Our Administrative Staff are TPP employees — both part-time and full-time — who support the organization beyond the stage. Their work encompasses areas such as administration, education, fundraising, marketing, communications, membership, community engagement, and organizational development, helping ensure that TPP’s programs and operations remain accessible, sustainable and connected to our community.

As Executive Artistic Director of The Premiere Playhouse, Oliver Mayes oversees all operational and creative aspects of the organization, ensuring TPP’s programs remain accessible, sustainable, and deeply connected to our community. He brings a versatile background as a professional director, producer, actor, educator, and movement choreographer whose work has spanned stages across the United States. A recipient of the Kennedy Center’s 2020 SDC Society Fellowship, Oliver holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from the University of South Dakota and a BFA in Music Theatre from AMDA College of the Performing Arts. Prior to joining TPP, he spent over five years advancing non-profit performing arts education, advising, and recruitment. Oliver resides in Sioux Falls with his dog, Sully—TPP’s beloved “Manager of Morale”—and while he has surprisingly never staged a production of Oliver!, he remains open to the idea.

As Finance + Operations Manager of The Premiere Playhouse, Amber Sumner oversees financial operations, human resources, facilities management, compliance, and special events. Holding a B.S. in Interior Design, she blends a strong creative eye with practical problem-solving across all aspects of TPP’s organizational infrastructure. Her background includes over five years of business ownership in retail sales and bookkeeping, giving her a well-rounded foundation in fiscal management and executive support. Beyond her administrative leadership, Amber actively connects with the community by heading up the Production Collectibles table at TPP shows to share the theater’s non-profit vision. Outside of work, she enjoys applying her design expertise to creative home projects and finding new ways to stay engaged with local arts.

As Development + Marketing Coordinator and Executive Assistant at The Premiere Playhouse, Samanda Nunnery drives TPP’s digital marketing, graphic design, communications, and administrative operations. She brings a rich background in non-profit strategy and theater production, with previous experience spanning stage management, costume design, and freelance design. Deeply committed to community impact, Samanda serves on the Board of Directors for Sioux Falls Pride and regularly volunteers with local non-profits like Feeding South Dakota and The Banquet. Her work across both the artistic and administrative sides of theatre is fueled by a passion for visual storytelling, creative branding, and fostering inclusive local arts. Outside of TPP, Samanda lives in Sioux Falls with her wife of 10 years and their dog and cat, where she loves exploring nature, discovering downtown spots, and staying fueled by matcha.

As Education + Engagement Coordinator and Artistic Associate at The Premiere Playhouse, Emma Madeja leads programs designed to make arts education accessible to “every, body” while keeping the Sioux Falls community deeply engaged in the theatre. Many local theatregoers know her from her standout roles on the TPP stage as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray and a Delta Nu in Legally Blonde. Beyond performing, Emma is an accomplished theatre educator and vocal instructor, previously teaching at Amy Morrison’s Effervescent Voice Academy, and a dedicated volunteer for both TPP and the Penguin Project. Her passion for empowering young artists and building inclusive arts spaces earned her TPP’s prestigious Artistic Director’s Award of Excellence. Outside of her educational leadership, Emma enjoys singing, performing in local productions, and spending quality time with her dog, Kili, and her friends.

As Web Developer for The Premiere Playhouse, Chris Berke oversees TPP’s digital presence, website management, and print and digital playbill design. He brings over a decade of web development experience to the organization, having initially rebuilt the Playhouse’s website in 2020 and supporting its evolving digital needs ever since. Beyond his technical contributions to TPP, Chris is an avid writer and soccer player. Outside of work, he loves spending quality time with his wife, son, and their two cats.

Production Heads are a select group of independent contractors who provide specialized leadership and expertise across TPP’s production operations. Working primarily in technical, production, and management capacities, these professionals help guide the planning, execution, and presentation of our theatrical productions and performance events while collaborating closely with artists, staff, and volunteers.

As Production Coordinator at The Premiere Playhouse, Michelle Smith oversees production management, operations, master scheduling, stage communications, and volunteer engagement across TPP’s season. She holds a B.A. in Drama with an emphasis in Stage Management from San Francisco State University and brings extensive regional experience from across the San Francisco Bay Area. Her diverse background includes stage management and production roles for LORT D Equity productions, summer stock, ballet, and new work development with companies such as Sacramento Music Circus, Marin Theatre Company, and TheatreWorks. Deeply passionate about mentorship, Michelle takes pride in sharing her technical expertise to help guide aspiring stage managers and theatre technicians. Outside of managing behind-the-scenes magic at the theater, she enjoys exploring the local arts scene, connecting with the community, and staying inspired through creative projects.

As Technical + Facilities Coordinator at The Premiere Playhouse, Dominic Doty manages TPP’s lighting, sound, stage systems, technical operations, and scene shop facilities. He brings 25 years of industry experience across technical theatre, production logistics, and facility operations. In his role, he ensures all stage infrastructure, venue equipment, and technical systems run safely and efficiently for every production.

As Carpenter for The Premiere Playhouse, Jack Hatton oversees scenic construction, carpentry, scene shop operations, and set fabrication for TPP productions. Growing up learning the trade alongside his father, he developed a lifelong, hands-on skill set through years of managing complex home improvement and fabrication projects. While this marks his official first full season committed to the theater, Jack has previously lent his building talents behind the scenes alongside his wife, Production Coordinator Michelle Smith. He takes pride in constructing high-quality scenic environments that bring TPP’s stage designs to life for local audiences. Outside of the shop, Jack spends most of his time keeping the house in order alongside his wife, their toddler daughter, Johanna, and their three dogs—Honey, Hank, and Sweetie Pie.

As Sound Coordinator at The Premiere Playhouse, Ben Van Moer leads sound design and audio operations for TPP’s mainstage productions, recently designing the sound for Frozen. His multi-faceted history with the organization spans music directing hit shows like Freaky Friday and Legally Blonde, as well as completing his third season music directing for The Penguin Project. An accomplished performer as well as a creative leader, Ben has graced local stages in roles such as Frank in TPP’s 9 to 5 and Amos in GNTC’s Chicago. Professionally, he serves as the 6–12 Vocal Music Director and Head Theater Director for the Tri-Valley School District, dedicating his career to empowering student performers. Outside of his work in music and theater design, Ben stays active in the local arts community and enjoys supporting regional performing arts programs across South Dakota.

As Penguin Project Coordinator at The Premiere Playhouse, Abby Kustak leads TPP’s all-abilities theatre programming, volunteer engagement, and educational accessibility initiatives. With a background in education and over a decade of experience working with individuals of all ages and abilities, she focuses on enriching the student and participant experience across all inclusive programs. Her dedicated approach plays a central role in driving recruitment and retention while fostering a welcoming environment for creators of all skill levels. Passionate about advocate-driven arts, Abby brings a hands-on, empathetic skill set to expanding the reach and impact of TPP’s community-focused theatre. Outside of work, she loves sharing her lifelong passion for the performing arts with her husband, Casey, and their two children, Beckett and Penny.