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 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)
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.
Josely Hernandez
Assistant Education Manager
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
Jim Jarvis
Chief Marketing & Programming Officer for ACCA and General Manager of RiverEdge Park
jimj@paramountarts.comLiz Lauren
Broadway Photography
Finance & Human Resources
Finance & Human Resources
Maegan Hudson Allsup
Accounts Payable Associate
Erika Miller
Vice President of Finance & Human Resources
Catherine Morton
Accounts Receivable Associate
Colleen Filipek
Accounting Associate
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 traveling with her husband, kiddos, and pups.
Emile-Margaret Spangler
Assistant Event Manager
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!
Morgan Montgomery
EVENT COORDINATOR
morganm@paramountarts.comMorgan Montgomery joined the Paramount Team as an Event Coordinator in the summer of 2024. Prior to moving to Illinois, she worked at a children’s theater in Indiana and a regional theater in New York. With a background in theater and event management, Morgan excels at helping clients through the planning process and making sure they have everything needed for a stress-free experience. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys baking, reading, and hiking with her fiancé and dog, Buddy.
Molly Speckman
Event Coordinator
mollysp@paramountarts.comMolly 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
Banquet Crew: Justus Becker, Cassandra Huerta, Steven McReynolds, Adrien Roman, Barbara Silva, Corey Strode, Emmanuel Valdez.
Produced and Presented
Produced and Presented
Adam Dooley
Vice President of Production
Yesenia Esparza
Director of Production
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)
Jonathan D. Allsup
Director of Presented Productions and Project Manager for City of Lights Centre
jonathana@paramountarts.comJonathan 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.
Madeline M. Scott
Assistant Company Manager
madelines@paramountarts.comMadeline joined the Paramount staff full-time in 2024, after collaborating on the Stage Management teams of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Billy Elliot, Next to Normal, and Fun Home. Madeline cherishes her 10 years spent as a freelance Stage Manager. Local projects included productions at Timeline Theatre Company, Teatro Vista, Windy City Playhouse, Court Theatre, and The House Theatre. Regional adventures included shows at The Adrienne Arsht Center (Miami), Children’s Theatre Company (Minneapolis), First Stage (Milwaukee), Local Theatre Company (Denver), and Seattle Children’s Theatre. On weekends, Madeline loves swimming, paddle boarding, ice skating, cooking, and exploring new cities!
Heather Azem
Presented Productions Manager
heathera@paramountarts.comHeather 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)
Justin Snyder
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
Nicole Hankins
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
Adam Jezl-Sikorski
Assistant Audio, Lighting and Media Manager
Kelly Lipsey
Crew 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 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
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
Patron Services
Patron Services
Melinda Ray
Assistant Front of House Manager/Merchandise Coordinator
Andre Bell
Operational Cleaning Manager
Paris Pinkney
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, Sabine Chaurize, Lindsay Christiansen, Julieta Del Toro, Stephanie Dodson, Tina Dodson, Lyd Filiaggi, Mary Pat Griswold, Yaretzi Guerrero, Debi Hix, Andra Hu, Isabella Huerta, Julie Hurtt, Matthew Johnson, Sloane Johnson, Lillie Lewis, Meg McGarry, Bailey O’Neil, Kathy Petersen, Ruth Poor, Tara Quade, Brooklynne Reinbold-Whitt, Samantha Rowley, Evangalese Sanchez, Marissa Sheridan, Megan Smid, Jake Teeling, Trevor Vest, Denise Webster, Lisa Wehling
Front of House Lead Associates: Kelly Hart, Corri Rogan, Liz Wright
Front of House Associates: Amanda Alvarez, Miranda Apantenco, Daniel Arzola, Sue Bill, Cindy Brennan, Patty Corsolini, Benjamin Eckler, Toni Holder Flanagan, Faith Gabriel, Sttefy Gabriel, Susie Gonzalez, Presley Goodspeed, Alejandra Jaime, Anne Johnsen, Jackie Johnston-Pope, Morgan Kenneavy, Renee Perry, Nicole Roberts, Teresa Weeden, Sarah Wish
Food & Beverage Staff: Stephanie Acker, Joe Bastian, Meghan Black, Nathan Cotter, David De La Torre, Mark Herbert, Rose Ledermann, Scott McMeans, Steven McReynolds, Susy Mijarez, Arlene Morefield, James Morefield, Maryam Osuch, Hope Paladines, Annie Parzygnat, LeTisha Pitre, Frankie Ramos, Erica Sanchez, Caroline Savickas, Gina Schlacker, Chris Smith, Jake Thompson, Peyton Voights, Gregory Wedesky, Peter Witt, Rian Woods, Debby Woodward, Jose Zavala
Merch Associates: Susan Bain, Becca Ehlert, John Fayfar, Kara Gaffino, Blake Jablonski, Kelly Johnson, Marie Nunn, Kirsten Shehee & Peg Yatchman
Security: Chuck Day, Tim Esboldt, Lisa Frieders, John Fusek, Jeff Springborn, Andrew Winegar
Operational Cleaning Staff: Madeline Anderson, Zavian Bedon, Peyton D’orazio, Maribel Duran, Dennis Franklin, Alix Kunold, Cassandra Lira, Alternale Martin, Lisa Munoz, Jennifer Parkhurst, Vivianna Perez, Lysette Valerio, Ray Woods
Operations & Facilities
Operations & Facilities
Dave Natchke
Director of Facilities Operations
Dan Scharlau
Facilities Project Manager
Zachary Hildreth
Assistant Director of Facilities Operations
Dan Myers
FACILITIES OPERATIONS MANAGER
Rick Franzen
Facilities Operations Assistant
Kathy Lorenz
Operations Facilities Administrative Coordinator
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.