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

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Leadership

LEADERSHIP

Tim Rater

President & Chief Executive Officer

Patty Stefanski

Assistant to the President & CEO

Jim Corti

Artistic Director

Paramount Theatre’s Artistic Director and 8-time Jeff Award winner

Trent Stork

Artistic Producer & Casting Director

Elena Gerk

Artistic & Casting Associate

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)

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Development & Sponsorships

Development & Sponsorships

Jonathan Jensen

Chief Development Officer

Ljiljana Milojević

Senior Director of Development

Sarah Tesch

Director of Individual Giving

Joel Friend

Director of Corporate Giving and Sponsorship

Marlynda Powlishta

Development Operations Manager

Madison Wakefield

Donor Relations & Stewardship Manager

Carol Marie O’Marrah

Grants Manager

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Education & Community Engagement

Education & Community Engagement

Jessica M. Duplessis

Director of Education and Community Engagement

Jessica 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

Liz 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

Josely 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

Jenna 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!

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Marketing, Sales & Public Relations

MARKETING, SALES & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Jim Jarvis

Chief Marketing & Programming Officer for ACCA and General Manager of RiverEdge Park

Hollis Sienkiewicz

Sr. Marketing Director

Sheila Ray

Marketing Creative Director

Melissa Striedl

Group Sales Manager

Call 630.723.2461

Rodrigo Rodriguez

Marketing Manager

Cory Kirsininkas

Graphic Designer

Jay Kelly, Jay Kelly PR

Public Relations

Tom King, Thomas J. King Photography

PR Photography

Nick Keenan, Gameflow Interactive

Website Development

Liz Lauren

Broadway Photography

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Finance & Human Resources

Finance & Human Resources

Maegan Hudson Allsup

Accounts Payable Associate

Erika Miller

Vice President of Finance & Human Resources

Margie Isaacson

Director of Human Resources

Amish Kadakia

Accounting Senior Manager

Janette Crancich

Accounting Manager

Maureen Morrison

Payroll and Benefits Manager

Shelby Brand

HR & Risk Manager

Vanessa Hatcher

Office Manager

Catherine Morton

Accounts Receivable Associate

Colleen Filipek

Accounting Associate

Johanna Whitaker

IT Support Analyst

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Rentals & Special Events

Rentals & Special Events

Jennifer Hahn

Special Events Director

Jennifer 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

Jordan 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 traveling with her husband, kiddos, and pups.

Emile-Margaret Spangler

Assistant Event Manager

Emile-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!

Megan Gerischer

EVENT COORDINATOR

Megan joined the Paramount team as an Event Coordinator in September of 2023. She found her passion for event planning during her studies at The University of Iowa (go hawks)! Megan loves working with clients throughout the planning process and watching their vision come to life in our venue. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her pets Root Beer & Gus.

Molly Speckman

Event Coordinator

Molly joined the Paramount team in 2024 as an Event Coordinator. With previous experience in non-profit fundraising and events, she is excited to focus on creating memorable experiences throughout Paramount’s beautiful spaces. Molly delights in showcasing our venues’ opportunities and offerings that will turn your event ideas into reality. In her spare time, Molly enjoys amateur genealogy, outdoor sportsmanship, and listening to live music performances.

 

Kate Schultz

Event Coordinator

Daniel Arzola

Event Coordinator Assistant

Banquet Crew: Justus Becker, Cassandra Huerta, Steven McReynolds, Adrien Roman, Barbara Silva, Corey Strode, Emmanuel Valdez.

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Produced and Presented

Produced and Presented

Adam Dooley

Vice President of Production

Rose Quealy

Senior Production Administrator

Rose has over 20 years of experience in theatrical management and a passion for improving the creative process for the many, distinct groups of artists who commit their time, talents, and boundless determination to bring a story to life. Rose began her career as a Stage Manager, with credits including 13 of Paramount’s first 16 Broadway Series shows, televised specials with HMS Media, and numerous productions with Steppenwolf, Writers, Congo Square, and Northlight. In 2015, Rose transitioned into a producorial role at the helm of Paramount’s production department, where she remained for 9 years, first as Production Director and then as Vice President of Productions. While she is no longer at Paramount full-time, Rose is grateful for the ongoing opportunity to collaborate with this incomparable team.

Yesenia Esparza

Director of Production

Yesenia 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)

Jonathan D. Allsup

Director of Presented Productions and Project Manager for City of Lights Centre

Jonathan has been at Paramount since 2017. After 7 years in the Production Department, Jonathan now heads the Presented Productions Department at Paramount & RiverEdge Park. Prior to moving to Illinois, Jonathan was the Managing Director for Creede Repertory Theatre in Creede, CO. 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, colleges and universities.

Ellen Dillenburg

Company Manager

Heather Azem

Presented Productions Manager

Heather is thrilled to be part of Paramount Nation since 2021.  As the Presented Productions Manager, 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)

Miranda “MT” Taylor

Production Management Associate

MT is honored to be part of the Production Management Team at Paramount as the Production Management Associate since joining the company in 2023. She worked as a Technical Director, Set Designer and Production Manager in Boston,  Washington, D.C., and Chicago. She has proudly earned her MA from Adelphi University and her BA from Gordon College. When MT is not working in the theater, she pursues her passions of teaching high school theater classes and traveling.

Kaylee Billman-Galuhn

Company Management Associate

Robert L. Wilson

Technical Director

Kelly Steimel

Technical Director

Kelly has been a part of the TD team for just over a decade. She is excited to now help lead that team as one of the Technical Directors. Some of her favorite sets for the Paramount have been Cabaret (PAC 2018), The Secret of My Success (PAC 2020), and Next to Normal (Copley 2023). 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.

Joshua Munden

Associate Technical Director

Akari Harada

Assistant Technical Director

Matt Guthier

Costume Director

Christina Leinicke

Associate Costume Director

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 Director

Phil Wooding

Audio, Lighting and Media Manager

Kelly Lipsey

Assistant Audio, Lighting and Media Manager

Aimee Plant

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 WoodsRock of AgesSweatGroundhog DayCinderellaBeauty 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

Katie Cordts

Wig, Hair & Makeup Manager

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), Kristin Ligeski (Stitcher),  D.J. Reed (Craft Specialist), Danielle Soldat (Draper), Natalie Zelman (Stitcher)

Wig Shop: Miguel Armstrong

Stage Crew: Ashley Benson, Mae Alice Burke, Chad Carlson, Jeremy Drechny, Gary Emmert, Samantha Flipp, Liannah Foster, Karl Gfall, Jessie Hansen, Blake Hardin, Jake Hartge, Ann Huerta, Jacob LaPorte, Emma Lipson, Jacob Loew, Jillian Luce, Kaia Mortensen, Mat Piotrowski, Mike Reardon, Alan Richards, Susie Rodriguez, Deidra Scheunemann, Katherine Tampa, Henry Toohey, Levid Vega

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Patron Services

Patron Services

Kevin Berls

Vice President of Patron Services

Marie Watson

Director of Patron Services

Christian Hubbard

Audience Services Manager

Jordin Richards

Audience Services Manager

Nikki Harris

Assistant Audience Services Manager

Ethan Isaacson

Assistant Audience Services Manager

Stephanie Pecharich

Front of House Manager

Kayla Still

Front of House Manager

Elizabeth Tracey

Front of House Manager

Tanya Jarvis

Food and Beverage Manager

Melinda Ray

Assistant Front of House Manager/Merchandise Coordinator

Dawn King

Administrative Assistant

Andre Bell

Operational Cleaning Manager

Cynthia Price

Operational Cleaning Supervisor

Jane & Scott Glor, Valet Systems, Inc.

Valet Service

Audience Services Supervisors: Andres DeLeon, Bridget Nameche, Megan Pawlak, Jazmine Robinson

Audience/Subscriber Services Associates: Johanna Arseneau, Cody Bratcher, Sami Casten, Sabine Chaurize, Stephanie Dodson, Tina Dodson, Lyd Filiaggi, Colleen Filipek, Mary Pat Griswold, Yaretzi Guerrero, Debi Hix, Andra Hu, Isabella Huerta, Julie Hurtt, Matthew Johnson, Lillie Lewis, Andie Mach, Jackson McCoy, Meg McGarry, Bailey O’Neil, Kathy Petersen, Ruth Poor, Tara Quade, Samantha Rowley, Marissa Sheridan, Jake Teeling, Lisa Wehling

Front of House Lead Associates:Cindy Brennan, Kelly Hart, & Corri Rogan

Front of House Associates: Maegan Allsup, Amanda Alvarez, Miranda Apantenco, Daniel Arzola, Sue Bill, Patty Corsolini, Benjamin Eckler, Toni Flanagan-Holder, Faith Gabriel, Sttefy Gabriel, Presley Goodspeed, Alejandra Jaime, Anne Johnson, Morgan Kenneavy, Veer Mann, Renee Perry, Nicole Roberts, Corri Rogan, Sarah Wish, Teresa Wedeen & Liz Wright

Food & Beverage Staff: Stephanie Acker, Joe Bastian, Meghan Black, Sarah Caffarello, Matt Carlson, Nathan Cotter, David De La Torre, Mark Herbert, Rose Ledermann, Scott McMeans, Steven McReynolds, Susy Mijarez, Arlene Morefield, James Morefield, Kelly Morris,  Maryam O’Such, Hope Paladines, Alyssa Perez, LeTisha Pitre, Frankie Ramos, Erica Sanchez, Caroline Savickas, Gina Schlacker, Chris Smith, Peyton Voights, Gregory Wedesky, Paige Weidert, 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 & Jeff Springborn

Operational Cleaning Staff: Shanice Campbell, Peyton D’orazio, Maribel Duran, Dennis Franklin, Julio Garcia, Albert Kunold, Alternale Martin, Elidonia Martinez, Lisa Munoz, Vivianna Perez, Teresa Pike, and Lysette Valerio

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Operations & Facilities

Operations & Facilities

Dave Natchke

Director of Facilities Operations

Dan Scharlau

Facilities Project Manager

Zachary Hildreth

Facilities Operations Manager

Dan Myers

FACILITIES OPERATIONS MANAGER

Rick Franzen

Facilities Operations Assistant

Kathy Lorenz

Operations Facilities Administrative Coordinator

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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.

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