Menominee Area Stagemagic
Our Team
Jeanette Towers - President
As a founding member and President of Menominee Area Stagemagic, Jeanette feels that the performing arts in the community is still in its infancy and is excited to be at the forefront and involved in building the foundation of what she imagines will become a thriving arts community. “The theater program has led many students to rewarding careers beyond high school. This is a real educational opportunity for many that cannot be understated.”
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She is a 2006 graduate of Menominee High School and a daughter of the long time Menominee Music Teacher, Jon Nutter. Jeanette is passionate about the performing arts and has first hand experience with what it takes to produce these performances. She has been a performer in six Menominee musicals, and held lead roles in Brigadoon (‘05) and The Music Man (‘06).
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Jeanette attended Western Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science and attended Kellogg Community College where she earned an Associate’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. Jeanette is board certified (ASCP) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. She is currently employed in the laboratory at Aurora Medical Center - Bay Area as the Laboratory Supervisor.
Jeanette resides in Menominee with her husband and their two young children, and black lab, Onyx.
“The arts and sciences aren't so different. All you need is determination and imagination"
Jonah Zuehls - Secretary
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As a founding member of Menominee Area Stagemagic, Jonah Zuehls is continuing his involvement and advocation for the performing arts community in his hometown. He began his theatrical journey with the Children’s Theater on the Bay in the fourth grade and continued with Menominee High School’s productions up until his graduation in 2021.
When a referendum threatened to take away Blesch Auditorium in the summer of 2022, Jonah rallied with students and other adults to ensure the local performing arts community was represented and heard. Ultimately, that referendum did not pass. Jonah then joined Menominee Area Stagemagic to help make sure Blesch remains in the community for generations to come. Theater played a crucial role in developing Jonah’s public speaking and communication skills, and he is committed to ensuring that future generations of students have access to the same transformative opportunities.
Casey Hoffman - Board Member
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Casey is a proud graduate of Menominee High School, having performed in many Menominee High School Musicals, Forensics, and several Theatre On the Bay productions. Casey graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Albion College, and holds a law degree from Marquette University. He later attended Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
In 2023, Casey was elected the Mayor of the City of Menominee. He is also active with, and sits of the board of directors for Menominee Area Arts Council, Spies Public Library, DAR Boys and Girls Club, and Upside Down Drama.
He is proud to be serving his hometown and providing support to Menominee Area Stagemagic to ensure that area youth continue to have the opportunities and experiences he was able to have.
Keith Akins - Board Member
kakins@stagemagic.org​​
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Keith is a member of the Menominee Area Stagemagic and serves on the board of the River Cities Concert Association (RCCA), where he works to bring a variety of musicians and artists to the area, with performances hosted at Blesch Auditorium.
As a skilled piano repair technician and regional expert, Keith’s training began at a young age, tuning pianos for his father’s customers while in high school. At 23, he established his own piano rebuilding business in Marinette, WI. Over the years, Keith has furthered his expertise through factory training, working with an internationally-known piano designer, and engaging in educational offerings from the Piano Technicians Guild. He has tuned for university music departments, concert halls, and churches.
Justin Berres - Board Member
Justin is a 2003 graduate of Menominee High School and the current Technical Director at Majic Productions in Milwaukee, WI. During high school is where he first gained experience working as a light and sound technician at Blesch Auditorium. After high school Justin attended Full Sail University where he studied show production and touring. Justin began his career in 2005 with Royal Caribbean International as a Stage & Production Manager where was responsible for overseeing the stage and production operations for the cruise line. In 2012, he briefly left Royal Caribbean to fill in as a Light Technician at Tucan Lighting. Justin returned to Royal Caribbean until 2014 when he left to join Majic Productions. At Majic Productions, Justin is responsible for the overall technical operations of the company. Justin oversees the technical team and works closely with the production team to ensure that all shows and events are running smoothly. The Majic Production portfolio includes production support for the Super Bowl, NBA playoffs, The Bellagio in Las Vegas, and the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee.
Heather Olsen - Board Member
Heather is the owner and director of First Street Academy and a longtime choreographer and dance educator in the Menominee and Marinette area. She began dancing with Susan Bunting and FSAD and has been teaching and choreographing with the studio since the age of 16.
A Western Michigan University alumni, Heather earned a Bachelor’s degree in organizational communication while minoring in dance. There, she studied under renowned choreographers like Derrick Evans, George Faison, and Frank Chavez, performing in the Winter Concert of Dance and working as a stage manager and choreographer. Her experiences in performing arts management broadened through her work with faculty, staff, and the Dean of the College of Fine Arts.
Heather has worked with local theater groups, including UWGB-Marinette’s Theatre on the Bay, the Kiwanis Kapers show, and Menominee and Marinette Public Schools. She has also choreographed for Kimberly High School’s varsity dance team and was a guest artist at Marquette’s Blueberry Dance Festival. In 2018, she was featured in the Los Angeles-based clothing line Astra Signature’s Essentials Collection.
In addition to dance, Heather is an electronic music DJ, performing across the Midwest and internationally. She has shared the stage with acts like Shiba San, Will Clarke, and Zedd, while using her platform to advocate for body positivity, gender inclusivity, and safe, welcoming spaces in the music scene.
This Could be You!
We are seeking a few more dedicated board members to join our team! We are looking for a treasurer with a financial background, as well as another individual with social media or marketing skills.