INFORMATION: (619) 670-1627
"A THEATRE EXPERIENCE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME"
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Board of Directors
Jean Isaac - Founder/Artistic Director
Jean has been working with kids and theater for nearly 25 years. After growing up in a youth theater that was a major part of her extra curricular activities, Jean felt the need to get her own children involved in theater. What started as a desire to present a school play through the PTA at her kids’ elementary school soon evolved into a regular program offering after school drama classes. Shortly thereafter, Tour Groups were formed, productions were presented, and YOUNG ACTORS’ THEATRE was born. As the students that she worked with grew up, Jean soon found that there was a need for a theater company in the community where the students could continue to participate in productions. Subsequently, a board of directors was formed and a non-profit organization was founded. Over the years, YOUNG ACTORS’ THEATRE has produced over 50 productions, and has seen hundreds of students train with us. Our philosophy at YOUNG ACTORS’ THEATRE is that every student deserves a chance to be on stage. Many of our students have gone on to pursue college degrees in theatre, and some are even working professionally! ”It is a constant source of pride when students come home from college, and tell me how much of a different Young Actors’ Theatre has made in their life.”
Jessica Reed - Board President
Jessica has worked in the mortgage industry for over 17 years. She loves to spend time with her family vacationing in Mammoth. She became involved with YAT in 2013 when she signed her son up for a camp. She resides in Fletcher Hills with her husband Aaron and 2 children, Noah and Miles. She believes that YAT instills a confidence in children that provides them with a positive life lesson which prepares them for a future full of success.
Melissa - Treasurer
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Melissa has a long history in financial positions and currently works as the CFO and Office Manager of her family owned construction business. New to the role as Treasurer, Melissa has been volunteering for YAT as the head of props for several shows. As Treasurer, Melissa is responsible for working closely with the Executive Director to set a budget and monitor financials to ensure the organization stays on track. She is working on a fundraising plan and seeking new funding sources such as grants and sponsors. She started volunteering at YAT in 2017 when her daughter performed in her first production. She credits YAT with helping her daughter gain life skills such as time management, the ability to collaborate with others, self-discipline, and leadership.​
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Audrey Gardner - Secretary
Audrey has been a supporter of the arts in general, and musical theatre in particular, ever since seeing Annie as a girl! Audrey studied English Literature at the University of London, Bloomsbury, and received her BA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. She left a career in publishing 12 years ago to raise her two lovely children. She has served on the PTA Executive Board at her children's school since 2006, and also volunteers her time with the Girl Scouts of America, AYSO and Young Actors' Theatre. Audrey is mom to two enthusiastic YAcTors, Sophia and Wyatt, each of them proud to say they've found a second home at YAT.
Whitney Deuel - Vice President
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Whitney is originally from Denver but has called San Diego home for more than twenty-five years. She has a degree in Comparative Literature, has worked in scientific publishing, online marketing, and currently creates mortgage documents for seniors taking out reverse mortgages. As Vice President of the board, she is often found assisting with many production and logistical tasks. Look for her welcoming families at auditions and callbacks, working the desk/ box office, and many other behind-the-scenes activities. She and her two daughters discovered YAT around 2012 and by mid-2016 were “all in” with one daughter working stage crew or tech for every show and the younger one performing. Whitney joined the board in 2019 with a focus on production chair responsibilities. While both of her daughters are now “retired” from YAT, Whitney remains proud to serve on the board of an organization that continues to support and cultivate the welcoming safe space she found all those years ago.
Kristina Petrea - Executive Director
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Kristina while born in New Jersey, was raised in San Diego. She is married to her wonderful husband Paul, and has 2 kids, not really "kids' anymore. She has always had a love for music and Theatre, going way back to when she was a little girl. She saw her first Broadway show, CATS when she was in the 5th grade, and has seen many more ever since. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to shows & concerts, traveling and going on adventures with her family. She found Young Actors' Theatre in March of 2015, and had no idea then how it would completely change her life. Meeting great people, seeing quality shows and watching the kids grow as they find their own way, are just some of the amazing things that she gets to partake in every day. She is truly fond of all the of students, staff, Board Members and parents who dedicate so much of their time to YAT! She loves the way YAT is a family, and that everyone can be themselves and feel welcomed.
Board of Directors
Betsy Alvarez
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Betsy and her 2 daughters found their second home at YAT. She found her love for costuming, her oldest learned that she loves performing and wants to make a career out of it, and her youngest discovered an interest in technical theatre. She loves supporting her daughters in whatever they're passionate for and is happy that YAT provided a safe space so they can do what they love. We've all made very fond memories here and amazing friends.
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Kevin Borum
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Kevin is an Insurance Claim Manager by day and a theatre dad the rest of the time. After a stint on his local PTA board, he found second home at YAT when his oldest daughter discovered a love of the stage with her first YAT show, Mary Poppins. He began volunteering to help out on sets as both of his daughters became involved with more YAT productions. Despite having no prior experience in carpentry/sets building, he enjoys the opportunity YAT has provided to develop this new skill set while using his project management and leadership skills. He is proud to contribute to an organization that provides a creative and accepting environment for local kids and young adults, and he loves supporting his daughters in whatever they're passionate about while making lasting memories along the way.
Alex Carter
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Alex Carter grew up in San Diego. When Alex’s children showed an interest in performing in plays, she jumped in with both feet! She’s been lucky enough to call YAT her neighborhood youth theater; and is grateful to have a “second home” for her children so close by. At YAT, her children have found experiences giving them a foundation in self-confidence and taking chances; being vulnerable, and reaching farther than they thought they were capable of; of being open and feeling accepted for who they are.
Jamie Keller
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Jamie Keller is a Native San Diegan and has been active with YAT since 2014. She is an Office Administrator at a CPA Firm in Scripps Ranch. She has two children. She has devoted past years to volunteering at her kid’s school and was a member of the PTA Executive Board and Co-Girl Scout Leader. Her daughter had been active in Young Actors’ Theatre since 2014 until she left for college. All it took for this shy little girl was one amazing director (Gerry) and one amazing Choreographer (Jonathan) and a great show and she was hooked! She loves being part of east county’s best youth theatre company YAT!
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Tylene Hicks
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Tylene lives in East County with her two daughters, two dogs, and one cat. She has worked in education for 26 years. She offered her sewing services three years ago and never left. She truly loves her time spent with her theater family.
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Leanne Lehn
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Leanne is a San Diego Native and has been working with SDUSD over 20 years providing administrative support. She loves seeing all her kids growing up and doing things they love. She has two daughters, Taylor and Drea. Her stepson TK along with his beautiful wife Stephanie have given her three amazing grandkids, Aiden, Tiffany and Trent. Her perfect day is when she spends it with all of her kids. Leanne and Drea have made some of their best friends at YAT and are so thankful for their YAT family.
Tammi Marshall
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Tammi is a teacher and Department Chair at Cuyamaca College. Originally from Chicago, but having lived in San Diego now over 30 years, Tammi has loved theater her whole life participating through high school and always going to shows. Tammi became involved with YAT in 2017 when she signed her daughter up for a show. She lives in Spring Valley with her husband Steve and children, Charlie and Kate. Tammi believes YAT helps build confidence and teamwork in all who participate.
Jessica Nichols
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Jessica is a San Diego native who was suckered into being a theater mom by an outgoing and adorable 8 year old with stars in her eyes. Now 6 years later she loves her YAT family and loves being in the greenroom with all of the YAT kids. Special skills include defusing drama, quick changes, and sarcasm!
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Elise Pett
A native San Diegan, Elisabeth (Elise to her friends, Lis to her family,) lived in many states as the daughter of an Army officer, before moving back to Pacific Beach. She was fortunate to be raised in a family that valued and encouraged participation in the arts, as well as STEM subjects, and spent many years studying music, dance, theatre and mathematics. After learning to sew from her talented mother, Elisabeth started crafting costumes while still in high school. She attended Grossmont College with a major in Theatre Arts, and later attended Ashford University for a degree in accounting. Since 2001, Elisabeth has been the director of a virtual private school. More recently, she launched her own virtual bookkeeping business for pet care providers. Elisabeth was introduced to YAT in 2014 by friends who thought her daughter would be interested in a youth theatre that had a welcoming family atmosphere. She believes YAT embodies both a love for the arts and community service, which Elisabeth feels are invaluable for a balanced life. Having volunteered at both Grossmont Hospital throughout high school, and for 5 years at the San Diego Natural History Museum as a marine mammal naturalist/whale watching tour guide, she strongly believes volunteerism is a vital part of life that sets a valuable example for children, and makes communities stronger. Elisabeth and her husband, Aaron,have 3 children, Richard, Astrid (YAcTor) and Jack. She is currently in charge of YAT’scostume warehouse, so if you see her wandering around the theatre, please bring her coffee.
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Emily Vossbrink
Emily Vossbrink was born in Pasadena and moved to San Diego to attend SDSU. She graduated with a degree in Biology and spent many years in the Biotech industry. For the last 15 years she has worked at Qualcomm as an Engineer. She has always been involved in dancing, singing, and theater throughout her upbringing, and now gets to experience it with her kids. She has twin nineteen year old daughters and a teenage son. Her daughters were involved in musical productions when younger, and now her son is highly involved and loves it. He has been in multiple shows and is currently in the theater group at his high school. Emily has enjoyed spending many hours making costumes, working the snack bar and just being involved in the whole theater experience.
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