Erin Mulder
Standing Ovation Theatre Academy is the creation of Gurnee resident, Erin Mulder. Erin has performed, directed, and choreographed for many Gurnee area venues since highschool. In additon, she was the winner of Broadway in Chicago's "Be WICKED" singing contest in 2005 for which she was featured on ABC 7 news and at the Taste of Chicago. Her training includes both on and off-camera instruction through Act One Studios in Chicago, as well as dance instruction through Lou Conte Dance Studios in Chicago, Christian Youth Theatre, and the College of Lake County. As an alumnus of Carthage College, she graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor's in Music with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. Erin also serves on the SOTA Board of Directors as Board President.
Standing Ovation Theatre Academy is the creation of Gurnee resident, Erin Mulder. Erin has performed, directed, and choreographed for many Gurnee area venues since highschool. In additon, she was the winner of Broadway in Chicago's "Be WICKED" singing contest in 2005 for which she was featured on ABC 7 news and at the Taste of Chicago. Her training includes both on and off-camera instruction through Act One Studios in Chicago, as well as dance instruction through Lou Conte Dance Studios in Chicago, Christian Youth Theatre, and the College of Lake County. As an alumnus of Carthage College, she graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor's in Music with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. Erin also serves on the SOTA Board of Directors as Board President.
Janice Zimmerman
Janice grew up doing community theatre at the Genessee Theatre in addition to performing at Zion Benton. Deciding not to go into theatre, she instead graduated with a Broadcast Journalism degree from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Following college she was a DJ for 102.3 WXLC where she also voiced some commercials. Since high school and college Janice has spent most of her theatre time serving the church. For the past year, she has directed the Parable Drama Ministry at VCG and has been writing dramas since 2006. The scripts for last two Christmas Productions, "I'll Be Delayed for Christmas" and "Forgiving Father," as well as this years upcoming production, are some of her work. Janice also serves on the SOTA Board of Directors as Secretary.
Janice grew up doing community theatre at the Genessee Theatre in addition to performing at Zion Benton. Deciding not to go into theatre, she instead graduated with a Broadcast Journalism degree from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Following college she was a DJ for 102.3 WXLC where she also voiced some commercials. Since high school and college Janice has spent most of her theatre time serving the church. For the past year, she has directed the Parable Drama Ministry at VCG and has been writing dramas since 2006. The scripts for last two Christmas Productions, "I'll Be Delayed for Christmas" and "Forgiving Father," as well as this years upcoming production, are some of her work. Janice also serves on the SOTA Board of Directors as Secretary.
Melanie Carter
Melanie holds a Master of Music Degree from the University of Illinois and has been performing and teaching voice and piano lessons since for 12 years. She has sung several recitals of art songs and has performed the leading role in many operas, light operas, and musical theatre productions. Some favorite productions include Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann (The Doll), Kiss Me Kate (Kate), and any Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta! She made her debut at Standing O in 2011 as the Music Director for Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Melanie lives in Round Lake Beach with her husband, Jason, and two children, Isaiah and Sophia.
Melanie holds a Master of Music Degree from the University of Illinois and has been performing and teaching voice and piano lessons since for 12 years. She has sung several recitals of art songs and has performed the leading role in many operas, light operas, and musical theatre productions. Some favorite productions include Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann (The Doll), Kiss Me Kate (Kate), and any Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta! She made her debut at Standing O in 2011 as the Music Director for Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Melanie lives in Round Lake Beach with her husband, Jason, and two children, Isaiah and Sophia.
Adam Mulder
Adam grew up in Racine, WI. He graduated with a degree in Sociology from University of Wisconsin Whitewater and loves to create and build things. Currently, he volunteers at SOTA on set design and construction. A gamer at heart, he can also be found slaying dragons and rescuing princesses.
Adam grew up in Racine, WI. He graduated with a degree in Sociology from University of Wisconsin Whitewater and loves to create and build things. Currently, he volunteers at SOTA on set design and construction. A gamer at heart, he can also be found slaying dragons and rescuing princesses.
Stacey Kruczek
Stacey's first production was Cinderella, as Cinderella, at age 10 and once on stage, she never looked back. She continued in theatre, even directing Annie while in high school, continuing with more productions through college and beyond. She has also taught art, set design, voice, acting and musical theatre. Her training included Guthrie Theatre, Shakespeare Workshop and she was Winona State University Vocal Scholar recipient. She holds a BA in Communications and Theatre Arts from The University of Iowa. Her dance training includes Giordano Dance Studios and Joel Hall. Some of her favorites performances include West Side Story, As You Like It, Picnic, A MidSummer Night's Dream, The Sound of Music, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Carousel, South Pacific and The Boyfriend. A mom to three amazing kids, wife to a great husband and one lovable dog named Lucy (aka Lulu) Stacey feels blessed to have such love and opportunities and is excited to share her love of theatre with others. She is thrilled to be part of the Standing Ovation Theatre Academy family and share her passion for the arts with students.
Stacey's first production was Cinderella, as Cinderella, at age 10 and once on stage, she never looked back. She continued in theatre, even directing Annie while in high school, continuing with more productions through college and beyond. She has also taught art, set design, voice, acting and musical theatre. Her training included Guthrie Theatre, Shakespeare Workshop and she was Winona State University Vocal Scholar recipient. She holds a BA in Communications and Theatre Arts from The University of Iowa. Her dance training includes Giordano Dance Studios and Joel Hall. Some of her favorites performances include West Side Story, As You Like It, Picnic, A MidSummer Night's Dream, The Sound of Music, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Carousel, South Pacific and The Boyfriend. A mom to three amazing kids, wife to a great husband and one lovable dog named Lucy (aka Lulu) Stacey feels blessed to have such love and opportunities and is excited to share her love of theatre with others. She is thrilled to be part of the Standing Ovation Theatre Academy family and share her passion for the arts with students.
Jason Carter
Jason Carter is the Pastor of Worship Ministries at Village Church of Gurnee. He currently serves on the SOTA Board and lends his talents to lighting, tech, and stage set up. Jason resides in Round Lake Beach with his wife, Melanie, and his two young children, Isaiah and Sophia.
Jason Carter is the Pastor of Worship Ministries at Village Church of Gurnee. He currently serves on the SOTA Board and lends his talents to lighting, tech, and stage set up. Jason resides in Round Lake Beach with his wife, Melanie, and his two young children, Isaiah and Sophia.