From Left to Right: Joel Klain, Amanda Ewing, James R. Kuhl, Dana Naughton, Lynn Wilde Concannon, and Tracy Spada
James R. Kuhl (Producing Artistic Director):
James is honored to be serving his 4thyear as Tipping Point Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director. He received his BA in theatre from Alma College and his MFA in acting from Wayne State University through the Hilberry. He completed the Purple Rose Apprentice program as well as a two-year Internship with Alma College where he helped teach classes. Winner of the Heck Rabi Playwriting Competition as well as a Wilde Award and Pulsar Award Nominee. TPT directing credits include Last of the Red Hot Lovers and The Cocktail Hour as well as Northville High School’s production of Romeo and Juliet. James has worked as an area actor with the Purple Rose Theatre, Williamston Theatre, The Michigan Shakespeare Festival, Boarshead Theatre, Icarus Falling, Spotlight Theatre, Croswell Opera House, Magenta Giraffe, The Blackbird theatre and the Summer Studio Theatre in Illinois. James lwould like to thank Hallie, Aidan, Vera, and Gavin for their constant love and support.
Lynn Wilde Concannon (Marketing and Development Director):
Lynn is thrilled to be part of the Tipping Point Theatre staff. Prior to TPT, Lynn was the Assistant to the Development Director at the Purple Rose Theatre for 13 years where she worked on fundraising and special events for Jeff Daniels. Since 1991, she has been a Pinckney Players board member. She directs, produces, and performs with this group. Lynn enjoys directing and some of her favorites include Holes, Orphan Train, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Wizard of Oz, Duck Hunter Shoots Angel, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which received an award for the best musical in Livingston County. Most recently, she is directing Monty Python’s Spamalot for April 2013 performance. Lynn was last seen on stage as Jack’s Mom in Into the Woods. One of her favorite roles was Olive in the female version of the Odd Couple. She has a wonderful husband, David, and four children; Heather and Jessica are both third grade teachers, Daniel is living in LA pursuing an acting career, and Matt who is attending his last year of college.
Tracy L. Spada (Resident Stage Manager):
Tracy is very proud to celebrate her sixth season with Tipping Point. She has stage managed every show at Tipping Point, from Don’t Dress For Dinner to the present. As one of the original founders of The Educational Outreach program, Tracy has been instrumental in cultivating theatre for young artists. She has directed over 75 shows, including The Wizard of Oz, Bye Bye Birdie, Cinderella and Thoroughly Modern Millie at Northville High School. An Arts Management graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Tracy has spent 18 years with The City of Wayne as Arts and Entertainment Director. In 2004 she laid the groundwork at The Milan Performing Arts Center. Tracy has worked professionally at the Purple Rose Theatre (Orphan Train, Blithe Spirit, Leaving Iowa, Criminal Genius, The Good Doctor), The Performance Network (Strange Love and Unusual Sex, Vital Signs), Planet Ant (The House Of Yes). Tracy is a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association.
Joel Klain (Technical Director):
Joel Klain is happy to be the new Technical Director for the Tipping Point Theatre. Joel, a graduate of Central Michigan University and The Purple Rose Apprentice Programs, is honored to be once again collaborating with friends. Joel is well versed in technical theatre. He has worked on shows at Central Michigan University, The Performance Network, and The Purple Rose Theatre. Along with technical directing, Joel is an experienced Sound Designer, Master Electrician, Lighting Designer, Carpenter, and metal smith. He is pleased to have found a creative home at the Tipping Point. Joel would like to thank his friends and wife Amy for their unending support.
Amanda Ewing (Apprentice):
Amanda is the newest addition to the TPT team, having just moved back from two years of working and studying theatre and performance in London, England. Amanda’s background ranges from more traditional institutional theatre to experimental and devised, practiced-based and research-led, theatre and performance. In early September 2012 Amanda submitted her dissertation on the rhetoric of community-engaged performance in Detroit-specific art for a Master of Arts from King’s College of London in Theatre and Performance Studies – and is still awaiting marking. Previous to her postgraduate work, Amanda graduated from Alma College with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and English with a minor in Music. Without the support of her loving family and her fantastic boyfriend Amanda would not be able to fully pursue any of these opportunities – so thank you!
Stephen Carpenter (Apprentice):
Stephen is joining the TPT team for the tail end of the current season and is extremely excited to be a part of the 2013-14 season. Stephen is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan – Flint where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Design and Technology. During his sophomore year at U. of M. – Flint he was lucky enough to join his department on a study abroad trip to London, England, where he studied theatre, fashion & architecture. He works primarily works as a stage manager but also dabbles in scenic, prop, and lighting design. Along with his design work, Stephen works as a carpenter too! Fitting for someone of his surname name? When he isn’t in the theatre you’ll likely find him out in nature: behind his camera, on a bike, or in a kayak. He would not be here without the love and support of his friends, mentors, and family – Thank you all!!!