The most distinct aspect of Magnolia Musical Theatre is our commitment to only producing original work. We have a strong desire to take the risk of producing original work and making it a success!

We are committed to a high moral standard in life style, reaching out to others in need and practicing these principles in all of our endeavors. A main goal of Magnolia is to reach out to the need for wholesome theatre for every age of an audience member, which brings a positive message and leaves an impression. Our work does not set out to offend or merely entertain, but to encourage, strengthen and challenge.

Another purpose of Magnolia is to advance the capabilities in all areas of producing, directing, acting, and all aspects of theatrical design. In theatre, there are many different forms or artistic creativity from the most to the least visible roles. Without the costume designer who clothed the actor and the light designer who lit up the stage, there would be no play. The set designers, stage managers, directors, producers and music directors, etc., are all equally important in a production. We want to minister to all areas of this creative process and give opportunities for professional development in them.

There is a continual need to support the arts in every community. To us art is just art unless it gives back to the community. We will always support selected charitable and artistic organizations through donating a portion of all of our ticket sales. We support the arts in education programs because we believe that it is an essential need for the well-rounded student.

Caroline Newsom

President and Founder- Caroline Newsom

Caroline Newsom grew up in rural Minnesota, graduating from the Dassel-Cokato High School. She first started writing musicals at age 18, and would often use high school actors to produce her work. Knowing that musical theatre writing was the only field she could see herself in, she majored in Musical Playwriting at the University of Minnesota. Caroline loves working in the Twin Cities and is very pleased to have had so much of her work produced here.

Michael Kelley

Vice President and Co-Founder- Michael Kelley

Michael is a co-founder of Magnolia Musical Theatre and has taken on the role of Vice President. He grew up in the small town of Howard Lake, MN where he first discovered his passion for Theatre. As an actor, Michael has performed with Shakespeare and Company, Pig's Eye Theatre and Nautilus Musical Theatre to name a few. A recent graduate of Augsburg College, he plans to attend graduate school in 2007. As a Director, Michael has directed The Dumbwaiter, The Creation of the World and Other Business, A Cry of Players, A Midsummer Night's Dream and has acted as Fight Choreographer for Romeo and Juliet. He has also done scenic and lighting designs for over 10 productions. This spring and summer he will be co-writing, directing and acting in a production based on the song cycle The Songs of Love and War by Richard Peaslee which will perform in Minneapolis and in St. Cloud at Pioneer Place on Fifth.

 

Heidi Hansen

Secretary and Co-Founder- Heidi Hansen

Heidi plays many roles for Magnolia Musical Theatre. As business director and co-founder, she has helped this theatre company officially become a non-profit organization and has begun the challenging road of fundraising for this company. She graduated with a business administration degree at Trinity Western University near Vancouver, British Columbia. With an entrepreneur spirit, she is very excited to see where Magnolia will go in the future. Outside of Magnolia, Heidi manages an apartment complex and works for Snap Fitness. Heidi's passion is helping people use their gifts and enjoys supporting others in their pursuits. She gives all thanks to the Lord up above for her life and giving her true love.

 
Kurt Schulz

Board Member- Kurt Schulz

Kurt has been involved with theatre for over 20 years. He has performed in theatres around the Twin Cities and surrounding area as well as outside Minnesota. He is the managing director of the spiritually based 4 Shadow Theatre Company which started in 1996 and serves on the board of directors of the Southwest Minnesota and Humanities Council. Other than theatre, Kurt pursues a career in organic/natural farming and is an analyst for Animal Analysis Associates. He is fluent in several languages all of which are now extinct. Kurt likes the risk-taking in theatre and that is one reason he enjoys supporting Magnolia Musical Theatre as they pursue successful original productions.

Evan Boyce

Board Member- Evan Boyce

Evan is studying at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN where he currently pursues a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance and a minor in Theatre Arts. Evan has performed with Augsburg College, "Rough Cuts" with Nautilus Music Theatre in St. Paul and Magnolia Musical Theatre. Evan and two colleagues compiled, staged, and performed "The Songs of Love and War." Evan became a board member in the fall of 2005 and is highly interested in collaborative work in music and theatre. He is passionate about bringing original work to the stage.

Meghan Sherer

 Board Member- Meghan Sherer

Meghan's family currently lives in Manson, IA while she currently studies at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN. She is working towards a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance and has been working with Caroline Newsom, the founder of Magnolia, since 2000. Meghan has worked with high school, college, and community musical theatre and enjoys being part of Magnolia's vision. She has been a part of theatre since a young age and plans to continue being a part of it in the future.