Our Mission
The Guild’s mission is to elevate theater artists and companies, as well as the audiences that support them by providing professional initiatives that aid in increased productivity, opportunity, and recognition of the many theatrical efforts of our region.
Our commitment
We are committed to contributing to a regional theater community that is recognized nationally for its endeavors, and to help support full-time careers in theater.
CATG BOARD OF DIRECTORS
and STAFF
Susan Shank (President) originally hails from Arkansas where she earned her undergraduate degrees in Musical Theatre and Elementary Education, as well as her Masters of Arts in Teaching. In 2006, her Effects of Arts-Based Education on Third Grade Writing action research project was published in The Journal of Arts Education and the program she initiated through this project is still being used today at Holcombe Elementary in Arkansas. She spent 10 years in New York City, where she worked for producer Robyn Goodman, assisting with the promotion of the shows Avenue Q, Bat Boy, and Tick, Tick…Boom! She went on to serve as Company Liaison for Manhattan Theatre Club, acting as the bridge between the administrative office and front of house/subscriber base for the second largest not for profit theatre in New York City. It was there she formed lasting, working relationships with artists such as Jason Robert Brown, Emily Skinner, Bill Russell, and many more of her personal heroes. Since arriving in the Triangle, Susan has jumped into the arts scene with great enthusiasm! She prides herself on building strong, empathetic connections with people based on her love of the arts and promoting and supporting projects in the area through social media, conversation, and attending as many shows as possible. Susan’s future goals include taking these connections to the next level to bring people into the arts in a deeper, more actionable way including: fundraising, direct participation in the publishing and growing of new work, bridging the gap between standards of professional and community theatre, and celebration of achievements in the local arts scene.
Mike McGee (Secretary) is a Raleigh Based Actor, Director and Stage Manager appearing on and off stage across theatres throughout the Triangle. Mike served two years as President of Raleigh Little Theatre and also currently serves on the Board of Directors at Forest Moon Theatre and Capital Arts Theatre Guild. When not involved with theatre, Mike travels the world as a Sales Executive at IBM. He resides in Raleigh with his wife and two Children.
Thao Nguyen (Treasurer) is an Actor/Singer who is comfortable on both the operatic and musical theatre stage. Nguyen is acclaimed by critics for his “velvety baritone and his ease and grace on stage.” As an in-demand vocalist, Nguyen can frequently be seen onstage as a soloist in symphony concerts and as a guest artist in pop concerts. Also active in Film and TV, Nguyen is represented by The Brock Agency for Film/TV/Commercial. A graduate of UNC School of the Arts, Nguyen is currently based in Winston Salem, NC where he maintains a private voice studio. You can follow Thao on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @thetaoofThao and www.thaotnguyen.com for further information.
Hazel Edmond (Board Member) is a Raleigh Based Actor who performs throughout the region. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Georgia Southern University and has worked with some amazing artists throughout the triangle. As a voice-over talent, she has had the opportunity to lend her voice to training videos and radio. Hazel served on the Board of Directors at Raleigh Little Theatre and currently serves on the Board of Directors with the United Arts Council.
STAFF
Charlie Brady (Founder, Executive Director) is an actor/director relocated from NYC and now resides in Raleigh with his wife, Lauren Kennedy Brady. A professional actor of almost 30 years, Charlie spent 17 years in New York City and performed on stages on Broadway (South Pacific, Lincoln Center Theater), Off-Broadway (The Burnt Part Boys), Equity National Tours (Mamma Mia, Les Miserables) and Regional Theater across the country.
Charlie developed a deep love for the new works process through the various development productions he has been a part of, including Miller and Tysen’s The Burnt Part Boys (Playwrights Horizons/Vineyard Theatre/ Barrington Stage Company, Cast Recording), Pasek and Paul’s Dogfight (Lincoln Center Theatre, Second Stage Theatre), The Master Butcher’s Singing Club, adaptation by Marsha Norman (Guthrie Theatre), as well as some stints at The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center.
He brings this variety of experience to his mission to connect our region’s theater community and help support more full time opportunities in the industry. Inspired by the commitment and passion of the triangle theater community, Charlie is committed to stimulating productivity, visibility, and the celebration of all our region continues to accomplish.
Tim Seib (Co-Producer) is a stage director and designer who is especially passionate about developing new works. He was a resident of NYC for 18 years where he worked as an actor, director, and theater educator, in addition to directing productions at regional theaters across the country. Tim honed his new work development skills at celebrated institutions like The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Musical Theater Festival, the NYU Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program, and various development workshops in NYC. His freelance directing first brought him to the Triangle in 2015. Inspired by the energetic and growing theater scene in the region, Tim now calls Raleigh home and is excited to be a part of shaping the future theatre landscape in the Triangle. Tim is a proud graduate of the Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts in St. Louis, MO!
Chanda Branch (NCPL Selections Process Manager), B.S. – Speech Communications & Theatre – Tennessee State University & Performing Arts Industry Essentials Certificate – NYU | Tisch X Yellowbrick. Favorite Credits: Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Brenda), Hairspray (Lorraine), 9 to 5 (Kathy), Ragtime (Sarah), Porgy & Bess (Strawberry Woman), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine), Big Fish (The Witch), Three Little Birds (Montego), Crowns (Velma), Chicago (Velma), Gypsy (Deloris), Sister Act (Michelle & U/S Deloris), Dreamgirls (Ensemble & U/S Lorell), The Color Purple (Church Lady Darlene & U/S Shug Avery). Appearances at The National Black Theatre Festival & The Women’s Theatre Festival Fringe. City, state, and regional titles in beauty pageants and is the longest nationally reigning Ms. Black USA (’19 & ’20)! Love to husband Corey & baby Carleigh. Thanks to Mom and family. Follow on IG & TIK TOK: @iammrsbranch / @actupacademy bit.ly/actupchanda