Premier Arts inspires the imagination and develops the creative spirit of our community. Its focus is on youth, family, and lifelong learning. Premier Arts, the resident theatre company of The Lerner Theatre, is comprised of professional staff guided by engaged community leaders serving as the board of Directors.

Premier Arts, based in Elkhart, Indiana, is a recognized regional leader in providing diverse, professional performing arts education and entertainment. Premier Arts instills civic pride, confidence and character building for everyone engaged in its success. The region supports Premier Arts through attendance, contribution and volunteerism.

Premier Arts is a reflection of Elkhart’s diverse Community. Our Program is committed to providing:

  • A fun and safe environment
  • Lifelong performing arts education, programming, and opportunities for the purpose of expressing diverse creative talents & interests
  • Professional entertainment & customer service that exceeds expectations
  • Artistic excellence and leadership in developing the total theatre experience in the downtown Elkhart Arts & Entertainment district

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Craig Gibson

Craig Gibson

Executive Artistic Director

Ashlea Harrington

Ashlea Harrington

Director of Education

Tanner Smale

Tanner Smale

Director of Marketing & Communications

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Paul Hanft

Paul Hanft

Advertising Specialist

Stephanie Krol

Stephanie Krol

Public Relations Specialist

CREATIVE TEAM

Craig Gibson

Craig Gibson

Director

Ashlea Harrington

Ashlea Harrington

Vocal Director

Andrew Kreider

Andrew Kreider

Lighting Design

Tanner Smale

Tanner Smale

Scenic Painter

Sarah Robinson

Sarah Robinson

Choreographer

Quinci Julian

Quinci Julian

Choreographer

Cody Smith

Cody Smith

Choreographer

Dean Tuggle

Dean Tuggle

Theatrical Technician

Ryan Smaka

Ryan Smaka

Stage Manager

Matthew Pippenger

Matthew Pippenger

Stage Manager

Derek Stanford

Derek Stanford

Stage Manager

Deb Julian

Deb Julian

Company Manager

Mindy Steele

Mindy Steele

Company Manager

Abbie Thompson

Abbie Thompson

Company Manager

Karen Hiatt

Karen Hiatt

Company Manager

Kim Trowbridge

Kim Trowbridge

Child Care Coordinator

Ruth Ann Ashton

Ruth Ann Ashton

Sewing Team

Valerie Corson

Valerie Corson

Sewing Team

Susan Ott

Susan Ott

Sewing Team

Board of Directors

Elizabeth Bond

Lindsay Banks Borden

Jeannelle Brady

B.J. Jellison

Alexis Martin Klose

Katie McCormick

Kristin Mereness

Beth North

JJ Osterloo Bond

Lisa Gilkey Schoetzow

Patty Sullivan

Alice A. Martin*

*Denotes Emeritus Member