meet the stage left team & board of directors
Stage Left Theater is a labor of love. Meet the people behind the scenes who help keep our theater alive and vibrant! If you are interested in joining our team or our Board of Directors, let us know by clicking the CONTACT US tab in the navigation bar above.
Alana Shepherd (she/her), Interim Managing|Artistic Director
Alana Shepherd (she/her), Interim Managing|Artistic Director
Alana Shepherd (she/her), Interim Managing|Artistic Director
Alana Shepherd is the founding principal of Intangible Light. She has a MFA in Lighting Design from Carnegie Mellon University and a BA in Theatre from Eastern Washington University. Alana spent 15 years in the New York City lighting world, working in design, project management, and sales.
Notable accomplishments and projects include t
Alana Shepherd is the founding principal of Intangible Light. She has a MFA in Lighting Design from Carnegie Mellon University and a BA in Theatre from Eastern Washington University. Alana spent 15 years in the New York City lighting world, working in design, project management, and sales.
Notable accomplishments and projects include the W Hotel Times Square (IES Illumination Award; with BOLD, LLC), Thompson Hotel Miami Beach (IES Illumination Award; with BOLD, LLC), and the programming and control system design for the Times Square Ball (with Focus Lighting, Inc.).
She is the founder of the North American Coalition of Lighting Industry Queers, an explicitly transgender & non-binary inclusive organization providing advocacy and support for LGBTQIA+ lighting professionals. She also works with the larger lighting justice community to achieve equity, justice, and belonging for all marginalized groups.
She enjoys the natural beauty of Eastern Washington, her birthplace and current home. There she spends her free time baking and taking in nature.
For more on Alana Shepherd:
James Landsiedel (they/he), Tech Director
Alana Shepherd (she/her), Interim Managing|Artistic Director
Alana Shepherd (she/her), Interim Managing|Artistic Director
James Landsiedel started out as a stage hand for Lord of the Flies and Lizzie at Bright Comet Theater. They recently joined the Stage Left team for An Aviary for Birds of Sadness, and have designed props, built and painted sets, and redesigned the common areas of the theater.
They are honored to be both working and learning with this brilliant group of creatives.
Jeremy Whittington (all pronouns), Creative Mentor
Alana Shepherd (she/her), Interim Managing|Artistic Director
Jeremy Whittington (all pronouns), Creative Mentor
Jeremy has been the Resident Designer for numerous theaters including The Public Theater of San Antonio, The Modern Theaters of Spokane/Cd’A, and Lake City Playhouse in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, but they have always loved the charm of small, intimate theaters. Jeremy's work in training the next generation of diverse creatives is his top prior
Jeremy has been the Resident Designer for numerous theaters including The Public Theater of San Antonio, The Modern Theaters of Spokane/Cd’A, and Lake City Playhouse in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, but they have always loved the charm of small, intimate theaters. Jeremy's work in training the next generation of diverse creatives is his top priority.
Jeremy is the Program Director at Spokane Arts, a non-profit helping artists connect with other artists and with funding opportunities. He attended Ohio University from 1989 to 1992 majoring in Theater Production and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2014 with his BFA in Graphic Design from Sanford Brown.
In 2022, Jeremy was awarded the Governor's Arts & Heritage Luminary Award by Washington State Governor, Jay Inslee, for his tireless work in keeping the Arts alive during the pandemic. They were also recently named one of the Top 20 Emerging Leaders in the Inland Northwest by Trending NW.
Jeremy brings his varied artistic talents and their longstanding business acumen to Stage Left, where he will continue to promote diversity, inclusion, political discussion, and social justice both on stage and in our community.
Check out Jeremy’s website at www.JeremyCreates.com
Dahveed Bullis, (he/him) Resident Artist
Dr. Nike Imoru (she/her), Resident Intimacy Director
Jeremy Whittington (all pronouns), Creative Mentor
Dahveed is a professional artist and a Spokanite of 33 years. He is also a Co-Founder of Spokane Playwrights Laboratory along with Scott Doughty, and the head of the Theatre Arts Program at Company Ballet School. He is thrilled to take on this exciting role at Stage Left Theater.
Dahveed seeks to support any and all artists he can as well
Dahveed is a professional artist and a Spokanite of 33 years. He is also a Co-Founder of Spokane Playwrights Laboratory along with Scott Doughty, and the head of the Theatre Arts Program at Company Ballet School. He is thrilled to take on this exciting role at Stage Left Theater.
Dahveed seeks to support any and all artists he can as well as furthering the craft in unique ways. As a teacher, he is known for his approaches towards script analysis, character creation and the art of connecting with scene partners.
His recent credits include, Pass Over and Space Man at Stage Left as well as Firedance at Spokane Falls Community College where he was awarded Meritorious Achievement awards by KCACTF for Music Composition and Sound Design. He wishes to thank his God, Mother, Brother, Son and Community for always supporting him in becoming the best man and artist he can be.
Dr. Nike Imoru (she/her), Resident Intimacy Director
Dr. Nike Imoru (she/her), Resident Intimacy Director
Dr. Nike Imoru (she/her), Resident Intimacy Director
Dr. Nike Imoru is a multi-hyphenate artist in film, theatre and is a member of the Casting Society of America. She is the owner of Nike Imoru Casting through which she has cast numerous feature films, commercials and episodes of television. She is also the owner of The Actor’s Way, a hybrid space for actor training. In theatre she is a di
Dr. Nike Imoru is a multi-hyphenate artist in film, theatre and is a member of the Casting Society of America. She is the owner of Nike Imoru Casting through which she has cast numerous feature films, commercials and episodes of television. She is also the owner of The Actor’s Way, a hybrid space for actor training. In theatre she is a director, a classically-trained award-winning actress and writer.
Dr. Imoru was recently honored by the city with the Spokane Arts award for Leadership. She is in continuous training for consent-forward practices and intimacy co-ordinating for stage and screen. She is thrilled to be collaborating with Stage Left as the Resident Intimacy Director.
For more on Dr. Imoru:
Neva White (they/them), Resident Costumer
Dr. Nike Imoru (she/her), Resident Intimacy Director
Dr. Nike Imoru (she/her), Resident Intimacy Director
Neva graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. As a member of the longest running Rocky Horror Shadow Cast, Sin o' the Flesh, Neva has performed for national conventions and celebrity events.
Neva’s work has been seen in numerous productions at Stage Left Theater including The Rocky Horror Show, Red, and Human Erro
Neva graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. As a member of the longest running Rocky Horror Shadow Cast, Sin o' the Flesh, Neva has performed for national conventions and celebrity events.
Neva’s work has been seen in numerous productions at Stage Left Theater including The Rocky Horror Show, Red, and Human Error.
They can be seen regularly performing stand-up comedy and burlesque shows around Spokane. Neva would like their grand-mother Barb Spence for the support of their passion for creating.
Cedric Bidwell-Williams (he/him), Resident Music Director
Cedric Bidwell-Williams (he/him), Resident Music Director
Cedric Bidwell-Williams (he/him), Resident Music Director
Cedric Bidwell Williams is a graduate of Eastern Washington University. With a piano performance degree and an emphasis in accompanying and choral directing, theater music direction has become a passion as well as career.
Cedric has recently music directed Fun Home at Stage Left Theater, Clue the Musical with SFCC, Lizzie with Bright Co
Cedric Bidwell Williams is a graduate of Eastern Washington University. With a piano performance degree and an emphasis in accompanying and choral directing, theater music direction has become a passion as well as career.
Cedric has recently music directed Fun Home at Stage Left Theater, Clue the Musical with SFCC, Lizzie with Bright Comet Theater, and Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens with Stage Left.
He is regularly performing at various concerts, musicals, and events throughout the Inland Northwest.
Tristen Canfield (she/her), Resident Playwright
Cedric Bidwell-Williams (he/him), Resident Music Director
Cedric Bidwell-Williams (he/him), Resident Music Director
Tristen started her love affair with the stage in the Spokane Children's Theatre 1998 production of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She was not a particularly promising talent at the time. She is pleased to have grown considerably, both in body and as an artist, since then.
Tristen's first one-act stage play, The Window, appeared in the 2015 Pla
Tristen started her love affair with the stage in the Spokane Children's Theatre 1998 production of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She was not a particularly promising talent at the time. She is pleased to have grown considerably, both in body and as an artist, since then.
Tristen's first one-act stage play, The Window, appeared in the 2015 Playwrights' Forum Festival at Spokane Civic Theatre, opening an entirely new avenue of theatrical aspirations for her. Since then, Tristen's plays have appeared in festivals and competitions across the country, been produced on YouTube during the pandemic, and adapted for production by Spokane Public Radio.
Tristen is pleased as punch to be joining the Stage Left team as Playwright in Residence. The world premiere of her newest play, An Aviary for Birds of Sadness will debut in August at Stage Left Theater, and she will workshop her next premiere throughout the 2024 season. She can't wait to experience the stories to come!
Dr. Misty Shipman (she/her), Festival Producer
Cedric Bidwell-Williams (he/him), Resident Music Director
Isabella Hurrell (she/her), Associate Lighting Designer
Misty Shipman is a writer, director, producer, and poet. She holds her PhD in Native American Literature with a specialty in film from Washington State University.
An impassioned creator, she began winning national writing awards at the age of seventeen. Early laureates include the Barnes N’ Noble Katie Herzog Young Writer’s Award, the Ka
Misty Shipman is a writer, director, producer, and poet. She holds her PhD in Native American Literature with a specialty in film from Washington State University.
An impassioned creator, she began winning national writing awards at the age of seventeen. Early laureates include the Barnes N’ Noble Katie Herzog Young Writer’s Award, the Kay Snow Award in Adult Fiction (First Place), the Grace Nixon Fellowship, the Hemingway Fellowship, and more. Misty began directing professionally in 2019.
For more on Dr. Shipman:
Isabella Hurrell (she/her), Associate Lighting Designer
Isabella Hurrell (she/her), Associate Lighting Designer
Isabella Hurrell (she/her), Associate Lighting Designer
Isabella "Ella" Hurrell has been apprenticing with Alana for almost a year. She has been the Lighting Designer for numerous productions, including Playwrights Playground and Admissions.
Ella has also been the tech assistant for a number of shows, both at Stage Left Theater and other theater companies in Spokane.
Ella's lighting designs will
Isabella "Ella" Hurrell has been apprenticing with Alana for almost a year. She has been the Lighting Designer for numerous productions, including Playwrights Playground and Admissions.
Ella has also been the tech assistant for a number of shows, both at Stage Left Theater and other theater companies in Spokane.
Ella's lighting designs will be seen on the upcoming productions of Red, Human Error, and How I Learned to Drive.
Jess Loomer (she/her), President
Aileen Luppert (she/her), Vice President
Aileen Luppert (she/her), Vice President
Jess oversees the Box Office and Front of House operations at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center on Gonzaga University campus. She describes her work background as a “jack-of-all trades” experience that includes: communications and philanthropy work for local Spokane non-profits and San Diego arts organizations, human resources and
Jess oversees the Box Office and Front of House operations at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center on Gonzaga University campus. She describes her work background as a “jack-of-all trades” experience that includes: communications and philanthropy work for local Spokane non-profits and San Diego arts organizations, human resources and administrative support, and over almost two decades of professional and volunteer experience for the Spokane and San Diego performing arts communities.
A Spokane native, and former military brat, Jess graduated from Whitworth University with her BA in English (and yes, the Avenue Q song is accurate), a minor in Theatre, and anticipates graduating with her Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga in 2025. Jess has worked onstage, backstage, directing and stage managing, selling tickets in the box office as well as every front-of-house position available. Pairing her passion for theatre and her others-oriented leadership approach with her professional business experience, Jess is thrilled to join the Stage Left board and help support our little gem in the heart of downtown Spokane as it journeys forward into the unknown!
Aileen Luppert (she/her), Vice President
Aileen Luppert (she/her), Vice President
Aileen Luppert (she/her), Vice President
Aileen Luppert (she/her) has been a public librarian since 2009 when she returned to Spokane after 11 years in Seattle, WA. She belongs to several local boards, coalitions, and committees focused on resources for families and individuals in need. Aileen was recognized by the national publication Library Journal when it named her a Mover &
Aileen Luppert (she/her) has been a public librarian since 2009 when she returned to Spokane after 11 years in Seattle, WA. She belongs to several local boards, coalitions, and committees focused on resources for families and individuals in need. Aileen was recognized by the national publication Library Journal when it named her a Mover & Shaker for her advocacy work in 2020.
Aileen would not step on a theater stage to perform for all the money in the world. She would, however, try to raise all the money in the world for opportunities for her kid to perform in theaters like Stage Left. Aileen comes to the Board after her teenager joined the cast of Fun Home in 2023. The experience as a parent of a young actor, where she saw the creation of safe spaces for performers, the creativity and dedication of staff, and the love and appreciation from audiences, inspired Aileen to volunteer her time and join the Stage Left team.
Dr. Hilda Caquias (she/her), Secretary
Aileen Luppert (she/her), Vice President
Dr. Hilda Caquias (she/her), Secretary
Dr. Hilda Caquias was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She is a clinical psychologist with 14 years of practice, moved to WA in 2017. Currently, is the lead behavioral health provider for CHAS in Cheney clinic. While living in Puerto Rico,
Hilda started her career in arts in a community theater as a child and then moved into different role
Dr. Hilda Caquias was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She is a clinical psychologist with 14 years of practice, moved to WA in 2017. Currently, is the lead behavioral health provider for CHAS in Cheney clinic. While living in Puerto Rico,
Hilda started her career in arts in a community theater as a child and then moved into different roles as an actor, administrator, and board member of theater organizations. Hilda is married with a blended family of four adult children, two grandchildren, and a fur baby.
Maeve Griffith (she/her)
Lisa Pryne Edwards (she/her)
Audrey Overstreet (she/her)
A former USAF officer and aviator, Maeve Griffith is currently the Captain of Spokane Fire Station Number 3. She has appeared in Spokane’s 2018 production of the Vagina Monologues and in the Quimby Oak Junior High High School's ground-breaking production of Li’l Abner.
Maeve is also a paramedic, artist, copy writer, novelist and poet. S
A former USAF officer and aviator, Maeve Griffith is currently the Captain of Spokane Fire Station Number 3. She has appeared in Spokane’s 2018 production of the Vagina Monologues and in the Quimby Oak Junior High High School's ground-breaking production of Li’l Abner.
Maeve is also a paramedic, artist, copy writer, novelist and poet. She has been in numerous local television commercials and has voiced many radio spots over the years. Ms Griffith is active in promoting LGBTQ rights in the local community, and has a loving wife, three beautiful sons and their spouses and three wonderful grandsons.
Audrey Overstreet (she/her)
Lisa Pryne Edwards (she/her)
Audrey Overstreet (she/her)
Audrey Overstreet’s career has been in journalism and PR – mostly in New York City as an investigative reporter at a national magazine– and in Austin, Texas, where she was Politics Editor for the city’s alternative weekly. She currently writes about the arts for the Spokesman-Review.
While serving as Marketing Director for the Spokane Sym
Audrey Overstreet’s career has been in journalism and PR – mostly in New York City as an investigative reporter at a national magazine– and in Austin, Texas, where she was Politics Editor for the city’s alternative weekly. She currently writes about the arts for the Spokesman-Review.
While serving as Marketing Director for the Spokane Symphony and The Fox Theater in 2014, she helped create several collaborations with local artists, including the Symphony/Civic Theater production of Les Mis and the Symphony/Terrain launch of Uncharted. She has been active in many political and volunteer causes over the years, from the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES) in the 1980s to a recent stint as President of the Hutton Elementary PTG.
Lisa Pryne Edwards (she/her)
Lisa Pryne Edwards (she/her)
Lisa Pryne Edwards (she/her)
A Lisa Edwards earned her BA from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in Theatre and her Masters in Education with an emphasis in Theatre Arts from Seattle Pacific University. Inspired by a summer camp Shakespeare production when she was twelve years old, Lisa has made a career out of sharing her passion for the theatre with other
A Lisa Edwards earned her BA from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in Theatre and her Masters in Education with an emphasis in Theatre Arts from Seattle Pacific University. Inspired by a summer camp Shakespeare production when she was twelve years old, Lisa has made a career out of sharing her passion for the theatre with others, particularly children.
Lisa has worked as an actor, director and educator in New York, Chicago and Seattle. Prior to moving to Spokane in 2017, Lisa spent twelve years as a teacher, director, and curriculum developer for drama programs in the greater Seattle area. Locally, she has been seen as Bananas in The House of Blue Leaves and Liz Essendine in Present Laughter, both at Spokane Civic Theatre. Lisa and her husband David are busy raising two daughters, Bella and Hadley.
Susan Hardie (she/her), Treasurer
Susan Hardie has directed and appeared in scores of productions throughout Spokane, WA and the region over the past forty years. Directing is her passion, and recent projects include An Iliad and The Long Christmas Ride Home at Stage Left. She has served as adjudicator for the AACTFest Region IX Regional Festival in Coeur d’Alene, ID as w
Susan Hardie has directed and appeared in scores of productions throughout Spokane, WA and the region over the past forty years. Directing is her passion, and recent projects include An Iliad and The Long Christmas Ride Home at Stage Left. She has served as adjudicator for the AACTFest Region IX Regional Festival in Coeur d’Alene, ID as well as a variety of student theatre festivals and competitions throughout the region.
Susan has served on the Spokane Arts Commission, the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce Arts Committee and the Civic Theatre Artistic Committee, and received numerous awards including City of Spokane Arts awards for Individual Artist and Arts Community Leadership. She hails from New York, where she received her BA in Theatre and English at the State University of New York at Geneseo.