🎭 Irondale Drama Department 🎭
ARTISTIC STAFF
Janet Paone, Artistic Director
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Janet is a professional actor, director, singer and voice over artist. She began directing at Irondale in 1984, bringing her knowledge and passion for theater to inspire and develop young talent. When she’s not at Irondale, Janet can be seen whipping up egg coffee as Vivian Snustad in “The Church Basement Ladies” series. You may remember seeing her dance the conga down Hennepin Avenue as Tina’s mom in Hey City Theatres “Tony and Tina’s Wedding. Janet was a co-host on FM 107.1 after winning the first Undiscovered Divas contest. As a classically trained singer, Janet has performed in various roles with the MN Opera and most notably NYCO. Fun Fact: if you find yourself in a parking garage in Columbus, OH you may hear her saying “Please take the ticket”! Janet is a graduate of Augsburg University with a degree in Theater and Vocal Performance.
Matthew van Bruggen, Fall Musical Director
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As an alumnus of our program, Matthew is thrilled to be part of the artistic team. He has assisted with the administrative and technical demands of several arts organizations after graduating from Irondale, including the Spotlight Showcase at the State Theater, Minnesota Fringe Festival and The Glimmerglass Festival (Cooperstown, New York). Matthew is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a degree Performing Arts Management. He is currently the District Performance Facilities Manager with Mounds View Public Schools.
Joshua Barnd, Technical Director
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Josh is the owner and operator of River Bottom Productions LLC, where he offers services as a DJ and in lighting, sound, sets and props. River Bottom Productions also rents out specialty sets and props. He has been doing theater in some capacity since the day he walked! Josh has worked on both amateur and professional productions. He spent 10 years with Hey City Theater and was the Production Manager, Scenic Designer, Lighting Designer and Sound Desk Operator for the premier of The Ultimate Pajama Party at The Lab Theater in Minneapolis. Josh has worked with over 50 different organizations on their productions. He was awarded the Outstanding Young Jordanite award for his dedication to the arts in and around the Jordan area. Most recently his work has been seen and heard at Jordan High School, Kimberly High School (WI), The International School of MN, Edina High School, Valley View Middle School, Minnesota Thespian All State Show, Minnesota's Largest Candy Store and Valleyfair. In addition to his many theatrical hats, he is also a father to 3 kind and talented children, Xander, Maxwell and Zoey.
Roxanne Britz, Music Director
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Roxanne recently retired from being a music teacher at Bel Air Elementary. She is a core cast member of the Church Basement Ladies series, where she has played the role of Karin for 12 years. Other credits include Sister Leo in the regional premiere of Nunsense (Plymouth Playhouse) and performances with Minnesota Opera, the Guthrie, Red Eye Theater, and The Medora Musical. She also played Mrs. Howell in the Minnesota Fringe show Gilligan: A Tropical Musical and has appeared in local commercials and films, including ABC’s In an Instant. She earned her Bachelor's at UMD and Master's at St. Thomas.
Neal McIntosh, Vocal Director
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Neal is a great part of our team, assisting us as our accompanist for both rehearsals and performances. He frequently works with Hill-Murray, Saint Anthony Village HS on top of Irondale. He has also been seen on stage with Mounds View Community Theatre and Lakeshore Players. Neal received his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from University of Northern Iowa.
Dr. Cameron (CJ) Longabaugh, Pit Conductor
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Dr. L has studied saxophone with internationally renowned concert artists such as Eugene Rousseau, Anna Marie Wytko, and Preston Duncan. During his graduate studies Dr. Longabaugh competed at numerous prestigious solo and chamber music competitions and was named a Finalist and a prizewinner at the 2017 William C. Byrd International Concerto Competition, a Finalist and a prize winner at the 2017 Plowman National Chamber Music Competition, and winner of the 2016 Masters Concerto and Aria Competition sponsored by the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance with a secondary emphasis in Musicology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. L currently serves as the Director of Bands at Irondale High School in New Brighton, MN.
Lexie Wollan Swenson, Choreographer
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Lexie is a freelance choreographer & director in the Twin Cities. Previously she was the Choreographer and Assistant Director for The Medora Musical in ND after spending nine seasons there as a Burning Hills Singer. Other credits include Singer/Dancer with Kat Perkins, Assistant Choreographer and performer for Troupe America’s National Tour of A Christmas Carol, performing in ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas at Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood and Ring of Fire at Circa 21. Lexie received her Bachelor's at Belmont University.
