TPP Team
Oliver Mayes
Oliver is new to Sioux Falls but incredibly passionate about engaging with this dynamic and lively community. He is a theatre and media artist whose work has been seen in several states throughout the U.S. such as Arkansas, California, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, and Virginia. With a background in acting, directing, producing, movement choreography, writing, and teaching, his credits span various mediums including plays, musical theatre, new play development, cabaret, dinner theatre, and new media. Oliver holds several honors in directing, including the Kennedy Center's 2020 Stage Directors & Choreographers Society Fellowship. He is a scholarship participant of the Kennedy Center Directing Intensive, and 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.
Alex Newcomb Weiland
Alex Newcomb Weiland is native to Sioux Falls and is humbled to engage with this artistic community. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance with a Minor in Dance from the University of South Dakota. Though performance is where she started her career in theatre, she has expanded her work to directing, producing and education, including directing The Premiere Playhouse's 2021 production of Footloose and coordinating our education program's inaugural Penguin Project production of Annie Jr. She has a deep passion for the implementation of accessibility, inclusivity and diversity within theatre arts.
Amber Sumner
Amber has a background in arts and finance with a love for attending music and theatre performances. When not bookkeeping, Amber likes to do yoga, garden, cook, create and spend time with her friends and family.
Pierce Humke
Pierce is particularly pleased to be placed in partnership with productions at The Premiere Playhouse. He is very excited to be part of this organization, and is eager to actively engage in this culture of Arts. His love of theatre and involvement in such began at an early age in this very city, and he is grateful for the opportunity for continued growth in such a talented, supportive, and collaborative community.
Rachel Smith
Rachel is thrilled to be joining the Premiere Playhouse team full time. After graduating from the University of South Dakota with a BFA in musical theatre, she fell in love with the SD arts community. You may have seen her involved with previous TPP productions as well as shows with the South Dakota Shakespeare Company and on the USD stage. Apart from theatre, she teaches yoga, plays with her dogs, and loves her son Archie.
Abby Kustak
Abby is excited to be part of the education department of TPP. Abby graduated with a cosmetology degree at Stewart’s School and has over a decade of experience in various outlets of education. Abby enjoys sharing her love of theatre with her Husband (Casey) and two kids (Beckett and Penny).
Chris Berke
When Chris isn't designing websites he likes to read, write, run, travel with his wife, Abby, and hang out with his two cats, Henry & Winston.
Kristy Morris
Kristy has been involved with the theatre for 20 years; first as a volunteer and then as an employee. Besides being part of The Premiere Playhouse, she also works for the Washington Pavilion Box Office and for Five Star Call Center.