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Our Team
Kids From Wisconsin is part of a longstanding entertainment tradition serving as a musical production for Wisconsin’s talented youth dating back to 1969. Today, the pride and passion that once fueled that early music lives on through a Kids From Wisconsin revue touring production each summer, as well as through our community enrichment programming aimed at providing access to music for young people all across Wisconsin.
Meet our hardworking team of talented and dedicated professionals who make our mission possible by bringing our touring productions to life, and sharing music with young people in our communities through our workshops and enrichment programs.
Interested in joining our team? View our current job opportunties here.
Administrative
Peggy Morgan Strimple
Interim Executive Director
Peggy Strimple has been our Managing Director for the past 2 years, but thankfully stepped in to provide us Interim Executive Director support at the end of 2023. For over a decade her contributions to this organization have been enormous on all fronts. When not in the office, Peggy is head of Choreography in the summertime, as well as a trusted advisor for the artistic director, helping with set up and running auditions, camps and show design. She designed the Realize Your Dream programming which is now running as the Community Enrichment Department
Abby Bloomquist
Community Enrichment Director
Abby Bloomquist is a Milwaukee based director, actor, teaching artist, choreographer, and college audition coach. She graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with degrees in Theatre and Communication in 2022. In addition to being a teaching artist with Kids From Wisconsin, Abby has collaborated with First Stage, Sunset Playhouse, Brio Studios, Lake Country Players, and various elementary, high school, and college theatre programs. Abby has enjoyed going back to her show choir roots this year as Hamilton High School’s Assistant Director for Synergy. She is also an active participant in WISDAA State One Act Competition and International Thespian Festival. Through these experiences, Abby has gained an appreciation for arts education and values its importance in the Milwaukee community and beyond. When not working, she enjoys taking ballet classes at Danceworks, playwrighting, and traveling to new countries. Abby looks forward to sharing her knowledge with the next generation of artists in a new capacity!
Carley Kolsch
Executive Assistant
Carley Kolsch is a passionate Wisconsin theater artist. She was born and raised in Menomonee Falls, and currently resides in Sussex. She has been with Kids From Wisconsin since 2022, and can't wait for another great summer!
Carley graduated from Valparaiso University in 2019 with a major in theater and minors in dance and communications. Some of her favorite credits there include Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), Rose and the Rime (Rose), Sylvia (Sylvia), and Spitfire Grill (Percy). She was also an Irene Ryan semi-finalist and attended the Open Jar Institute in New York.
In her "free time", Carley is the artistic director of Accompany of Kids (AOK), a youth song and dance troupe based out of Menomonee Falls.
Keven Riggle
Administrative Volunteer
Keven Riggle has been with the Kids organization since 1991. A graduate of Badger High School (Lake Geneva) he received his Library Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. After 36 years he retired from Marquette University where he worked in the Library's Information Technology department.
Whether it's auditions; Kids camp; performances; taking photos; moving equipment and wardrobe; preparing music for distribution; or digitally archiving 56+ years of music, news clippings and photos; Keven can be found doing just about anything and everything. Also known as "the cookie man\" he bakes 2,600+ cookies every summer for Kids camp and the tour season.
Artistic
Taras Nahirniak
Artistic Director/Chief Orchestrator
In addition to being the Artistic Director and chief orchestrator for the Kids From Wisconsin, Taras Nahirniak is an arranger, composer, and clinician who has numerous published works. He has written and composed for many vocal groups, drum corps, and marching bands in the United States, Europe and Japan. He is also an alumni and arranger for the UW Madison Wisconsin Singers. Taras is a sought-after composer who won the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association composers award and was commissioned to compose a 5 movement fully orchestrated piece for the Madison Ballet. The piece, "Night Dances" was performed by the Madison Symphony Orchestra at the opening of the Overture Center. In 1997 his full-scale musical "Everyman" was debuted in Madison and was later performed in California. Taras has directed and performed in a number of musicals around the area. In his free time he is either traveling to watch his kids performing in Broadway national tours or performing himself with Piano Fondue, a dueling piano group and a Billy Joel tribute band, 52nd Street. In 2020 he and his wife moved from the Madison area to Oconomowoc where Taras became the director of music for Our Savior's Lutheran Church.
Michael Stanek
Choreographer
Michael Stanek, a Wisconsin native, is a freelance Director/Choreographer and Arts Educator snd excited to return to Kids From Wisconsin for the 2023 Season. Recent director/choreographer credits include: The RIDE NYC!, (Drama Desk Nominee) 70, Girls, 70, starring Olympia Dukakis (City Center Encores), Stanek has also served as Artistic Director of The Broadway Theatre, Wohlfahrt Haus Theatre, Broadway Kidz Wisconsin, Origin Theatre and Kids With Heart, seen on the Rosie O'Donnell Show. Selected performance credits include: Ed McMahon's Star Search (Finalist), 42nd Street (European Tour), Sophisticated Sing and Swing, starring Mercedes Ellington (National Tour), Camelot, starring John Rubenstien and Ken Page (The MUNY) and Oklahoma! starring Rue McClanahan (Broadway Series of Charlotte). Stanek proudly originated the role of the Prince in Beauty and the Beast (Disney-Hollywood Studios). He is a proud Member of Actors' Equity Association and an Associate Member of The Society for Stage Directors and Choreographers.
Katlin Gerlach
Costume Designer
Katlin Gerlach is overjoyed to join the Kids from Wisconsin production team. She is a freelance Costume Designer, Technician, and Alterations Specialist. She graduated from UW Parkside in 2014 with a BA in Theatre Arts, specializing in Costume Technology and Design. Professional Technician Credits include: American Players Theatre, The Florentine Opera, Skylight Theatre, and The Milwaukee Rep. Professional Design Credits Include: UW Parkside: As You Like It; The Prairie School: The Little Mermaid, Once on this Island, Chicago (Jerry Award for Best Costume), Elf Jr. the Musical, Into the Woods, Suessical, Mama Mia, Drowsy Chaperone (Jerry Award for Best Costume). Formerly Alterations Manager with David’s Bridal, Katlin runs her own alterations small business in Delevan where she lives with her family.
Alex Knoepker
Stage Band Director
Alex Knoepker is Director of Bands at Tomah High School in Tomah, Wisconsin, where he conducts the wind ensemble, pep band, jazz ensembles, co-directs the THS Marching Timberwolves each fall, and teaches AP Music Theory. He is an active pianist, accompanist, percussionist, and church organist throughout Wisconsin and is involved with many musical endeavors around the state. Originally from Warrens, WI, in the heart of Wisconsin's cranberry country, he holds a degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Mr. Knoepker's professional affiliations include the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA), the National Association for Music Education, the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, and the Wisconsin Concert Band Association. He serves as a WSMA adjudicator, state honor band section coach, and frequently adjudicates at show choir competitions throughout the midwest. He frequently plays in musical pit orchestras in the greater western Wisconsin area and enjoys accompanying as a church musician as well. An alumnus of KIDS from Wisconsin himself, Alex is excited to be part of another year of musical excellence that this troupe brings to dozens of communities around the state. With a focus on the KIDS stage band, he strives to give audiences the iconic clean, crisp sound they have come to know from many past years of excellence. Enjoy the 57th edition of the KIDS, and we'll see you at a show!
Matt Mealey
Camp Band Director
Matt Mealey has toured all across the country as a freelance trumpet artist. Performing credits include: lead trumpet for Wayne Newton, the New York Voices, the Irish Tenors, the Temptations, The Four Tops, Frankie Valli, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Dorsey, Mannheim Steamroller, Steve Lippia, Charles Langley, Gap Mangione, Five by Design, and the National Broadway Tours of 42nd Street and Monty Python's Spamalot. He has also appeared as a guest soloist with the Chippewa Valley Concert Band, the St. Croix Jazz Orchestra, the Robert Baca Jazz Orchestra, as well as several other college and high school bands throughout the country. Matt holds a degree in music education from UW–Eau Claire, and a Master’s degree in trumpet performance from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.
In addition to performing, Matt has also been quite involved in music education. He has served as a jazz and trumpet instructor at the Shell Lake Arts Center, The International Music Camp, and the Northland Youth Music Program. Matt has an extensive history serving as a clinician and adjudicator for jazz festivals and music contests throughout the Midwest. For the past 20 years, Matt has been the Director of Bands at New Richmond High School, where he is fortunate to work alongside his Choir Director wife Jodi. Both
alumni of Kids From Wisconsin, Matt (92-95; stage band coach 96-98) and Jodi (96-98) like to think their experiences from KIDS inspire their collaborative efforts in musicals and concerts. Matt is very exited to be a part of the KIDS organization again, and he hopes to inspire the next generation of young artists.
Jon Schipper
Camp Band Director
Matt Pea
Sound Designer
Matt has been the Technical Director for Kids from Wisconsin since 2011 and continues to thoroughly enjoy working with the organization. Outside of his role with Kids from Wisconsin, he is the sound designer and engineer for several high school theater productions each year and operates his own company, Pinnacle Audio. When he's not working, he loves spending time with his wife, kids, and the rest of his family and friends.
Lily Grochowski
Costume Intern
Lily Grochowski is so excited for this opportunity to expand her love for the performing arts, regardless of if she is performing onstage or working behind the scenes! She is a recent graduate from Mukwonago High School and will be studying theatre and music at Millikin University this fall. Lily is so grateful for this opportunity and for everyone who has supported her on her journey so far.
Touring Production
Matt Pea
Technical Director
Matt has been the Technical Director for Kids from Wisconsin since 2011 and continues to thoroughly enjoy working with the organization. Outside of his role with Kids from Wisconsin, he is the sound designer and engineer for several high school theater productions each year and operates his own company, Pinnacle Audio. When he's not working, he loves spending time with his wife, kids, and the rest of his family and friends.
Alex Knoepker
Production Manager
Alex Knoepker is Director of Bands at Tomah High School in Tomah, Wisconsin, where he conducts the wind ensemble, pep band, jazz ensembles, co-directs the THS Marching Timberwolves each fall, and teaches AP Music Theory. He is an active pianist, accompanist, percussionist, and church organist throughout Wisconsin and is involved with many musical endeavors around the state. Originally from Warrens, WI, in the heart of Wisconsin's cranberry country, he holds a degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Mr. Knoepker's professional affiliations include the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA), the National Association for Music Education, the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, and the Wisconsin Concert Band Association. He serves as a WSMA adjudicator, state honor band section coach, and frequently adjudicates at show choir competitions throughout the midwest. He frequently plays in musical pit orchestras in the greater western Wisconsin area and enjoys accompanying as a church musician as well. An alumnus of KIDS from Wisconsin himself, Alex is excited to be part of another year of musical excellence that this troupe brings to dozens of communities around the state. With a focus on the KIDS stage band, he strives to give audiences the iconic clean, crisp sound they have come to know from many past years of excellence. Enjoy the 58th edition of the KIDS, and we'll see you at a show!
Hannah Prellwitz
Tour Manager
Originally from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin she is currently the Instrumental Music Teacher in the New Lisbon School District in New Lisbon, Wisconsin. There she teaches general music, 5th - 12th grade band, jazz ensemble, and co-directs and directs the pit orchestra for the high school musical's. Outside of teaching and touring with Kids From Wisconsin she enjoys writing marching drill for field shows for high schools around Wisconsin.
As Tour Manager she helps to keep the KIDS safe and on time, logistics are her jam!
This is Hannah's favorite time of the year and she cannot wait to spend her summer touring again!
Max Levine
Sound Technician
Max has been a musician all his life, and is so excited to be working with Kids From Wisconsin! When he's not living it up on the road, you might find him acting, playing with a band, or watching Seinfeld all day and becoming one with the couch. He loves cooking and creating and is always happiest when he is making others smile. :)
Harper Smith
Lighting Technician
Harper is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin – Stout. She is a lighting Technician and Training Manager for the campus Event Technology Crew. Her passion for event technology began while stage managing for the Lake Harriet Players community theater in Minneapolis. She instantly fell in love with the stage management duties and plans to pursue it as a career. She is ecstatic to spend her summer touring with Kids From Wisconsin, as well as traveling across the state. In her free time, Harper loves tending to her houseplants and making crafts.
Teaching Artists
Abby Bloomquist
Abby Bloomquist is a Milwaukee based director, actor, teaching artist, choreographer, and college audition coach. Since graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2022 with a B.A. in Theatre and Communications, she has worked with First Stage, Sunset Playhouse, Brookfield Elementary Players, Lake Country Players, and various high school and college theatre programs. She is currently serving as the Community Enrichment Director and Teaching Artist at Kids From Wisconsin to bring music and dance programming into Milwaukee schools. Abby is thrilled to be returning to the stage this summer as Bebe in A Chorus Line at Sunset Playhouse. She is an active participant in WISDAA State One Act Competition and International Thespian Festival. When not working, she enjoys taking ballet classes at Danceworks, traveling to new countries, and reading new plays. Abby is thrilled to share her knowledge with the next generation of artists!
Aya Fares
Aya joins us from Milwaukee, WI and is the newest addition to the RYD team! She has been interviewed with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and performed at Summerfest, on USA Today Acoustic, and on PBS Rhythm Cafe. When she is not teaching, she is a fitness enthusiast and loves spending time with her two cats.
Baila Weiss
Baila Weiss was born in the Ukraine and grew up in Australia where she started dancing at 5, quickly understanding that this would be her passion for life. After graduating The Victorian College of the Arts, and dancing at The National, she moved to Los Angeles, performing, teaching, choreographing, and directing musicals for many years. Now in Milwaukee, Baila is excited to impart the beauty of performing arts to the next generation.
John Stanford
I love an array of things. Some hobbies that are close to my heart are singing, of course, dancing (when no one is watching), cleaning, cooking, love to play tennis, and teaching music. I grew up in Rockford Illinois, That is where I fell in love with music. I grew up in church; growing up in church gave me access to music, that close access was beautiful to me. Although I had access, I wanted more from music; I wanted a deeper understanding. I had to find that on my own. Finding interesting musical influences on my own led me to some amazing artist that crafted my gift and directed my interest. I studied Donald Lawrence, Destiny's Child, James Brown, Ray Charles.
My love of music is very deep, I would even say embedded into my soul. As stated earlier, I love to cook! My favorite meal to make is seafood gumbo! I make a mean dish. Something that makes me laugh is goat scream videos, I don't know why they get me every time, but they do. I hope to meet you all and make wonderful music with you where you all have the ability to share music and joy with the world. Never limit yourself and never limit your gift, it can always grow.
Martilia Marechal
Martilia was born and raised in Milwaukee, and is thrilled she gets to work as a KFW teaching artist in her hometown community! She graduated from Marquette University in 2023 with a double major in Theatre and Psychology, and is fortunate enough to be employed in work pertaining to both areas! Her favorite activities include singing (basically all the time), acting, drawing, cooking/baking, and spending time with her friends and family! She has had wonderful teachers throughout her life that have shown her the beauty of music, which is why she is excited to share her love of performing and singing with you! Martilia loves when she can incorporate her students ideas into the lesson/show material and has enjoyed witnessing the growth of each group she’s had the pleasure of working with!
Stacey Pagac
My education is in Early Childhood and Infant/Toddler education through MATC, and Dance through UWM. I have worked in childcare for over 20 years.
I work as a Teaching Artist, helping students express themselves through music and dance. This is also my passion. I have witnessed that children who learn to express themselves through music and theater arts have shown success with balancing their emotions.
Outside of my Teaching Artist profession, I enjoy spending time with my husband Nicholas, whom I’ve been married to for 17 years now. We have three boys who we are raising in Franklin, Wisconsin. Our weekends are filled with soccer, baseball, and all sorts of other extracurricular activities.
I am a Certified Massage Therapist since 1994, specializing in Neuromuscular Therapy for pain relief and Sports Massage for athletes. This trade is very complimentary to me as a dancer, as I am always aware of my own body aches, injuries, etc. Having three boys involved in sports, Massage Therapy has also helped them with their muscle strains, and growing pains.
I also work as the After School Program Coordinator at St. Alphonsus, Franklin. I manage and oversee the after-school program, creating various activities for students, handling student behavioral concerns within the program, and the hiring and management of the staff.
Working with children teaches me patience and compassion as a person. It also reminds me that not one child is like another. We all learn differently. We all grow differently. But, we are all special. We are all unique.
Wynter Bates
Wynter is a Columbia College Chicago graduate with a passion for voice. They release projects falling under the R&B umbrella and play both guitar and piano. Wynter enjoys self producing projects and coordinating songwriting sessions with musicians from around the globe. Outside of music, Wynter cares for their three pet rabbits and enjoys visiting new restaurants in the area.
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