Kate Austin–Gröen (she/her) is a director, producer, intimacy director, and actor with over 35 years of theatre experience. As a director, she has helmed productions ranging from classics to contemporary works, including The Wizard of Oz, Treasure Island, Tiny Beautiful Things, The Full Monty, and Falsettoland. She currently serves as Resident Intimacy Director at OpenStage Theatre & Company, where she has also directed and production-managed numerous shows. As an actor, Kate’s favorite roles include Nora in A Doll’s House, Part 2, Adriana in The Comedy of Errors, and Dr. Charlotte in Falsettoland. Her training spans acting, voice, dance, and aerial arts, and she developed the Observation and Re-Creation (OaR) technique to help actors embody emotion with physical specificity and sustainability. Beyond the stage, Kate has been deeply involved in community arts leadership and advocacy, committed to building theatre that is bold, inclusive, and joyfully collaborative.

JENNIFER R. BRAY is delighted to continue her journey with OpenStage. She holds a B.A. in Performing Arts with an emphasis in Acting/Directing from Iowa State University and an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Oklahoma State University. Recently, Jen appeared with OpenStage as the Congregant in The Christians and Grandma/Captain Smollet in Treasure Island. Her experience spans numerous onstage and offstage roles with theaters such as Bas Bleu Theatre, Encore! Encore!, Windsor Community Playhouse, Loveland Community Theatre, Iowa State University Theatre, Ames Community Theatre, Rapid City Community Theatre, The Black Hills Playhouse, and The Alameda Civic Light Opera Company. When not performing, Jen enjoys roller skating, cross-stitching, and spending time with her horse, chickens, and cats. She dedicates this performance to her boyfriend, Brian, for his endless love and support and for keeping the internet running during late-night rehearsals.

ANNA EPSTEIN has worked in live events for 26 years but fell in love with theater at the age of 6. She has worked concerts, weddings, inaugurations, awards, television and her favorite, live theater. Most recently she made her directorial debut with the FCCT+ Places Everyone! production of The Prom! Anna is thrilled to be joining the OpenStage team for this production!

IVAN ANDRADE wears many hats, and he wears them well! With a background spanning construction, business development and management, and a variety of artistic endeavors, he brings a unique blend of practical skills and creative flair to OpenStage. He’s been an invaluable asset behind the scenes, contributing to numerous productions. Ivan has lent his expertise as an assistant to the lead carpenters, an assistant to technical directors, and has taken on the roles of Properties designer and builder for Reefer Madness. Most recently, he’s stepped up as Lead carpenter for The Minutes, showcasing his dedication and diverse talents. When he’s not building theatrical magic, Ivan’s likely working in his own or a client’s landscape, proving his versatility and passion for bringing ideas to life.

LIBBY SHELSTAD is a Costume and Set Designer known for her creative and innovative designs for theater. Libby began designing sets and lighting for local theaters in 2000, and transitioned into costume design in 2016. After designing over a dozen sets and another dozen shows for costumes, she made the decision in 2023 to leave behind her career in health care to pursue theatrical design professionally. She is a graduate of Colorado State University, with a BA in Theater Costume Design Technology and Set Design. She was selected to Design costumes for Opera and Theater at CSU and in the Fort Collins Community, and Properties Design for CSU Theater. She currently works as a freelance designer for theaters and private clients.

DAVID GRINNELL has been continuously involved with OpenStage for the last 10 years. David originally worked in the Saint Paul/Minneapolis area, with companies such as The Great American History Theater, Cricket Theater, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, and The Guthrie Theater. For OpenStage, he has served as the Master Electrician for Moonlight and Magnolias, Unnecessary Farce, North Plan, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Avenue Q, and Men On Boats. David was the Lighting Designer for this season’s CABARET and Don’t Dress for Dinner in 2017. Since the 2015 relaunch of OpenStage etcetera, he has served as Lighting Designer and Master Electrician for their productions of The Submission, A Bright New Boise, Ultimate Beauty Bible, H2O, Ideation, The Mystery of Love and Sex, Fool For Love, Every Brilliant Thing, Tiny Beautiful Things, Cry It Out, and A Doll’s House Part 2.

VICTORIA VILLALOBOS has loved theatre since she was a child. She has worked extensively with OpenStage as a Sound Designer and Engineer, Makeup and Hair Designer and Stylist, Assistant Director, Stage Manager, Board Operator, Stagehand, and Dresser. Victoria also has worked with Fort Collins Children’s Theatre for the past 8 productions, most recently as the Makeup Designer and Stylist for The SpongeBob Musical. Next on the list, she will be designing for FCCT’s production of The Wizard of Oz in November of 2025. In addition, she has worked with companies such as Opera Fort Collins, Canyon Concert Ballet, and The Cheyenne Little Theatre Players. Victoria has been honored with two Henry Award nominations for Outstanding Sound Design with OpenStage: one for The Book of Will in 2024 and another for The 39 Steps in 2025. She received her associate degree from Front Range Community College, where she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was named to the President’s List, both for her academic achievements. Victoria wishes to thank her family and friends for all their love and support!

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, he authored 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and countless poems that continue to shape theatre and literature worldwide. His works span comedy, tragedy, and history, with beloved titles including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Macbeth. A shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later the King’s Men, Shakespeare’s plays were performed at London’s famed Globe Theatre. His keen insight into human nature and enduring influence on storytelling have secured his place as a cornerstone of Western drama. He died in 1616, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire audiences, artists, and scholars more than 400 years later.