Tacoma Arts Live Administrative Office: 253.591.5890
Tacoma Arts Live Box Office (ticket sales and membership): 253.591.5894
Executive Leadership
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David Fischer, Executive Director — 253.591.5582 — davidf at tacomaartslive dot org
David J. Fischer, Executive DirectorTacoma Arts Live, Tacoma
David Fischer’s professional background in the arts began as a professional theater artist in 1977. His degrees in theater and film (BA, MFA) as well as his Leadership Certificate from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, along with his work experience have allowed him to become deeply invested in the arts through theatre production, performing arts presenting, arts management, fundraising, advocacy, teaching, and urban design. He has worked as Producing Artistic Director for Tacoma Little Theatre, Executive Director of the Pierce County Arts Commission, Deputy Executive Director of Tacoma Arts Live, and prior to returning to Tacoma, as Executive Director of the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa, California. Fischer reorganized that non-profit, including its staff, fundraising, capital investment, endowment growth, governance, and programmatic impact resulting in an improvement to the balance sheet of $14 million in 5-1/2 years.
Since 2006, Mr. Fischer has served as Executive Director of Tacoma’s non-profit performing arts center, Tacoma Arts Live, Fischer has worked to transform the organization to focus on strengthening its service to the community as a whole, particularly in:
- Education through the arts,
- DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion),
- Historic facility improvements and preservation,
- Economic development for Tacoma’s Historic Theater District,
- Professional theater production and
- Advocacy for public funding of arts, heritage and science non-profits.
In 2019, Tacoma Arts Live commissioned an outside consultant to independently assess the more than a decade of improvements of Tacoma Arts Live and found the non-profit to be leading the field of performing arts and education through the arts both regionally and nationally in a variety of ways:
- Diverse programs for the broadest spectrum of community
- Initiation of new programs in the performing arts
- Growth and depth of impact in education, now serving 50,000 students and teachers in four counties – the largest, most in-depth program of its kind in the State of Washington and a leader nationally;
- Service to the greater performing arts sector regionally through significant partnerships
- Major capital improvements through public/private investments
- Deep improvement in overall governance by increasing the Board’s leadership in strategic planning and financial impact;
- Growth of the annual budget from $2.1 million to $6.6 million annually – including a tripling of ticket sales and charitable contributions;
- Elimination of long-term debt and significant increasing of reserves.
From 1985 to 1990, Fischer worked as Studio Coordinator for the world renowned Urban Planner and Architect, Lawrence Halprin. During Fischer’s tenure, he supported Mr. Halprin in his design work for the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC, the Haas Promenade with the United Nations overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem, the master plan for the I.M. Pei Tower in Los Angeles, and the master plan for Alcatraz in San Francisco, among other projects.
Fischer’s leadership as a volunteer has benefited many constituents throughout the nation through his service to the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Park Service, Americans for the Arts, various chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, universities, as well as city, county, and state governments.
In 2019, Fischer was honored by the Historical Society of Tacoma for historic preservation and by Tacoma’s Chamber of Commerce with the Art Popham award as a major catalyst for improvements to downtown Tacoma. In September of 2013, Fischer was awarded the Distinguished Service Award (last awarded in 1992) by the Western Arts Alliance for his work in advancing performing arts centers in the Western United States. Fischer currently serves on the Advisory Board for the UW Tacoma School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, is a founding member of CODA - the Western Arts Alliance Advisory Board, and is immediate-past co-chair of Cultural Access Washington, a state-wide cultural advocacy organization supporting heritage and science agencies.
- Robyn Engleking, Director of Finance - 253.591.5456
- rengleking at tacomaartslive dot org
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Katie Lappier, Director of Education — 253.573.2518 — klappier at tacomaartslive dot org
Katie Lappier
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Director of Education
- Phone: 253.573.2518
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Katie is a Midwest native who has been teaching, directing, performing and choreographing in western Washington since 2005. Katie oversees the Tacoma Arts Live Education Department, which serves over 50,000 learners each year with self-produced touring programs, out of school camps and classes, education matinees and more. She guides the innovative LENS Project, utilizing the performing arts as a vehicle to foster socio-emotional learning. Katie is a member of the Kennedy Center Partners in Educational National Advisory, serves on the board of Arts Ed Washington and is a founding member of Barefoot Collective Dance Company.
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- Holly Klindt, Executive Assistant — 253.591.5769
- hollyk at tacomaartslive dot org
Box Office - 253.591.5894
- Amanda Oliver, Box Office Manager - 253.591.5463
- aoliver at tacomaartslive dot org
- Sara Judy, Assistant Box Office Manager - 253.591.5486
- sjudy at tacomaartslive dot org
- Mollie Parce, Box Office Lead
- Andy Stark, Box Office Lead
- Nate Jensen, Box Office Representative
- Megan Fricke, Box Office Representative
Philanthropy
Nicole Hume, Philanthropy Manager, Grants & Gala - 253.573.2507
nhume at tacomaartslive dot org
Kyleigh Palmer, Sponsorship Manager - 253.591.5891
kpalmer at tacomaartslive dot org
Nate Jensen, Philanthropy Assistant
njensen at tacomaartslive dot org
Education
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Tony Gomez, Associate Director of Education — 253.573.2301 — tonyg at tacomaartslive dot org
Tony Gomez
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Associate Director of Education
- Phone: 253.573.2301
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Antonio Davidson-Gómez is an educator and percussionist focused on musical dialogue between cultures. He has studied, performed and recorded in various styles with emphases on Mediterranean and Afro-Latin music. Tony has produced cultural programming, educational projects and community engagement initiatives for over two decades. A Jubilation Foundation Fellow for music education, he has also developed social studies curricula for PBS and the EMP Museum/Smithsonian, in addition to working as a teaching artist in schools. Tony is a speaker on music and culture for Humanities Washington, offering presentations including Saffron & Honey: Muslims, Jews and Christians in Medieval Spain and Mapping Latino Musical Migrations. He has taught at the elementary and secondary levels, worked in public television and is currently the Education Manager for Tacoma Arts Live in Tacoma, Washington and on Creative Advantage, Seattle's teaching artist roster. Recent musical projects include work with Tango del Cielo, Gary Stroutsos, August Denhard and the Early Music Guild of Seattle. He holds a Masters in Education from UC Berkeley and has conducted study and research trips in Latin America, Europe and North Africa.
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Marsha Walner, Education Manager — 253.591.5341 — mwalner at tacomaartslive dot org
Marsha Walner
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Education Manager
- Phone: 253.591.5341
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Marsha Walner holds a degree in Theatre Education and is proud to serve as the Tacoma Arts Live Education Manager, teaching in the Tacoma Arts Live Conservatory and The LENS Project. In addition to time spent teaching in the traditional classroom, Marsha has taught at various theaters throughout the region, including Bellingham's Neighborhood Playhouse and Seattle Children's Theatre. From coaching drama around the campfire at overnight summer camp to developing curriculum and teaching for the Broadway tours of "Peter and the Starcatcher" and "The Lion King," Marsha's passion is sharing the joy of theatre and the magic of creating with people of all ages. Currently focusing in the areas of Creative Drama, social skill development, and Arts Integration across curriculum, Marsha is also a participant in the Washington State Teaching Artist Training Lab. And, just to keep things even more exciting, she serves as a director for productions with youth with past directing credits including "Our Town," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Wind in the Willows."
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Tiffany Lemmon, Senior Coordinator of Expanded Learning
Tiffany Lemmon
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Senior Coordinator of Expanded Learning
- Phone 253.327.5962
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tiffany is a Southern California native and the youngest of 4 girls in her family. She moved to Washington after graduating from UCLA to work as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Seattle. She loved WA State so much she stuck around, met her husband here and has two wonderful kids and two crazy dogs and currently lives in Central Tacoma. Proud mom of a TPS student and loves music, dance, and theater. Fun fact – Tiffany is a certified MiXXedFit instructor. Ask her about it!
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Jill Heinecke, Education Coordinator - 253.591.5598 - jheinecke at tacomaartslive dot org
Jill Heinecke
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Education Coordinator
Originally from Minnesota, Jill Heinecke came out to Washington to attend Pacific Lutheran University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Theatre, emphasis in Acting/Directing. Jill is now Education Coordinator at Tacoma Arts Live, but has been teaching here since 2013, with a focus on the LENS Project. She has also taught with Metro Arts and the YMCA. She has had the opportunity to choreograph with local theatres and schools, including Wilson High School, Charles Wright Academy, and Tacoma Little Theatre’s Education Program, where she has also directed. Jill also keeps busy as a performer in the area. You may have seen her on stage at Tacoma Little Theatre, Dukesbay Theater, and Tacoma Musical Playhouse. With experience both on stage and off, Jill enjoys bringing her well-rounded experience to her classes, wanting to expose students to many different aspects of the performing arts.
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Jake Nix, Master Teaching Artist
Jake Nix
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Master Teaching Artist
Jake Nix comes from a diverse performing arts background that includes being a professional sports mascot, touring the west coast playing in rock bands, and stand up comedy. He hopes to help pass on the same passion for performing that he got from participating in countless local theater productions while growing up.
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Amanda Nixon, Master Teaching Artist
Amanda Nixon
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Master Teaching Artist
Amanda moved from California to Tacoma at a young age and has lived here ever since. She has been part of theatre for most of her life as an actress and eventually stepped into the role of director. Most recently in the world of theatre, Amanda spent time as a cast member of the annual Show of Horror at Lakewood Playhouse, served as a director for the Tacoma Arts Live Play at Your School Program, and was also a director for their Take Five Showcase. Amanda is currently working towards a degree in Human Services and a degree in Psychology with a special emphasis on theatre for drama therapy and at-risk youth.
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Citlali Garcia-Rolon, Master Teaching Artist
Citlali Garcia-Rolon
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Master Teaching Artist
Born in Portland, OR, Citlali is the second of five and the oldest of four girls. Both her parents were born and raised in Mexico, and she is grateful to her mom for her interest in the art of Baile Folklorico and to her dad for all his support. Being first generation, born and raised in the United States, Citlali’s parents wanted their children to be aware of and embrace their culture. Citlali began dancing at age 8 and, along with her sister, formed their first dance group, performing at family events and school festivals. At age 16 she began teaching on her own and a year later, she joined Bailadores De Bronce. Citlali began working at Tacoma Arts Live 3 years ago and fell in love ever since. Citlali’s goal is to introduce all students to the beauty and richness of Mexican culture through dance. She hopes for all her students to learn and showcase the culture by preserving traditions and installing pride in their community.
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Deanna Martinez, Master Teaching Artist
Deanna Martinez
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Master Teaching Artist
Utilizing her degrees from the University of Washington in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and in Education, Deanna teaches acting classes, audition technique, and helps to develop social-emotional skills through theatre. Deanna also directs youth productions, and is known for creating high expectations amongst her casts. BroadwayWorld.com-Seattle named her Best Director of a Musical for her CampTMP production “Les Miserables.” She also coaches students privately, many of whom have successfully gone on to college programs, The Village, and The 5th Avenue Theater.
Her other work includes commercial, film, and voice-over, as well as traditional story-telling. Currently Deanna acts on stage throughout the Puget Sound region. Highlights include: “Newsies,” the Tacoma Arts Live original Civil Rights tour production of “Bus,” the West Coast premiere of “Polkadots,” and the BroadwayWorld.com-Seattle Award-Winning performance (Best Supporting Actress) of Nurse in “Romeo and Juliet.” She is represented by MAM.
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Jimmy Shields, Master Teaching Artist
Jimmy Shields
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Master Teaching Artist
Jimmy Shields is a Pierce county native with a strong passion for the performing arts. Jimmy began his dance training at the age of 8 and has studied all disciplines of dance but highlight hip hop and jazz/lyrical as his favorites and strongest.
Over his years of training, Jimmy has had the privilege of training and working with Emmy Award winning choreographers NappyTabs (Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo), Disney veteran Jon Jacobson and famed Seattle Choreographer, Daniel Cruz, just to name a few.
As a teaching artist, Jimmy has instructed dancers who have gone on to dance with the likes of Debbie Allen, Ciara, Adam Lambert and Meghan Trainor.
Aside from dance, Jimmy is also a singer, Director and professional actor in the greater Seattle area. His recent theater credits include The wiz, Tacoma Musical Playhouse; DREAMGIRLS, Village Theatre; Nihonjin Face Tacoma Arts Live and Hairspray, Village theatre.
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Aubrey Cearley, Master Teaching Artist
Aubrey Cearley
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Master Teaching Artist
Aubrey Cearley is a dancer and educator, who hopes to utilize the power of art to change lives for the better. She has studied ballet and modern dance extensively with Washington Contemporary Ballet, Evergreen City Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Dickinson College, and the Russian State University for the Humanities. While she has trained in all forms of dance, her greatest joy comes in teaching and learning from her own students, who hail from a range of backgrounds and skill levels. Aubrey is driven by her belief that dance should be accessible, collaborative, equitable, and diverse. In 2016, she was named Top Student at Ivara Dance Studio’s annual competition in Moscow, Russia. Additionally, during her internship at the American Dance Festival, she drove Liz Lerman around for a weekend. Aubrey considers these to be her two crowning achievements to date.
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Events & Venue Rentals
- Akida Dancer, Rental Sales Manager - 253.591.5212
- adancer at tacomaartslive dot org
- Jake Nix, Events Manager - 253.591.5439
- jnix at tacomaartslive dot org
- Darquita Wallace, Events Manager - 253.591.5597
- dwallace at tacomaartslive dot org
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Sean Blacketer, Maintenance Coordinator - 253.594.7841
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sblacketer at tacomaartslive dot org
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Jeff Jainga, Front of House Team Member
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jjainga at tacomaartslive dot org
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- Debbie Bareng, Front of House Team Member
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Melanie Cole, Front of House Team Member
Carissa Daniels, Front of House Team Member
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Melissa Dominguez, Front of House Team Member
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Jamie Goddard, Front of House Team Member
Sarah Koestler, Front of House Team Member
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Racheal Leahy, Front of House Team Member
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Janae Lewis, Front of House Team Member
Kaiya Rodriguez, Front of House Team Member
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Jess Underwood, Front of House Team Member
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Rochelle Wells, Front of House Team Member
Finance
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Alan Uhlemann, Human Resources Manager - 253.591.5781
- alanu at tacomaartslive dot org
- Aimee Takayoshi, Finance Assistant - 253.591.5351
- atakayoshi at tacomaartslive dot org
Marketing & Presenting
Operations
- Nick Shellman, Stage Department Manager - 253.591.5898
- nshellman at tacomaartslive dot org
- Warren Crain, Head Carpenter
- stagelead at tacomaartslive dot org
- Josh Holcomb, Head Flyman
- Rich Tocher, Rialto Lead Technician
- Jackie Richter, Theater on the Square Lead Technician
- Don Littrell, Sound Technician
- Tom Haman, Master Electrician
- Leo Foster, Trainee
All stage work performed by employees that are represented by IATSE, Local #15.
