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 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)

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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 Coordinator

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

School Manager

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

Meghan Konrad

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Jim Jarvis

Vice President of Programming & Sales

Sheila Ray

Marketing Creative Director

Melissa Striedl

Group Sales Manager

Call 630.723.2461

Scott Viau

Marketing Manager

JZ Zaeske

Marketing Manager

Laura Prochaska

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

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

Vanessa Hatcher

Office Manager

Catherine Morton

Accounts Receivable Associate

Jeanmarie Steiner

Accounts Payable

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 and traveling with her husband, son and bernedoodle, Cannoli. 

Sam Haywood

Event Manager

Sam 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

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!

Banquet Crew: Justus Becker, Rosilyn Caldwell, Timothy Davis, Tatiana Hughes, Steven McReynolds, Savion Montanez, Jonathan Palazzolo, Barbara Silva, Bethany Travis

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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

Jonathan 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

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)

Heather Azem

Presented Productions Coordinator

Heather 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)

Adam Dooley

Company Manager

Ellen Dillenburg

Assistant Company Manager

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 BeastNewsiesKinky 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 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

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

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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

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Patron Services

Patron Services

Kevin Berls

Assistant Vice President of Patron Services

Marie Watson

Assistant Director of Audience 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

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

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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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