Staff – UPDATE

Joshua Reaves Interim Director of University Theatre Contact Info Joshua Reaves began work with University Theatre in 2011 as the lighting and sound designer before being named associate director in 2014. He obtained his MFA from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and his BFA from UNC-Greensboro. Before arriving at NC State, Mr. Reaves taught at Campbell University and the University of Cincinnati. He continues to actively freelance as a lighting designer for local theatre and dance companies.
Mia Self Assistant Director Contact Info Mia Self is the assistant director of acting and directing at University Theatre and coordinates the academic program. She has an MFA from the University of Mississippi and a B.A. from Catawba College with an emphasis in directing and performance. Her interests are focused on the educational benefits of theatre and drama across all disciplines, particularly as expressed through playwriting, devised theatre and collaborative performance. Ms. Self also serves on the board of directors for the North Carolina Theatre Association (NCTC) and works with K-12 and college programming for the organization.
Rachel Klem Acting Coach and Instructor Contact Info Rachel Klem has been teaching at NC State since 2004. She teaches a variety of classes for University Theatre, directs main stage productions and is the resident acting coach for students participating in University Theatre productions. Ms. Klem has been directing theatre in the Triangle since 2001. She moved here after receiving her MFA in acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. While in Chicago, she acted and taught theatre for Navy Pier, Chicago TheatreSports, University of Illinois at Chicago and the City of Chicago. She has directed over 40 productions in North Carolina, including Six Degrees of Separation (Ghost & Spice Productions), Macbeth (NC State’s University Theatre), and City of Medicine, the Series (Common Ground Theatre). Ms. Klem writes and adapts plays, and has received national attention for her work. She has published over 10 plays for children and is the co-writer of the local smash A Trailer Park Christmas.
Laura Parker Costume Shop Manager/Associate Designer Contact Info Laura Parker began working at University Theatre in 2010, and has been designing and creating costumes for theatrical productions and historic re-enactors since 1999, with a focus on historically accurate clothing reproductions and historically inspired fantasy costuming. Previously, Ms. Parker was the resident costume designer and taught costume design at William Peace University. Her favorite costume design credits include Around the World in 80 Days for NC State University Theatre, Macbeth for Bare Theatre and Into the Woods for William Peace University. Ms. Parker holds a B.A. in anthropology from Georgia State University and a J.D. from North Carolina Central University. In her copious free time, she does freelance costume design for area theatres and acts, and she can often be found performing improv comedy with Raleigh’s Village Idiots.
Adrienne McKenzie Costume Technician Contact Info Adrienne McKenzie began her career with University Theatre as a student technician in the Costume Shop. She has interned with six-time Tony Award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long at his studio in New York City. Now, as the full-time costume technician, she holds a B.A. in creative writing from Seattle University and a bachelor of art + design – fibers and master of art + design – fibers from NC State University. In addition to her work at University Theatre, Ms. McKenzie serves as a guest lecturer for the College of Design’s Art + Design Department where she has instructed courses on fashion illustration, period inspired garments, and sewing and construction. She is thrilled and thankful to be professionally practicing her two passions in life, costuming and education, each and every day!
David Jensen Technical Director, Thompson Hall Contact Info David Jensen has been working at University Theatre since 2002. He attended Appalachian State University and UNC-Greensboro, where he studied theatrical design and production. He worked in Atlanta for seven years as a freelance theatre carpenter and technical director at most of the theatres in the metro area as well as many exhibit/design shops. Mr. Jensen would like to encourage anyone interested in theatre production to get involved with University Theatre.
Michael White Assistant Technical Director, Thompson Hall Contact Info Michael holds a BFA in technical production from UNC-Greensboro. Before arriving at NC State, he worked as the associate technical director for Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA. Michael also worked as an entertainment technician for Busch Gardens Tampa and as stage operations at The Des Moines Metro Opera.
Jayme Mellema Scenic Designer/Scene Painter Contact Info Jayme holds a masters in scenic design from The UNC School of the Arts. He has designed productions for The Peabody Opera Instistute at Johns Hopkins, The NCT Conservatory, The Princeton Festival, Duke University, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, The UNC School of the Arts, The A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute, and others. His professional interests lie in projection design, puppetry and collage.

Andrew Korhonen Operations and Event Coordinator, Stewart Theatre Contact Info Andrew Korhonen joined University Theatre a few years after graduating from NC State with a degree in business management. After working as the assistant technical director for two years, he transitioned into managing the facilities and operations of University Theatre. He is excited to be back working at NC State. When he’s not working, Mr. Korhonen enjoys playing with his daughter and two horses.
David Jones Technical Director, Stewart Theatre Contact Info David’s main focus is supporting on and off-campus groups that utilize the Stewart Theatre facilities. As a student at NC State, David worked part-time on the tech crew at Stewart. Upon graduation he worked with the National Opera Company before returning to NC State.
Kevin Wright Assistant Technical Director, Stewart Theatre Contact Info Kevin Wright began working for University Theatre in 2001 as a sophomore in the College of Management. Upon graduation, he continued to work part time at Stewart Theatre while freelancing in technical theater throughout the Triangle. In 2012, Mr. Wright became the assistant technical director of Stewart Theatre. He enjoys working with the student crew and specializes in sound design and engineering.
Trameeka Reid Assistant Technical Director, Stewart Theatre Contact Info Trameeka began working for University Theatre during her sophomore year in 2008. She graduated from NC State in 2011 with a BA in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in theatre. Upon graduation, she continued to work at NC State in addition to other theatre houses and venues around the Triangle.
Ron Foreman Marketing, Special Projects and Graphic Designer Contact Info Ron is a graduate of NC State in business management. He has worked in the NC State departments of Music, Athletics and Student Activities. His current responsibilities include marketing, photography, videography and other special projects.
Emilie Wood University Program Specialist Contact Info With a background encompassing costume design, jewelry design, teaching, and business management, Emilie Wood is pleased to join the University Theatre team. She believes participation in the arts is imperative for students’ future success, regardless of major or occupation, and is excited to play a role in supporting and promoting the arts on the NCSU campus. Ms. Wood holds an MFA in Production Design from Michigan State University and an MBA from Western Carolina University.