Staff
Full-Time Staff
Samantha Hoppe
Executive Director
samanthah@kfad608.com
Kids Fun & Drama is thrilled to welcome Sam Hoppe as its first full-time Executive Director.
Sam first joined KFAD in 2019 as a choreographer for Madagascar Jr. before stepping into the director’s chair in 2022. Her passion for creative expression and youth development quickly made her an integral part of KFAD’s growth, leading her to serve on the Board of Directors from 2020 to 2023 and later as the organization’s part-time Executive Director.
A former high school social studies teacher with a degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Sam brings over a decade of classroom experience to her role. Her extensive background in curriculum design, leadership, and nonprofit program development fuels her vision for KFAD’s future — one that blends artistic excellence with educational depth.
Beyond her work in the classroom and theater, Sam most recently served as the Director of Outdoor Education at Camp Anokijig, where she coordinated large-scale programs and staff teams. That experience further strengthened her skills in planning, communication, and community engagement — all of which she now brings back to KFAD full-time.
Known for her forward-thinking approach, Sam is passionate about expanding KFAD’s reach, deepening its impact, and ensuring that every child who walks through the door feels seen, supported, and inspired to shine — on stage and beyond.
Current Production Staff
Aidan Villarreal-Black
Show Director
Aidan (he/him) is excited to be working with KFAD for the first time! He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from UW–Milwaukee. For the past four years, he has taught and directed K–12 drama, sharing his love of theatre with young performers. While teaching and directing are a blast, performing is a true passion as well, with favorite roles including Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher, Judas in Godspell, and Bobby Strong in Urinetown.
Sam Hoppe
Choreographer
My name is Lucy Smith, and I am the Dance Instructor for this show. As a former KFAD kid, I performed in Scrooge, Fiddler on the Roof, Suessical, and Lion King, but this is my first time helping to choreograph a show. The most memorable moments from this show were watching how excited the kids got when they perfected some of the more difficult dances or box movements.I would like to thank my best friend Tati, who happens to be one of the assistant directors for this show, for keeping me company during early mornings at the studio when I would prepare the dances, and for giving me input and motivation when I needed it.
Rachel Pariseau
Music Director
Rachel Pariseau is a private music teacher and professional musician in Beloit, Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Piano from Brigham Young University - Idaho, a Master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from Illinois State University, and a Master’s degree in Violin Performance from Austin Peay State University. She has spent many years working with vocalists as a vocal coach in both classical and theatrical music, and has accompanied for various choirs and musicals throughout her graduate degrees and beyond. She is currently choir director and youth music director for her church.
Tati Crawford
Assistant Director
Tati is a KFAD alum who has come full circle from student to instructor! Since moving to Virginia several years ago, she has performed in over 20 theatrical productions, participated in and led show choir, and studied private voice to refine her skills. She brings that experience back to KFAD, where she now serves as both an instructor and an assistant director. Passionate about helping young performers grow, Tati blends her performance background with her love for teaching. Whether she’s guiding a vocal workshop, leading theater activities, or assisting with a production, her goal is always the same: to create a supportive space where students can discover their confidence, creativity, and voice.
Lucy Smith
Assistant Choreographer
My name is Lucy Smith, and I am the Dance Instructor for this show. As a former KFAD kid, I performed in Scrooge, Fiddler on the Roof, Suessical, and Lion King, but this is my first time helping to choreograph a show. The most memorable moments from this show were watching how excited the kids got when they perfected some of the more difficult dances or box movements.I would like to thank my best friend Tati, who happens to be one of the assistant directors for this show, for keeping me company during early mornings at the studio when I would prepare the dances, and for giving me input and motivation when I needed it.
Instructional & Technical Staff
Tati Crawford
Acting & Music Instructor
Tati is a KFAD alum who has come full circle from student to instructor! Since moving to Virginia several years ago, she has performed in over 20 theatrical productions, participated in and led show choir, and studied private voice to refine her skills. She brings that experience back to KFAD, where she now serves as both an instructor and an assistant director. Passionate about helping young performers grow, Tati blends her performance background with her love for teaching. Whether she’s guiding a vocal workshop, leading theater activities, or assisting with a production, her goal is always the same: to create a supportive space where students can discover their confidence, creativity, and voice.
Danielle Lang
Acting & Dance Instructor
Danielle first joined KFAD as a young performer and quickly became a familiar face on stage, appearing in six productions with the company. After graduating high school, she took her passion for the arts to the next level and is now in her second year at Columbia College Chicago, where she is pursuing a degree in Musical Theater. With her experience as both a KFAD alum and a dedicated student of the craft, Danielle brings energy, talent, and insight to every project she’s part of. She’s thrilled to continue her journey with KFAD while inspiring the next generation of performers.
Xane Terrell
Xane’s journey with KFAD began in Into the Woods, where he played one of his very first roles (both the Wolf and a Prince!). He went on to wow audiences as Scar in The Lion King, Monsieur Le’Darque in Beauty and the Beast, and Troy Bolton in High School Musical. After aging out of youth productions, he stayed involved by building and painting sets and working behind the scenes as a grip. Now serving as an Assistant Director for The Wizard of Oz, Xane brings a performer’s perspective and hands-on production know-how to guide KFAD’s next generation of talent. He’s passionate about helping kids discover their own creative spark and the magic of theater.