From Left to Right: Lynn Wilde Concannon, James R. Kuhl, Julanne Jacobs, Joel Klain, and Natividad M. Salgado
Missing: Tracy L. Spada
James R. Kuhl (Producing Artistic Director):
James is honored to be serving his 3rd year 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 lives in Eastpointe with his wife Hallie and children Aidan and Vera.
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 The Sound of Music for their 20th Anniversary Celebration. 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 first grade teachers, Daniel is living in LA pursuing an acting career, and Matt who is attending his third year of college.
Tracy L. Spada (Resident Stage Manager):
Tracy is very proud to celebrate her fifth 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.
Natividad M. Salgado (Apprentice):
Nati is very excited and thankful to have this opportunity to be TPT’s Apprentice for the 2011-2012 Birthday Season. She attended Alma College and graduated from their Theatre program in May of 2011. Recently she directed Passing Fancy for our Founders Party, White Trash Brothers at the Raw Festival Detroit, and Heartless for the 2011 Sandbox Play Festival. She has also performed for the opening night of BoxFest Detroit. Currently she is Co-Directing Months on End for the TPT New Year’s Eve fundraiser, and directing If You Start A Fire [Be Prepared To Burn] at The New Theatre Project. At Alma College she directed many one-acts and assistant directed three full length shows. Nati would like to thank James for trusting her, Joe for helping to make her spark into a fire for theatre, and her parents for encouraging her to do what she loves. A special thank you to her mom,for always showing her that happiness doesn’t come from making money– it comes from doing what you love to do. For her siblings: David and Kathy (big sis loves you). Much love to her roomies :Logan, Holly, and Lindsay.
Julanne Jacobs (Administrative Coordinator):
Julanne is honored to join the Tipping Point family during its milestone 5thseason. She has her BA in theater from Wayne State University and her MFA from the California Institute of the Arts in theater producing and stage management. She has recently worked with The Moth Theater in Los Angeles and as an assistant stage manager for both Brimmer Street Theater and Rogue Ensemble in Los Angeles. Currently she is producing the first annual RAW Festival in Detroit. Julanne would like to thank her family and her lovely Scotsman Dave Quin for their support during all her adventures.