Facilities
Operations & Facilities
Dave Natchke
Director of Facilities Operations
Dan Scharlau
Facilities Project Manager
Zachary Hildreth
Facilities Operations Manager
Rick Franzen
Facilities Operations Assistant
Kathy Lorenz
Operations Facilities Administrative Coordinator
Patron Services
Patron Services
Tanya Jarvis
Food and Beverage Manager
Melinda Ray
Assistant Front of House Manager/Merchandise Coordinator
Andre Bell
Operational Cleaning Manager
Jane & Scott Glor, Valet Systems, Inc.
Valet Service
Audience Services Supervisors: Elena Gerk, Bridget Nameche, Megan Pawlak, Andres DeLeon
Audience/Subscriber Services Associates: Johanna Arseneau, Cody Bratcher, Sami Casten, Lindsay Christiansen, Sabine Chaurize, Stephanie Dodson, Tina Dodson, Colleen Filipek, Mary Pat Griswold, Yaretzi Guerrero, Debi Hix, Andra Hu, Julie Hurtt, Matthew Johnson, Sloane Johnson, Lillie Lewis, Andie Mach, Bailey O’Neil, Kathy Petersen, Ruth Poor, Tara Quade, Jazmine Robinson, Samantha Rowley, Lisa Wehling
Front of House Lead Associates: Cindy Brennan, Kelly Hart, & Corri Rogan
Front of House Associates: Maegan Allsup, Amanda Alvarez, Ella Bianchi, Sue Bill, Patty Corsolini, Faith Gabriel, Sttefy Gabriel, Presley Goodspeed, Chris Holling, Anne Johnson, Morgan Kenneavy, Veer Mann, Rita Medina, Ashley Palmer, Renee Perry, Nicole Roberts, Corri Rogan, Sarah Wish, & Liz Wright
Food & Beverage Staff: Stephanie Acker, Joe Bastian, Meghan Black, Sarah Caffarello, Matt Carlson, Nathan Cotter, David De La Torre, Mark Flores, Megan Grove, Mark Herbert, Rose Ledermann, Scott McMeans, Steven McReynolds, Susy Mijarez, Arlene Morefield, James Morefield, Kelly Morris, Maryam O’Such, Alyssa Perez, LeTisha Pitre, Frankie Ramos, Erica Sanchez, Caroline Savickas, Gina Schlacker, Chris Smith, Gillian Smith, Peyton Voights, Gregory Wedesky, Peter Witt, Jamie Wolgast, Rian Woods, Debby Woodward, & Jose Zavala
Merch Associates: Susan Bain, Becca Ehlert, John Fayfar, Kara Gaffino, Blake Jablonski, Kelly Johnson, & Peg Yatchman
Security: Denzel Davis, Chuck Day, Tim Esboldt, Lisa Frieders, Daniel Nino & Jeff Springborn
Operational Cleaning Staff: Jose Avila, Isaac Cano, Peyton D’orazio, Dennis Franklin, Julio Garcia, Cassanda Gurrola, Albert Kunold, Alternale Martin, Elidonia Martinez & Steve Werrline
ACCA Board & City of Aurora
AURORA CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD
Aurora Civic Center Authority is the owner and operator of the Paramount Theatre & North Island Center.
Chairman
Jonathan Hylton
Vice Chairman
Gina Moga
Treasurer
John Savage
Secretary
Mike Baum
Members
Kevin Fitzpatrick, Hon. R. Peter Grometer, Tim Hoppa, Cynthia Latimer, Christine Goerlich Weber
Legal Counsel
Bruce Goldsmith
CITY OF AURORA
Paramount programming is partially funded by the City of Aurora.
MAYOR
Richard C. Irvin
ALDERMEN
1st Ward Emmanuel Llamas
2nd Ward Juany Garza
3rd Ward Ted Mesiacos
4th Ward Bill Donnell
5th Ward Carl Franco
6th Ward Michael B. Saville
7th Ward Scheketa Hart-Burns
8th Ward Patty Smith
9th Ward Edward Bugg
10th Ward Shweta Baid
At Large Ron Woerman
At Large Sherman L. Jenkins
MISSION STATEMENT
The Aurora Civic Center Authority is committed to being a defining catalyst for personal and community transformation by: making the performing arts accessible for every age and socio-economic background, introducing the magic of live theatre across generations to encourage expansive imaginations and broad views of people and the world, and contributing to the future stability and growth of Aurora’s downtown.