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.

Production & Volunteer Coordinator
Kim Doyle
920-885-6891 Ext. 3
Email Kim

Bookkeeper
Karen Pearson
Email Karen
Marketing Team
Emily Schroeder Orvik – Marketing Coordinator
Laura Congdon – Graphic Designer
Jena Berg – Editor
Volunteer Ticket Coordinator
Kristie Lunde
Volunteer Patron Chairs
Scott Eberle – Coordinator
Jen Steiner
Volunteer Box Office Administrators
Mary Kahler
Ellen Sushak
Volunteer Building Team
Kim Doyle – Coordinator
Scott Eberle – Coordinator
Patrick Lutz
Phil Miller
Ricardo Ramirez
Matt VonRuden
Volunteer Costume Team
Deanna Disch – Coordinator
Jeanne Quincey – Coordinator
Laural Connolly
Mary Kahler
Lois Levenhagen
Sandy Muenchow
Volunteer Props Team
Harv Woebbeking – Coordinator
Carla Woebbeking – Coordinator
Ann Taurick
Roni Harper
Volunteer Tech Team
Scott Eberle – Coordinator
Kim Doyle – Coordinator
James Steffen
Volunteer Makeup Coordinator
Kristie Lunde
Volunteer Playbill Team
Laura Congdon – Graphic Designer
Elissa Ewert – Coordinator
Chris Frinak – Coordinator/Editor
Selection Committee
David Alan Smith – Coordinator
Kim Doyle
Mike Derr
Scott Eberle
Mary Kahler
Annette Kamps
Dan Landsness
Jessica Lefeber
Judy Pearce
Emily Shier
Ron Wilkie
Tell-A-Tale Committee
Elisha Barudin – Coordinator
Judy Pearce – Coordinator
Kaye Armstrong
Becky Kikkert
Jen Steiner
David Alan Smith
Beth Ratajzcak
Sara Connaughty
Kelly Kuenzi
Mark Lefeber
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.


Secretary
Michael Derr
920-210-6525
Email Michael
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
Email Chris
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
Email Bev
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
Email Larry
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
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
Email Jen
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.
