Musical Theatre of Anthem
is a non-profit, 501(c)(3)
organization that was founded
in 2008 by Jackie and Jeff
Hammond.
The mission
of Musical Theatre of
Anthem (MTA) is to develop
youth and adults within
the field of performing
arts while enhancing their
intrinsic creativity and
brokering their vast talents.
MTA trains and educates
youth so they can become
the artists, patrons,
and leaders of tomorrow
while providing opportunities
to adults to empower them
and foster their creativity.
Some of our principles
include casting all who
audition in select productions,
presenting high quality
shows that everyone can
enjoy, and providing a
positive environment where
performers can practice
teamwork and communication
skills while experiencing
the pride of accomplishment.
The vision for MTA first
came together when Jackie
and Jeff worked on Pinocchio
where Jackie was the Director
and Jeff designed and created
the sets. Since then,
they have decided to bring
together their strengths
in theater and business
in order to provide a
first-rate theatre experience
in Anthem.
Here’s what performers of all ages have to say about MTA:
"Joining MTA has been one of the best choices I have ever made! I have been able to try so many new things and learn so much from so many great people. We work hard and have so much fun! The friends I have made are amazing and I hope we will all be on Broadway together someday! Thanks MTA!!" - Maddie Lopez
"I have only been at MTA for one year and I’ve already learned so much! The producer/director, Ms. Jackie, only hires the best people to create the shows and they all work really hard to make sure everyone gets a moment to shine. MTA is a big home where everyone works together and the end result is always fantastic! I never want to go anywhere else." - Anya Rogers
"When I first started with MTA, I didn't know how to act or dance. MTA taught me to be confident, smile and to "strut your stuff". After only a few rehearsals, I improved, a lot! I have learned the basics of theatre, made so many friends and have so much fun! Thank you so much to all the directors, choreographers, and volunteers of MTA." - Madeline Wessel
"I am so happy to have found MTA. I know I am loved, taught, safe, and assured much fun when I'm at rehearsals! I feel that everyone involved in the productions are one big family! The friendly environment makes me feel comfortable to be myself, so I never hold back. I know that the directors are there to help me grow as a performer and want to see me shine! The amazing opportunities I have been given make me want to be a part of every show in the future! All of the extraordinary directors bring something new to each show making sure that every performer has a memorable experience. MTA helped me find my passion in life- Performing. Thanks MTA for helping me become the person I am today!" - Kailyn Toussaint
"I love MTA so much. I’ve had so much fun in the 5 shows I’ve done and I’ve made so many friends! All of the directors are so nice. I am so happy I started MTA. It’s so great. The dancing is so fun and I love the singing! I can’t wait for all the other shows I’m going to do!" - Julia Toussaint
"At MTA it isn't just a community theatre, it is an experience of a lifetime that you will never forget." - Samantha Pear
"MTA has been one of the great highlights of our daughter's life. She has grown as a person and a performer in these past few years. Being surrounded by such positive and deep caring people have made a tremendous impact on her character. She is motivated to push herself to new levels due to the inspiration she receives. The children involved are magnetic and the talented and professional direction is impressive. MTA is one of the very best gifts in a child's life." - Karrie and Dane Schalk
"I am so happy to have found MTA. Everyone makes me feel like I am special. I have learned that there are no small parts, only small actors. I love performing up on stage and MTA has given me the experience to do that. I look forward to participate in more shows!!" - Payton Chadwick
"Since joining MTA, I've become more confident and made so many friends. It's such a great experience. We work so hard and the reward is, the shows are amazing! I love working with the amazing directors and choreographers, I've learned so much from them. Everyone is so friendly and I feel like we're all one big family! I wouldn't change one thing about my experience. I look forward to performing in every MTA show in the future! :)" - Kailyn Toussaint
"Jackie's stellar artistic direction has developed our 11 year old daughter into an emerging singer and actress. Most importantly, she truly cares about everyone in MTA where all players are special.” – Lyle Kishbaugh
“MTA is such a great way to learn more about theatre and performing with people who are fun to be around. Every show I have been involved in there has been such a great experience for me! The shows are high quality and the directors that are brought in always bring something new and interesting to the theatrical experience as a whole.” – Zac Coffey
“My sister and I love MTA. The people and directors are so much fun to work with! Jackie Hammond and Rachael are the best! We will continue to perform and work with MTA as long as we can.” - Alyssa and Madison Peters
“I had a great experience with my performance and the rehearsals at MTA's inaugural performance in September. I learned a lot about stage performing and acting and how it all comes together. I enjoyed all of my fellow performers and working with the directors. I would say to anyone, please consider MTA as one of the most if not the most professional Musical Theatre Company in which to act and sing in the entire State of Arizona.” – Martha Kohler
“From doing the MTA summer camp, I really had a great experience and a good time. Jackie Hammond put together a really great show just in two weeks! I also learned about a lot of different types of Broadway Music and a bit of sight singing. I used to really struggle with choreography but MTA really helped me with it and answered my questions. I can not wait to audition for future performances to learn and help me with my voice and choreography.” – Olivia Freeman
"Moving to Arizona was a very exciting time for our family. The most challenging task was finding a new theatre home for our 10 year old daughter. We feel so blessed to have found MTA, where she has been able to continue her passion for theatre under the direction of extremely talented directors, Jackie Hammond and Rachael Killeen. The warm and welcoming environment at MTA instantly made her feel at home and we look forward to enjoying many wonderful productions at MTA in the years to come." – Teresa Long
“I have loved being involved in MTA's shows. It has been a great experience and I have learned a lot.” – Taylor Ellsworth
“MTA has offered me the opportunity to reconnect with the stage and with people from all walks of life. It brings children and adults together to appreciate, create, and grow in one of the most unique forms of art. I have seen myself, and all of those involved in the shows, grow in this craft. When we have such a wonderful environment to work in, it makes me want to put my whole heart into what we are creating and that’s what MTA does. I have loved working with all the talented performers involved in MTA as well as the support from the directors and Mrs. Jackie Hammond. The Musical Theatre of Anthem is truly an organization dedicated to bringing the arts and the community together.” – Sarah Brayer

has been teaching music
and theatre for over fifteen
years. She graduated with
honors from San Jose State
University where she majored
in Creative Arts and minored
in Musical Theatre. Jackie
is a graduate of the American
Musical Theater Artists’
Institute where she rigorously
trained in voice, dance,
and acting, as well as
Shakespeare, improvisation,
and stage combat. She
also spent a summer studying
opera with the chairman
of the music department
from Manhattan School
of Music in New York City.
Jackie has extensive
experience in the performing
arts and professional
theatre where she has
played leading roles in
many musical productions,
and has also received
a Zoni-nomination for
her portrayal of Cinderella
in Into the Woods. Other
favorite roles have included
Gino/Harpo Marx (Day in
Hollywood/Night in the
Ukraine), Lily and Miss
Hannigan (Annie), Cathy
(Last Five Years), and
the Witch (Into the Woods).
Jackie has worked with
all ages in theatrical
performances from age
five through adult. She
composed original arrangements
of many musical theater
songs for San Jose State
University’s Touring
Group, “Company
One” where in her
college years, she performed
with them, as well.
Jackie has vocal directed,
directed, and choreographed
for many theatres in California
and Arizona, including
one of the nation's largest
youth theaters in San Jose.
Directing and performing
experience includes well
over fifty shows to her
credit with prestigious
theaters such as American
Musical Theatre of San
Jose (Equity Theater,
over 2600 seat house),
Cabrillo Stage, Foothill
Music Theatre, This Side
of the Hill Players, Second
Stage West, University
Theater, Desert Foothills
Theater, Theaterworks,
West Bay Opera, Children’s
Musical Theatre of San
Jose, Young People’s
Theater, and iTheatre
Collaborative and Arizona
Broadway Theater performing
in Jeff Kennedy’s
Christmas Cabaret.
Some of her favorite
directed productions have
been Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat
and Annie, both in California
and Once on this Island
and Pinocchio here in
Arizona. Jackie has also
taught numerous workshops
with some of the previously
mentioned theaters.
Jackie has held many
titles including Miss
Santa Clara County and
was third runner-up in
Miss California State.
She has participated in
and judged countless California
state scholarship and
talent competitions. Her
original music can be
found at http://www.jackiestewart.net.
In addition to being involved
with theater, Jackie has
been a classroom teacher
and Reading Specialist.
Jackie has also taught
music in schools for many
years. Currently, she
is the Performing Arts
Director for the prestigious
Caepe
School here in Anthem.
She teaches private voice
lessons, and her students
perform professionally
at local theatres. In
addition to Jackie’s
musical talents, she is
married to her husband,
Jeff, and they have twin
children. It has always
been Jackie’s dream
to open her own theater
and she thanks everyone
for their wonderful support.

brings with him extensive
business education and
years of work experience.
He has been working in
the business and technology
fields for the past 10+
years and is currently
working in the Technologies department
of a Fortune 500 financial
services company. Jeff
has a MBA in Technology
Management from the University
of Colorado and a Bachelor's
Degree in Entrepreneurial
Management from San Francisco
State University where
he graduated with honors.
He also completed a semester
of study at the International
Arnhem Business School
in the Netherlands.
In addition to working
for a large corporation
for the past 5+ years,
Jeff has many years of
experience working for
small, start-up companies
in a variety of roles
including Marketing Manager,
Quality Assurance Manager,
Office Manager, and Assistant
Head Instructor at a martial
arts school. He has also
been running his own web
design company for the
past 5 years.
was Vice President, Human Resources and Executive Committee member for Richemont's billion dollar Western Hemisphere warehousing, retailing and manufacturing operations embracing upscale brands including Cartier, Mont Blanc, Baume & Mercier, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin and Dunhill.
Prior to Richemont he was head of human resources for Cendant and Moore McCormack Resources, both Fortune 500 companies.
His senior level experience covers the Americas and international activities in all management areas such as employee and labor relations, benefits, leadership, business objectives strategies, compensation, staffing, training and development.
A contributing author, editor and presenter, he has served on the Boards of Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, Stony Brae (for profit), ElderHouse (adult day care) and presided over numerous professional societies.
Mr. Kishbaugh holds a BS in business from the University of Connecticut and has taught at the graduate level. Semi-retired, he participates in several school associations, numerous church committees and a lay ministry. He attempts to break 100 in golf and resides in Anthem with his wife and daughter.
graduated
from Villanova University
in Villanova, Pennsylvania
in the early 1990s. Tamara
received her Bachelors
Degree in Liberal Arts.
The Lees have three children
and Anthem has been their
home for the last 6 years.
Since graduating from
Villanova, while working
as a teacher, Tamara went
on to receive her Masters
in Education (M.Ed.) at
Cabrini University, and
her Reading Specialist
Endorsement at the University
of Phoenix and she also
has her Early Childhood
endorsement. Tamara now
has 15 years experience
in Education. Tamara currently
serves as the director
of the caepe
preschool and the
head of The
Caepe School.
Tamara and her family
are invested in the Anthem
community. She embraces
her role as a leader for
our youth. She is also
a leader in the field
of education. Tamara has
developed and executed
a variety of trainings
and workshops for both
teachers at the school
level, as well as the
district level and parents.
Tamara also received the
Pride award in 2006 presents
by the Deer Valley Unified
School District, here
in Arizona.
Together, with her husband
Darren, the Lees have
cast their vision of serving
children and adolescents
by combining their interests,
talents, education, and
training and forming the
caepe, and then The Caepe
School. Tamara is honored
to serve on the Board
of Musical Theatre of
Anthem. She welcomes this
role in a continued effort
to serve in her home community.
is a Product
Administration Manager
who brings 14+ years of
diverse business experience
working for a leading
innovator in the development
and manufacturing of high
performance, energy-saving
films and glass products.
She has worked within
and managed most aspects
of the business from procurement,
planning, inventory, sales,
sales operations and now
complete product management
for the day to day operations
of the business unit through
to accountability for
the P & L on a $15M
product line (annual gross
sales).
Although she is based
right here in Anthem,
her corporate office is
in Northern California,
her manufacturing plant
is located in Germany
and her customer is based
out of Singapore with
a strong presence in over
27 countries worldwide.
Her ability to support
all aspects of the business,
maintain strong relationships
with people from all over
the world along with her
keen attention to detail
have made her a valuable
team member within her
company. Her educational
background is in Computer
Information Systems and
Business/Communications.
Stacey is a devoted wife
to her husband of over
14 years and a loving
mother of two.
is a stay
at home mom in Peoria
where she resides with
her wonderful husband
Jay and their two amazing
children. Jay's company,
Inhouse Assist, brought
their family to Arizona
from Texas almost 2 years
ago when he and his partners
decided to relocate the
company's headquarters
to Glendale.
Before they had children,
Teresa worked for Southwest
Airlines. She began her
career as a flight attendant
and later joined Inflight
Recruiting where she aided
perspective flight attendants
through the hiring process.
Although she enjoyed working
for such a great company,
she feels fortunate to
now have the flexibility
to do the things she is
passionate about including
raising her children as
well as volunteering in
many different capacities.
Teresa volunteers at her
children's school where
she enjoys working with
small literacy groups.
She has also taught Junior
Achievement Lessons for
1st and 2nd grades and
organized talent shows
for K-5th grade. Additionally,
she has been involved
with fund raising and
raising awareness for
children with Cystic Fibrosis.
Through Great Strides,
a branch of The Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation, she
aided her friend (mother
of twin children with
CF) in organizing an annual
walk in Grapevine, Texas
where she was instrumental
in assisting the chapter's
growth from $12,000 the
first year to over $150,000
by the fifth year. Her
main functions included
organizing silent auctions
and sending press releases
landing television spots
as well as many featured
articles in local periodicals.
Through her daughter's
love for theatre, she
became involved with working
on costumes and props
and enjoys that with each
production in which they
are involved. She is thrilled
to have found MTA where
her daughter has been
involved since it's inception
and her son makes an occasional
appearance as well. She
is honored to become a
member of the board and
looks forward to aiding
in the growth and success
of such a fabulous organization.
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