John Saunders
Producing Artistic Director
John Saunders is honored to be working alongside this fantastic cast, crew, box office team, ushers, coffeehouse gang, and the amazing volunteers. Some directing highlights here: HELLO DOLLY (Berkshire Theatre Award Winner Best Musical), RAGTIME ( Berkshire Theatre Award Winner Best Director and Best Musical), JERSEY BOYS, PIPPIN, THE BAKER’S WIFE, THE PRODUCERS, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, NEXT TO NORMAL, THE FULL MONTY, LES MISERABLES, CHICAGO, OLIVER! and many others.Some highlights as an actor here: 1776 (Adams), MY FAIR LADY (Higgins), CAROUSEL (Jigger), THE SECRET GARDEN (Archie), and HAIRSPRAY (Edna). Elsewhere: National Tours: MY FAIR LADY, OLIVER!, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. Regionally: The Papermill Playhouse and The Northshore Music Theatre. John is currently on faculty at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Tremendous gratitude to his fellow directors, designers, and choreographers for the incredibly dynamic and brilliant work they present here. Enjoy the show!
James Rodgers
Managing Director
James Rodgers has worked for 16 years in the arts industry as a Performer, Director, Administrator, Producer and Educator. He is the founder and principal of Hemis Digital and an associate teacher for the Badiene Magaziner Vocal Studio.
As a performer James has appeared with The MDR Sinfonieorchester, The Kurt Weill Festival, The Ravinia Festival, The Argento Ensemble, The Merola Opera Program, Toledo Opera, Opera Omaha, The Theatre Workshop of Nantucket, The Little Orchestra Society of New York, The Otago Arts Festival, The Auckland Festival, The Mac-Haydn Theatre, The Beijing Modern Music Festival, The Orpheus Choir, The Banff Centre, The Paul Dresher Ensemble and New Zealand Opera.
James has won both the Lotte Lenya and the Joy in Singing competitions. He is a passionate advocate of the art song repertoire and a champion of new music. In 2014 he released his debut album – Exiled: The Evolution of Kurt Weill. Based in New York, James holds degrees from Victoria University of Wellington and the Manhattan School of Music.
Amanda Calvin
Promotions & Patron Services Manager
A Columbia County native, Amanda (she/her) grew up attending shows at the Mac-Haydn and was ecstatic when Karen Leggett brought her on as an usher in 2015 (the first time MHT produced “Rent.”) Still ecstatic to be here nine seasons later, (again producing “Rent,”) Amanda takes great pride in overseeing the Mac-Haydn’s marketing and patron services departments in addition to her full-time work at the Metropolitan Opera.
As an administrator, Amanda has worked with various companies including Rattlestick Theater and Snug Harbor Cultural Center in New York City, and Upstate Scenic, Inc. here in Chatham. As a producer, she has mounted titles including LIZZIE: The Musical, The Wolves and various original works.
Amanda holds a degree in arts administration from Wagner College, where she minored in journalism. She is a recipient of the Kendris Award in Expository and Journalistic Writing and Outstanding Service in Communication awards for her work as the editor of The Wagnerian.
Endless thanks to the MHT community for being the greatest chosen family in the whole wide world. @amandajcalvin
Dee Lashway
Financial Manager
Dee Lashway – Starting as an usher the first year on the fairgrounds and working her way up to Box Office Manager and Administrative Assistant, Dee Lashway has dedicated almost 50 years to The Mac-Haydn Theatre. The theatre has always been an important part of Dee’s life. “I look forward to each new season, meeting the talented cast and crew and visiting again with so many of our long-time patrons”.
Skip Spateholts
Facilities Manager
Skip is a Mac Haydn staple. His relationship with the Mac began as a volunteer over fifteen years ago. While his girls were performing on stage, he kept busy weeding the garden. Once Lynne Haydn realized that he could cook, Skip was brought on to the team, along with his wife, as the foodservice and special event coordinators. He has been the facilities manager now for the last six years. A jack of all trades, he can be found renovating campus housing, mowing the lawn, and chasing deer out of the garden that his dearly departed Joanie nurtured for so many years. Much love to his girls, Krystle, Robyn and Emily for their endless love and support. John for his belief in him and his amazing friendship. Special thanks to Paul, James, Dee, Madison, Amanda, Monica and the incredible Mac Family for a lifetime of friendship, laughter, and memories. Come say hi, he’s the guy in the bandana.
Eric Shorey
Music Supervisor - 2024 Season
Eric is thrilled to return to MHT for his 3rd season. He is delighted for audiences to experience the incredible talents of the entire company. His music direction at MHT include Urinetown, Next To Normal, Footloose, Godspell, and last season’s smash hit Jersey Boys. He also proudly music directed the Berkshire Theatre Award Winning A Call To Places starring Gabe Belyeu. Elsewhere, Eric has music directed productions of My Way, Scrooge, A Man of No Importance, and numerous concerts and cabarets. As an actor, Eric has been seen across the country and internationally in productions of Cats, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Disney On Classic in Japan, to name a few. Eric would like to thank John, James, and the entire MHT family for their constant support. For Eric and Henry.
Eoghan Hartley
Production Supervisor
Eoghan is back for his 5th season at the Mac! He has been with the Mac since 2019, putting on favorites like Jersey Boys, The Sound of Music, A Chorus Line, The Full Monty, Next to Normal, Forever Plaid, Xanadu, Sunset Boulevard, Ragtime, and Oklahoma. Since last season, Eoghan had the honor of working as a ASM on The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. Other NYC area credits: A Chorus Line, Rock of Ages, West Side Story, Elf: the Musical (Argyle Theatre), Steel Magnolias (Gallery Players), The Floorshow (Combustion Collective), and many shows with the Actors Studio Drama School (Pace University). Select regional credits: Mamma Mia, Matilda, Footloose, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Theatre Workshop of Nantucket). When not stage managing or production managing, Eoghan works as an event manager, scenic carpenter and leathercrafter in the NYC area. Eoghanhartley.com
Courtney Kaia
Company Manager / Marketing Associate
Courtney is filled with gratitude to spend her first summer in Chatham with the extraordinary Mac-Haydn team! A graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a degree in Business Administration and a Theatre Arts minor. She served as the Marketing Associate for Cal Poly’s original ensemble Writer’s Block, Marketing Intern at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, and most recently as a Workshop Teacher and Brand Ambassador at the Museum of Broadway. Courtney has always dreamed of playing a role in theatrical stories being told, helping to promote these stories, and creating life changing experiences within the world of visual and performing arts. She would not be where she is today if not for her family, friends, golden retriever Poppy, and the Mac for supporting her dreams. “No day but today!” @courtkaia
Logan Shields
Associate Patron Services Manager
Logan is thrilled to be back at the Mac-Haydn Theatre this season taking on a new administrative role. A Columbia County native, Logan has been attending shows at the Mac for his entire life. Not only did Logan fall in love with theater at the Mac, but made his stage debut in 2011 in “The King and I” as well as “Rodney the Reluctant Dragon.” Currently a senior at Purchase College Logan is majoring in arts management with two minors in sociology and theatre & performance. As a performer, recent credits include: Second Officer (U/S Louis) in “A View from the Bridge,” Performer in “Fornés Fest,” and Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Much thanks to Logan’s family, friends, and everyone at the Mac for the abundance of love & support. @logan_shields_
Allie Seebode
MHT Intern
Allie Seebode is a rising Junior B.F.A Musical Theater Major at Nazareth University & a native of Delmar, NY. She is excited to return to Mac-Haydn after being a part of the amazing 2023 season. She fell in love with theater at the age of nine when she was cast in their 2013 production of LES MISERABLES, and has continued performing ever since. Some of her favorite credits include: THE SOUND OF MUSIC: (Ensemble/Frau Schmidt u/s), FOOTLOOSE (Ensemble/Urleen u/s) Mac-Haydn Theatre; A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM (Helena), FOX SISTERS (Katie), ASSASSINS (Sara Jane Moore) Nazareth University. Allie would like to thank her parents, family, friends & everyone involved in this season at Mac-Haydn for all of their love & support. Enjoy the show! @allie_seebode
Dianne Ives
Coffee House Manager
Dianne Ives resumes her role of Coffee House Manager this summer, bringing the beloved Friday and Saturday evening event back to the Mac-Haydn.