BDACT Management Staff

Managing Director

David Alan Smith
920-885-6891 Ext. 2
Email David

After a two-month national search, the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre (BDACT) named David Alan Smith as the new managing director. Born and raised in Beaver Dam, Smith got his theatrical start at a young age as part of BDACT’s very first Tell-A-Tale productions. A distinguished University of Minnesota theatre alumnus, Smith’s career in community and professional theater includes working with companies in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California. 

After getting his start on the BDACT stage, Smith performed in middle and high school productions, before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts at the University of Minnesota. There he was nominated for the Irene Ryan National Acting Award and was named to the Alumni of Notable Achievement program. His professional experience includes serving as a member of the senior staff at the Palmdale Playhouse, and President of the Board of Directors for Cedar Street Theatre in Lancaster, California.  Smith’s credits include teaching, marketing, stage management, stage tech, fundraising, public speaking, and many hours volunteering for community causes.

Bookkeeper

Karen Pearson
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BDACT Board of Directors

President

Emily Shier
920-219-2223
Email Emily

Emily Shier works as a Realtor in the local community and is extremely active in our community’s service organizations. In addition to serving as the BDACT Board President, she volunteers with Dodge County Human Services as a foster parent champion. She also is a long-time adult leader with Scout Troop 724, coordinates Gracie’s Closet, a mission of Grace Presbyterian Church for free clothing, and is on the committee to sustain the Beaver Dam Veteran Honor Walk.

Emily found her way to BDACT when she was cast in “Annie” along with one of her children. She was so impressed she decided to continue contributing in a meaningful way behind the scenes. Her favorite accomplishment on the board thus far has been supporting the community-painted murals of Nancy Zieman and Lois Ehlert, two world-renowned female artists whom she was moved to honor.

Vice President

Kevin Carnine
920-382-4719
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Short bio would go here

Secretary

Michael Derr
920-210-6525
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Mike Derr and his wife Lisa have called Beaver Dam home for the past 33 years. Lisa and their three sons – Nick, Alex, and PJ – all performed in numerous productions at BDACT over the years. Mike has served on the BDACT Board of Directors since February 2018, including as Board president for two years and vice president for one. During his tenure, he served as an active member of the Finance, Show Selection, and Personnel committees during his tenure. Mike has worked in grant writing and grant administration for the past 29 years and is currently the Treatment Alternatives and Diversion Programs grant specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Mike’s hobbies include hiking and camping, traveling, reading, and history.

Treasurer

Chris Connaughty
920-296-6348
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A lifelong resident of Beaver Dam, Chris became involved with the theatre through his daughter’s love of performing. He noted he hasn’t been on stage since grade school and plans to remain strictly behind the scenes these days.

Chris enjoys volunteering and is involved in many community organizations. He feels that BDACT is such a great community asset that we can all be proud of and thankful for. Chris is personally grateful to be able to help the organization that has given so many wonderful opportunities to my daughter.

Member at Large

Bev Anderson
920-296-1427
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During Bev Anderson’s 25-year career in real estate, she has been a successful entrepreneur operating her own real estate firm. During her career, she also lent her expertise to many committees and boards in the regional housing and real estate marketing industry. In addition, Bev has held leadership positions with Habitat for Humanity, First Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Dodge County Racing Association, and the Badger Auto Club. In retirement, she volunteers at The Watermark and especially enjoys interacting with people. Bev and her husband have been married 49 years. They have one son and two beautiful teenage granddaughters.

Member at Large

Larry Bartruff
920-342-6837
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Larry Bartruff and his wife Lori grew up in Iowa but consider Beaver Dam home after living here for 32 years. Larry’s appreciation for the theater began at a young age, participating in stage productions from grade school through college years. Currently, he serves as the Client HR Service Consultant at Richards Benefits and Financial Services in Beaver Dam. Before joining Richards this past summer, Larry retired as general manager with Rhodes Bake N Serv in Columbus. He previously held HR positions at Kirsh Foundry and Vintage Parts in Beaver Dam. Larry served on the Board of Church Health Services and Prairie Ridge Health. He is also a member of Trinity Church – United Methodist. Larry is the father of Alison and Erika and grandfather to Brooks, Lily, Karson, and Easton.

Member at Large

Sandy Heiar
920-210-9323
Email Sandy

Through her business Heiar Insurance Services and Estate Planning, LLC., Sandy Heiar, helped countless community members and area residents with retirement planning and insurance services since 1999. She values doing business with integrity and creating lasting relationships with clients. Sandy seeks a solid understanding of clients’ needs and desires to create a plan specifically designed for them. Among her beliefs are the old-fashioned work ethic, family values, and giving back to the community. Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, Sandy and her husband have lived in Beaver Dam for 38 years and raised four children here. After college, they have all returned and are raising their children in Beaver Dam.

Member at Large

Dan Landsness
608-235-0678
Email Dan

Dan is a Radiographer for the Concentra Medical Center in Madison. He has an improv background with ComedySportz, and is currently an actor/improviser with Dinner Detective. He grew up in the Mcfarland and Madison areas but was born in Beaver Dam. Dan is a writer and produces a monthly podcast called The Dam Beaver Podcast.  Stage performing is Dan’s passion, but being a board member has instilled a new appreciation for the business side of the theater.

Member at Large

Mark Lefeber
920-960-9721
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Short bio here

Member at Large

Kristie Lunde
920-296-4555
Email Kristie

Short bio here

Member at Large

Thea O’Connor
920-821-3673
Email Thea

Short bio here

Member at Large

Chelsey Seippel
415-430-8943
Email Chelsey

Chelsey Seippel currently serves as the Executive Director of The Seippel Center for Music and the Arts and manages The Peter J. Seippel Foundation. She is well-versed in the operation of nonprofit and community organizations. Chelsey earned a doctorate in psychology but has an extensive background in music and theatre. A thespian at Wayland Academy, she has gone on to have written, directed, and starred in musicals and dramas around the world. Upon returning to Beaver Dam, Chelsey has expressed her enthusiasm about becoming more involved with the community.

Member at Large

Jen Steiner
920-382-4408
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As a resident since childhood, Jen is happy to now be raising her own family in Beaver Dam alongside her husband Andy Steiner. Their two children, Destiny and Jackson, adore theatre, one passionate about being on stage, while the other takes her role as her brother’s biggest fan very seriously.

Jen is happy to be able to give back to local organizations that bring life to our community, with a special fondness for BDACT. Upon the need for a career hiatus to meet family caregiving needs, Jen feels blessed to find time to volunteer where she can. When not found helping behind the scenes, Jen is a nature lover, avid gardener, adventurous cook, and cat lover.