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Denzel Belin

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Nancy Lebens

Theater audiences are well-versed in the creatives on stage and just beyond. Actors, designers and directors often take the spotlight, but there are other key players who keep every aspect running smoothly to bring a performance to life. The teens participating in this year’s MPR News Radio Camp discovered a wealth of stories.

In Margarita Rosales' story, the Ordway’s director of production Julia Erickson said she’s seen major changes in the workforce of production managers and stagehands in her 27 years at the arts organization. 

Margarita Rosales talks with Julia Erickson

Eden interviewed Sarah Wiechmann, who describes how the Ordway has tried to give more students their first theater experience.  

Eden Gillette-Kelley interviewed Sarah Wiechmann, manager of school programs

Luft described how the performing arts center coped with COVID-19 and its aftermath.

Ekseer Elhassan interviewed Andrew Luft, the vice president of building operations and production.

Aketzally’s story provides a window into the IT needs at the Ordway. 

Aketzally Alvarado talks with director of information technology services, Becky Borsheim

Maiden talks about the importance of arts in her own life and how she brings that love to a more diverse audience.  

Kaya Williams interviewed Maia Maiden, who directs arts learning and community engagement

Gertz says her colleagues “trust in the people who know their own work and their own culture.”

Mauricio Barreto talks with Tanya Gertz, vice president of programming and community impact

Leonna Kier is a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis and decided to explore how theater and the Ordway would connect with her family.

Leonna Kier loves theater and wanted to know how the Ordway represents Native people

Chris Sagstetter said the performing arts center is trying to adapt to the needs and desires of new audiences while serving longtime supporters. 

Amani Davis talked with Chris Sagstetter, the Ordway’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Animikii Skjefte reports graphic designer Jordan Wagaman worked on the theater’s gala fundraiser to support music education for young students.

Animikii Skjefte interviewed graphic designer Jordan Wagaman

La’Shonda Scott learned that the Ordway’s director of guest services started her career as an usher and worked her way up to managing the food and beverage service at the theater. Tammie Weinfurtner

La'Shonda Scott interviewed Tammie Weinfurtner.

Hannah Vang interviewed Paul Hattouni about the upkeep of an aging building, the money being raised to renovate it and his evolving opinion of a musical about the six wives of Henry VIII.

Hannah Vang talked with Paul Hattouni, director of accounting

A student wearing headphones works at a table

Ben Hovland | MPR News

A radio camper stands for a portrait outside

MPR News Radio Campers explore how a theater is run at the Ordway

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