theatre staff
Gavin Coffing (director) founded the Willow Glen Children's Theatre over 19 years ago. His many years of dedication and passion for theatre have been the cornerstone of this program. In 2004 Gavin retired from his position at the City of San Jose Recreation Department in order to devote more of his time to the WGCT. He is the resident director of the program and has authored dozens of original plays for WGCT performances. A true patriot of the arts, he has been recognized by the City of San Jose and former Mayor Ron Gonzales as an important figure in children's theatre.
2 Julia Weiland - In 1991, at age 9, Julia was cast in the WGCT production of Rapunzel and it changed her life forever. "This is where I made lifetime friends, well, actually, it's really more of a second family. I think the thing that makes the WGCT so unique is the caring and supportive community. This is a children's theatre, and, yes, it's about theatre, but first it's about children." Julia joined the staff of the WGCT in 1997. After graduating from Presentation High School in 1999, Julia attended U.C. Berkeley with a double major in History and Rhetoric. Julia spent two years working for the Franklin-McKinley School District in San Jose as an A.B.A. Therapist for autistic children before starting law school in the fall of 2006. Julia is currently a student at Stanford Law, with an expected J.D. in 2010. Despite other jobs and school, Julia always finds time on Saturday mornings for Theatre Connection. "Sometimes when I tell people about the WGCT, they ask, 'how do you find the time?' And I wonder, how could I not?"
3 Amy Shackelford had her first experience with the WGCT when she was ten years old, and fell in love with it. Her two biggest passions in life, theatre and working with kids, have kept her around for almost 16 years. She can't imagine life without this program, and she encourages anyone who has the opportunity to give it a try.
4 Hans Cardenas has always carried a passion for theatre and music. After graduating from Archbishop Mitty High School, he went to Chicago to pursue a bachelor's of music degree in composition from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. He is a firm believer that music and theatre go hand-in-hand, and that everybody has the potential to sing, act and play.
5 Jyoti Kehl started with the WGCT when she was a timid, soft-spoken child of 8. After eleven years, the timid, soft-spoken part has completely disappeared. As soon as she was legally old enough to get a job, Jyoti joined the WGCT staff and has been working there ever since. She is planning a career in politics, and she is currently studying International Relations at UC Santa Barbara, but will be coming back often for surprise visits.
6 Jordan Collier has been involved as a participant and staff member for about 9 years. A recent high school graduate, Jordan is staying local to continue her support to the WGCT. She is regularly found on our stage, acting among our talented young actors, or helping backstage with costumes, make-up, and other behind-the-scenes activities.
7 Jenny Kehl made her debut in the Willow Glen Children’s Theatre as a Fradie Sister when she was seven years old, and has been participating in the program ever since. Jenny recently graduated from Westmont High School where she was an avid participant in the Drama Department. On scholarship, Jenny is attending University of California at Santra Cruz. Will her degree be in theatre, or astrophysics? Who knows?! Jenny also enjoys singing & dancing, and loves to work with the different kids every new WGCT session.
8 Michael Weiland - A true lifer, Michael attended his first WGCT performance shortly before his first birthday. Six years later, in 1997, they finally let him on stage! Some of his most memorable characters include Mr. Punch, Jimmy the Cat, The Incomparable and Johnny Friendly. He toured with the WGCT as Mike the Mighty Molar Mender and is known for his talent with pantomime and comedy. Currently attending Foothill College, Michael hopes to make acting his career.
9 Paige Menafra has been a participant and leader for over 8 years now. Paige enjoys being up on the stage or behind-the- scenes with her fellow leaders and participants. Now in her second year at Foothill College, she is studying veterinary technology. However, acting will always be her passion.
Ben Collier is 17 years old and a senior at Prospect High School. He has been doing Willow Glen Children's Theatre since 2007 because everybody thinks I am awesome. His sister is Jordan, who is also on staff. In his spare time, he directs and acts in his school's theatre department. Currently, he is directing a theatrical version of THE OUTSIDERS. He also enjoyed playing guitar, drums, and other musical instruments. (As this is currently being typed, he is fiddling around on the Ukelele!) He plays golf and used to play baseball. When he grows up, he hopes to be involved in the entertainment field, whether it's part of a music group or part of the film industry.
Brian Cunningham... bio coming soon!
Deborah Shapiro started WGCT when she was 7 years old. She has been doing it for over 11 years. Deborah is a senior at Del Mar High School and aspires to be a zooligist. Her dream goal is to own her own zoo, while directing is her second passion. She would also like to one day perform on the Broadway stage!
Christina Laskorunsky has been involved with theatre for over 10 years. She has attended several acting workshops. classes, and camps before she discovered Willow Glen Children's Theatre when she was 11. Now a junior at Prospect High School, Christina has balanced her passion for acting (both in Willow Glen and at school) with Dance Commission and going to local concerts. Despite what the future holds, WGCT will always be a big part of her life.
Nikki Menafra is 16 and attends Prospect High School. She's been doing theatre since she was 10 years old. She started because she heard about all of the fun her older sister Paige (also on staff) was having at Summer Theatre Camp. She continued to be a part of the program until last year when she was hired to help lead the workshops and camps. Nikki loves kids and she hopes to one day be a teacher.


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