Meet the Team

  • Elizabeth Allum

    Executive Director

    (She/her)

    Elizabeth graduated from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, the prestigious institution founded by Sir Paul McCartney. With over 15 years experience working internationally in performing arts and arts education as a performer, director, teaching artist and project manager, Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience to BPA. She believes that theatre arts can be a powerful tool to enrich lives and connect communities, and is committed to building a brave and inclusive space for creative exploration.

  • Chelsea Allen

    Front of House Manager

    (She/her)

    Embracing the art of hospitality with over 20 years in event management, Chelsea is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for everyone she encounters. Fueled by her love for the performing arts and building lasting connections with our audience, she finds inspiration in this exciting role. Thrilled to contribute to BPA, Chelsea strives to bring a sense of warmth and a welcoming touch to every theater visit. Feel free to drop by and say 'hello' if you haven't had the chance to meet her yet!

  • Amanda Yeoman Brooke

    Theatre School Coordinator

    (She/her)

    After graduating with a B.A. in Acting from UW in 2011, Amanda continued to act in various films and theatre. Over the last decade, she also has been committed to ongoing training in the arts, and discovered her passion for directing. She started teaching in 2015 with a deep love to bring forth diverse and authentic creativity in students. She joined BPA as a teacher in 2018, and is overjoyed to continue now as the Theatre School Coordinator.

  • Ryan Dakota Farris

    Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra Music Director

    (He/him)

    Ryan Dakota Farris is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and in-demand conductors in the Pacific Northwest. Highlights from this past season include guest conducting appearances with the Bainbridge Symphony and Octava Chamber Orchestra, plus his recent appointment as assistant conductor of the Lake Union Civic Orchestra. Ryan is currently pursuing his doctorate in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Washington where he serves as conductor of the Campus Philharmonia and assistant conductor of the University of Washington Symphony. In recent years he has worked as cover conductor for professional orchestras across the country, including the Auburn Symphony in Washington state and the Boulder Philharmonic in Colorado. He has also served as an assistant conductor for Colorado MahlerFest and Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras, and as a sectional conductor for Seattle’s Harmonia Orchestra & Chorus.

  • Deirdre Hadlock

    Production Manager

    (She/her)

    Before joining the BPA team and the Bainbridge community Deirdre grew up in Seattle and participated in the thriving theatre scene there, graduating from Cornish College of the Arts’ Performance Production program.

    As well as stage managing for a variety of professional and non-professional theaters, venues and traveling troupes, she has designed sets, props, projections and costumes and although she has the utmost respect for actors, has never and will never be onstage!

    Now entering her 22nd season with BPA, she feels so fortunate to be working in a community that truly values and supports the arts. Producing BPA's Mainstage shows continues to be an inspiring and challenging job that gives her the opportunity to bring together and work with some of the most extraordinary theatre artists in this region. She takes enormous pride in BPA's stellar reputation for excellent productions and providing a supportive and nurturing experience for everyone we work with.

  • Eliza Lane

    Assistant Production Manager

    (She/her)

    Eliza Lane brings a wealth of experience and creativity to BPA. With a background in theater production and a passion for the arts, she ensures every performance runs smoothly. Eliza’s dedication and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of our team.

    When she’s not behind the scenes, Eliza enjoys exploring new theatrical techniques and collaborating with local artists to bring fresh ideas to the stage. Her commitment to excellence and innovative spirit continues to enhance BPA’s productions.

  • Matt Longmire

    Communications & Development Coordinator

    (He/him)

    Matt Longmire is thrilled to be a part of the BPA family after many years of friendship since moving to Bainbridge Island in 2010. With a background in film, marketing, management, and even acting (Graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York class of 2004), he hopes to bring his experience into this new role. on stage someday.

  • Siobhan Maguire

    Finance Manager

    (She/her)

    Born and raised in Dublin, Siobhan attended Trinity College studying Theatre and Production Management. She has been a professional Theatre Practitioner for over twenty years, and has a wealth of experience as a producer and venue manager. Siobhan is delighted to have found a home at BPA where art flourishes and community thrives.

  • Christen Muir

    Operations Director

    (She/her)

    Christen brings over 20 years of experience in Office Management, Executive Administration and Customer Experience to her role at BPA. She is a professional actor and voice over artist, a former teaching artist at BPA Theatre School, and has performed, co-produced and co-created theatre around the US. Her lifelong dedication to the performing arts brings a passion and understanding to the Operations Director role and a deep connection to the mission of BPA.

  • David Tier

    Technical Director

    (He/him)

    David comes to BPA after having lived and worked in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years. Since receiving his BA in Technical Theatre from San Francisco State University he worked in a variety of capacities for companies throughout the region. Most recently he served as Operations Manager for Holzmueller Productions, the west coast’s oldest theatrical services organization.

  • Kathleen Thorne

    Outreach Coordinator

    (She/her)

    Kathleen began hanging around BPA in the early 1990’s when her two sons were hit with the theatre bug. Eventually, BPA offered her a couple of roles that no one else seemed to want - grant writing, donation records, archives, and poster distribution – that, along with the occasional dramaturg gig, she has combined into “Community Outreach Coordinator.” A 2009 Island Treasure in the Humanities, she also coordinates Library U programs for the Bainbridge Public Library and volunteers for several other island nonprofits. You will never see her on the BPA stage!