CTW DIRECTORS
AARON UMSTED
Producing Artistic Director
Originally from Durant, Oklahoma, Aaron is a Chicago based teacher, actor, dancer, director and choreographer whose work has taken him around the world.
His Chicago area theatre credits include productions with the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, and Marriott Theatre where he was nominated for a Jeff Award for his role as Will Parker in Oklahoma. He has also toured North America in the Broadway companies of A Chorus Line, Disney’s Mary Poppins, and the Tony Award winning revival of Anything Goes.
Aaron taught musical theatre classes at Roosevelt University, Chicago Academy for the Arts, and in India with the organization, Artists Striving to End Poverty.
His directing/choreography credits include: Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Northwestern University, and Bravo Performing Arts in Oak Park.
Aaron is a ten-year member of Actor’s Equity Association, received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the University of Oklahoma, and a Master of Education in Theatre Pedagogy from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
MEET THE VISIONARY TEAM BEHIND THE CURTAIN
ISABELLA ISHERWOOD
Music Director / Conductor
A Chicago native, Isabella is an actor, vocalist, pianist, music director, and conductor who has had the great honor of sharing her artistry on stage and screen both at home and internationally.
Chicago theater credits include: Paramount, Copley, Mercury, Theo, and Kokandy where she was nominated for a Jeff Award for her music direction in Cruel Intentions.
Notable performances include: singing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall and Ravinia, performing with her quartet at the Chicago Jazz Festival, singing for Viola Davis, and three performance tours across Europe.
Isabella is a proud alum of The Second City, Acting Studio Chicago, and the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Additional studies include the Chicago Conservatory for the Performing Arts, and the Jacobs School of Music. She is a member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians and is currently working on her debut record.
She is thrilled to be returning to CTW for her third show after Singin' in the Rain and Mary Poppins!
PATRICK TIERNEY
Director
Patrick is a longtime Chicago Theatre artist, born and raised on the southwest side. Directing credits include Pippin (Music Theatre Works), Sound of Music, Hello Dolly! (Beverly Arts Center), Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish (Ghostlight Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Paramount Theatre) and Willy Wonka Jr. (Chicago Kids Company).
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As an actor, he has worked for Paramount, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center, Marriott Lincolnshire, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, and Chicago Kids Company.
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He is very excited to be working alongside two of his favorite artists - Amy Wolski and his husband, John Marshall Jr.
JOHN MARSHALL JR.
Director & Choreographer
John has been living and working in Chicago since 2010 and is thrilled to start 2024 with the kids of the New Trier Township! As an actor, he's worked at Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Theatre at the Center, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and Porchlight Music Theatre.
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Alongside acting, his directing and choreography credits include: Bright Star (Roosevelt University), Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish (Ghostlight Theatre), Footloose (BAM Theatre), Newsies (Chicago Kids Company) and Big Fish (Harper College).
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Infinite thanks to the Aaron, the producers, and the dream team, Amy & Patrick.
AMY WOLSKI
Music Director
Amy is excited to be a part of CTW and The Music Man. She has been fortunate to share her love of singing, dancing and acting with kids all over Chicagoland. With every opportunity, she strives to nurture creative energy, create a space to learn, discover, explore and cultivate every child's talents.
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Favorite shows she's directed/musical directed/choreographed include: Frozen Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr., The Lion King Jr., and High School Musical Jr.
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Amy is currently the Director of Education for Chicago Kids Company.
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Thank you for supporting your child's interest in the arts!
HOLLY FRANCIS
Director & Associate Choreographer
With dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Holly began studying ballet when she was eight. About the same time she made her musical theater debut in a local production of Alice in Wonderland and has been singing, dancing and acting ever since. She attended New Trier High School and performed in multiple productions.
Holly attended The University of Illinois where she majored in theater with a minor in dance. She went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Communications from Northwestern University and has spent more than 20 years using her performance skills as a professional communicator, and media and communications skills coach.
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TOBY NICHOLSON
Director
Toby attended Northwestern University, where he received a BS in Theatre and a MS in Dance Education.
He was the New Trier High School dance and drama instructor, director/choreographer for 30 years. Additional activities include ballet, commercial, theatre and film acting. He has directed many school and local productions, including Menz Dance at New Trier and the Winnetka Community House biennial production of A Christmas Carol.
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Toby has been a DIrector at CTW since 2000.
PAST DIRECTORS
CTW is privileged to have worked with these dedicated educators and talented theatre professionals
BETSY BALKIN
MUSIC DIRECTOR & EDUCATOR
CATHY HIRSCHMANN
DIRECTOR
CTW 25 YEARS
RANDY WHITE
DIRECTOR & EDUCATOR
STEPHEN SCHELLHARDT
DIRECTOR, EDUCATOR, PRODUCER &
CTW ALUM
ANNAMARIE BASKIN
VOCAL DIRECTOR, EDUCATOR & AUTHOR
BARBARA WELDON
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR, & PRODUCER
CTW 43 YEARS
