Our Team
Executive Leadership
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.
Creative & Educational Team
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.
Nina Conrad
Choreagrapher
Nina Conrad is a dedicated dance teacher and choreographer with over 11 years of teaching and choreography experience and more than 20 years of dance experience. She is trained in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, modern, ballet, musical theatre, hip hop, point, acro and tumbling. As a 3-time National Champion, Nina has trained and worked alongside respected industry professionals, bringing a unique blend of creativity, technical excellence, and passion to every class and routine. She strives to create a positive environment where dancers of all ages build confidence, develop strong technique, individuality and discover their love for dance.
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Alex Hampshire
Teaching Artist
Alex Hampshire holds a degree in film and teaches swordplay and stage combat in Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine. He has also worked as an assistant director on multiple productions. Alex is currently in the hiring process with KFAD and is expected to lead workshops focused on movement, stage combat, and physical storytelling.
Samantha Schiro
Teaching Assistant
Samantha Schiro joined KFAD in 2025 and quickly became involved both onstage and behind the scenes. In addition to performing in numerous KFAD productions, she has served as a Production Assistant and regularly works with younger performers as a Teaching Assistant for KinderFAD. Samantha has also assisted with a variety of KFAD classes, workshops, and camps. She enjoys helping young performers build confidence, explore their creativity, and discover their own love of theatre.
Xane Terrell
Technical & Production Support
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.
Tati Crawford
Teaching Artist & 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.
Joy Ireland
Teaching Artist
Joy Ireland is a SAG-AFTRA actress with experience in film and television, including background, stand-in, and speaking roles. She brings a professional perspective to KFAD programming, helping students explore character work, performance technique, and confidence on stage and screen. Joy is currently in the hiring process with KFAD and is expected to contribute to select workshops.
Madeline Archer
Director & Teaching Artist
Madeline Archer is a rising Junior at Illinois Wesleyan University studying Music Education. She has been on stage acting and below the stage in the pit orchestra. Her most recent production was playing flute, piccolo, and alto flute in Leonard Bernstein's "Trouble in Tahiti." Madeline is so excited to participate in her first season at KFAD!
Autumn Lloyd
Director
Ms. Lloyd is thrilled to present her first musical through Kids Fun And Drama, an organization near and dear to her as it's where she performed as a child! Her recent directorial works include: “Honk Jr!”(2026), "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (2025), "Annie Jr." (2025), and "Oliver" (2024) at Williams Bay School District. A graduate of UW Stevens Point, she holds a Master's degree in Vocal Pedagogy and degrees in Choral and General Music Education. She currently teaches Choir, Theatre, and General Music at Williams Bay. She also teaches private voice lessons. Theatre has been a vital part of her life, beginning her acting journey at just 2 years old. She credits her success to inspiring mentors like Eudroa Shepherd, Marge Austin (founder of KFAD), and Dr. Matthew Markham, who believed in her even when she doubted herself. Their wisdom has been invaluable to her achievements in theatre and music. She would like to thank KFAD for fulfilling her lifelong dream of directing a KFAD show and is stoked to share her love of the outdoors AND theatre all in one as you journey “Into The Woods” with the cast and crew! Enjoy the show!
Lucy Smith
Production Support
Lucy Smith is a KFAD alum who has returned to the organization as a member of the production team. As a young performer, Lucy appeared in KFAD productions including Scrooge, Fiddler on the Roof, Seussical, and The Lion King. She later returned to KFAD as a Dance Instructor and has continued supporting productions in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles, with a particular focus on hair and makeup. Lucy enjoys using her creativity to help bring characters and productions to life while supporting the next generation of KFAD performers.
Aidan Villarreal-Black
Director & Teaching Artist
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.
William Larson
Teaching Artist
William Larson has experience in acting and directing, including involvement in playwriting festivals. He brings a collaborative and creative approach to working with students, supporting the development of storytelling, character work, and ensemble performance. William is currently in the hiring process with KFAD and is expected to contribute to classes and workshops.
Elijah Liptow
Assistant Director
Elijah Liptow joined KFAD as a performer in 2026 and is expanding his involvement with the organization as an Assistant Director. An experienced performer, Elijah has appeared in numerous theatrical productions throughout high school and beyond. Favorite credits include Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors and the Baker in Into the Woods, along with roles in productions such as Clue, Moana, Cinderella, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, and Bold the Young and the Murdered. As an Assistant Director, Elijah is excited to bring his experience as a performer into the rehearsal room while supporting young actors as they develop their skills, confidence, and creativity.
Emma Caver
Assistant Director & Teaching Artist
Emma is a proud KFAD alum with a love for theater. She has performed in over 25 theatrical productions with many different organizations, pursued private vocal training, and belonged to various musical ensembles, including choir, vocal jazz, and band and orchestra on the tuba. Emma enjoys both the artistic and academic sides of the arts, and hopes to help young performers grow and have fun through theater.
Danielle Lang
Teaching Artist & Production Support
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.