Menominee Area Stagemagic
Imagine the Possibilities
Reaching for the Stars!
Stagemagic Goals:
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Provide high-quality theater education and performance opportunities for students in the greater Menominee, MI area.
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Foster imagination and appreciation for the performing arts in area youth.
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Develop the talents and skills of students in: acting, singing, dancing, instrumentation, set design, and stage management.
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Create a safe and supportive environment for students to express themselves creatively.
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Encourage diversity and inclusivity in production programming and casting
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Provide opportunities for students to learn from professional theatrical artists and technicians.
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Collaborate with other arts and community organizations to provide a well-rounded arts education.
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Develop and maintain a sustainable organization through fund raising and community outreach.
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 graduate of Menominee High School who has been involved in countless theatrical productions since before she could walk, Jeanette is passionate about the performing arts and has invaluable 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"
Keith Akins - Board Member
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Keith is not only a member of the Stagemagic board, but is also a board member of the River Cities Concert Association (RCCA), working tirelessly to bring a variety of musicians and artists to the area, with performances taking place at Blesch Auditorium.
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Keith is a skilled piano repair technician and the regional expert on pianos. From his website akinspianocraft.com he states "my training began before I was ten. I was tuning pianos for my father’s customers in high school. In college I worked for a major piano rebuilding center and set up my own piano rebuilding business in Marinette WI when I was 23. Since then I have learned many things from factory training, an internationally-known piano designer and from the many educational offerings of the Piano Technicians Guild as well as tuning for university music departments and concert halls and churches."
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.
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.
Jonah Zuehls - Board Member
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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 on the Children’s Theater on the Bay in the fourth grade and continued with Menominee High School’s productions up until his graduation.
When a school board 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 failed and their message was heard. Menominee Area StageMagic was then born as a vessel to produce, procure, and advocate for the local performing arts community, and Jonah is excited to see that future generations of performers will be supported by this nonprofit.
This Could be You!
We are seeking a couple of dedicated board members to join our team! Skills that would benefit our team include social media support and transcription skills.