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
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Craig Gibson
Exec. Artistic Director
Zak Harrington
Technical Director
Ashlea Harrington
Director of Education
Melissa Harty
Costume Coordinator
Tanner Smale
Social Media Coordinator
CREATIVE TEAM
Craig Gibson
Director
Zak Harrington
Technical Director
Michael Rand
Vocal Director
Ashlea Harrington
Vocal Director
Jessica Dubois
Choreographer
Lathaniel Heisey
Choreographer
Quinci Julian
Choreographer
Andrew Kreider
Light Technician
Liesl Bell
Vocal Director
Ryan Smaka
Stage Manager
Kris Seymore
Stage Manager
Jennifer Gregory
Stage Manager
Abbie Thompson
Company Manager, Child Care Coordinator
Chris Trowbridge
Company Manager
Tanner Smale
Scenic Painter
Dean Tuggle
Theatrical Technician
Kevin Mayer
Theatrical Technician
Melissa Harty
Costume Coordinator
Shane Davisson
Lead Seamstress
Tom Bidigare
Stage Manager
Kim Trowbridge
Child Care Coordinator
Matthew Pippenger
Theatrical Technician
Joe Iavagnilio
Theatrical Technician
Stephanie Krol
Public Relations Director
Paul Hanft
Advertising Specialist
Jake Seymore
Media Assistant
Valerie Corson
Sewing Team
Annie Mohr
Sewing Team
Susan Ott
Sewing Team
Jan Bechtel
Sewing Team
John Twichell
Sewing Team
Ruth Ann Ashton
Sewing Team
Board of Directors
Elizabeth Bond
Lindsay Banks Borden
Elizabeth Naquin Borger*
Jeannelle Brady
Patty Brotherson
B.J. Jellison
Alexis Martin Klose
*Denotes Emeritus Member
Katie McCormick
Kristin Mereness
Beth North
JJ Osterloo Bond
Lisa Gilkey Schoetzow
Patty Sullivan
Alice A. Martin*
In The Community
Premier Arts is proud to support those who support us!
Precision Fencing, Decking, & More
Scott Hammontree, Cressy & Everett
Steve Eldridge Century 21 Affiliated
The Gurley Leep Automotive Family
The Rex and Alice A. Martin Foundation