STAFF

Vicki Richards is Executive Artistic Director of Paradise Theatre. Vicki is a graduate of AADA in Los Angeles, CA and a member of the Screen Actors Guild. Professional credits include Josie in George M. Cohan starring Ken Berry, Scrooge staring Robert Merrill and John Carradine, Grease 2 starring Michelle Pfeiffer and various dance videos for HBO. Vicki enjoys directing and teaching acting, music and dance classes and has been providing performance opportunities for young theatre artists in Gig Harbor for many years. She and her husband began theatre camps for youth after discovering a love for the arts through a similar experience.

Jeff Richards is CEO of Paradise Theatre. He received his Masters Degree in Theatre and Directing from San Jose State University. A native New Yorker, Jeff has been directing, acting, and designing for more than 35 years including performing off-Broadway and founding two theatre companies - one of which is an equity-waiver theatre in Los Angeles. Jeff’s award winning playwriting skills have been recognized in Canada as well as the United States. Jeff’s love for teaching the arts has taken him to Gavalin College, Lighthouse Christian School, PATCH Theatre Company, Guatemala, Sunset Studio West, and Paradise Theatre. Jeff along with his wife has led kids theatre camps in the Gig Harbor area for the past 16 years.

Vicki Knickerbocker received her B.A. in Vocal Music and Education from Pacific Lutheran University. She has worked as choral director and general music teacher in the Central Kitsap School District and Lighthouse Christian School. She is currently the vocal instructor at Paradise Theatre. Vicki is a member of Gig Harbor's chapter of the Washington Music Teachers Association and of the National Music Educators Association. Working with children of all ages in the performing arts has always been a passion for Vicki. She has continued to pursue opportunities to encourage the development of their skills and abilities and enable them to experience the joy of singing and performing in both solo and group settings.

Emily Rollie received her Master's degree in Theatre from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. At Central, Emily worked extensively as a director and instructor, teaching introductory theatre, film, and acting courses as well as directing shows such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Charlotte's Web. Now living and working in the Tacoma area, Emily works with Tacoma Actors Guild as a lead instructor and director for TAG’s youth theatre classes and STAR Camps, directing productions such as the 2006 Peter Pan. She also teaches acting classes for Tacoma Community College’s Enrichment Programs. Prior to relocating to Washington, Emily was a middle/high school drama and English teacher in Minnesota. She also acted in several Minneapolis-St. Paul area productions such as The Laramie Project, James and the Giant Peach, and an adaptation of The House of Bernarda Alba.