theatre staff members

	Gavin Coffing \| 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.
	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 2009. 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?"
	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.
	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. website: web.mac.com/hans82
	Chris Cardenas \| sporting longer and shaggier hair than when he first started, has been with WGCT for 15 years! Following the footsteps of his older brother, he went to Mitty High School, and graudated with honors. Upon completing his bachelor's degree at New York University, Chris started Law School at the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. An avid watcher of TV shows like The Office, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and Seinfeld, it's no wonder why he's such a funny guy. He's always a big fan with the children because of the silly and friendly way he plays the theatre/improv games.
	Jyoti Kehl \| started with the WGCT when she was a timid, soft-spoken child of 8. After ten 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.
	Jordan Collier \|has been involved as a participant and staff member for about 9 years. Getting ready to graduate from high school soon, Jordan continues to support the arts by performing and helping backstage.
	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 currently attends Westmont High School where she is an avid participant in the Drama Department. Graduating this year, Jenny plans to go to college where she wants to study astrophysics. Jenny also enjoys singing and dancing, and loves to work with the different kids every new WGCT session.
	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 a Junior at Bellarmine College Prep, Michael hopes to make acting his career.
	Paige Menafra \| bio coming soon!
	Will Pandori \| bio coming soon!

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	Gavin Coffing \| 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.
	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 2009. 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?"
	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.
	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. website: web.mac.com/hans82
	Chris Cardenas \| sporting longer and shaggier hair than when he first started, has been with WGCT for 15 years! Following the footsteps of his older brother, he went to Mitty High School, and graudated with honors. Upon completing his bachelor's degree at New York University, Chris started Law School at the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. An avid watcher of TV shows like The Office, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and Seinfeld, it's no wonder why he's such a funny guy. He's always a big fan with the children because of the silly and friendly way he plays the theatre/improv games.
	Jyoti Kehl \| started with the WGCT when she was a timid, soft-spoken child of 8. After ten 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.
	Jordan Collier \|has been involved as a participant and staff member for about 9 years. Getting ready to graduate from high school soon, Jordan continues to support the arts by performing and helping backstage.
	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 currently attends Westmont High School where she is an avid participant in the Drama Department. Graduating this year, Jenny plans to go to college where she wants to study astrophysics. Jenny also enjoys singing and dancing, and loves to work with the different kids every new WGCT session.
	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 a Junior at Bellarmine College Prep, Michael hopes to make acting his career.
	Paige Menafra \| bio coming soon!
	Will Pandori \| bio coming soon!