The Directors
David, and English and Theatre teacher at BHS, has been happily teaching in the A-Wing since 2020 and the G-Wing since 2014 and plans to "squat" there for years to come. Throughout the day, he teaches Theatre Arts and English 10 Honors.
Before becoming a teacher in 2013, David spent the better part of a decade working as a stage, small film, and voiceover actor. Throughout grad school, he also worked as a full-time traffic reporter in Chicago, mostly with WBBM Newsradio. The transition to teaching was a natural one: he loves making a difference in students' lives. The fulfillment he gets from working with students--playing a role in their development as thinkers, writers, and active participants in society--is deeper than he ever had as a performer.
Outside of his dedication to BHS, he spends a lot of time with his wife (Jen), their son (Eliot) and their two greyhounds (Hadley and Freya). He loves reading novels, poetry, and comic books of all varieties (sci-fi & fantasy are among his favorites). He’s also an avid nerd, spending time playing Dungeons & Dragons, board games, and video games. Outdoor time is usually spent around a firepit, BBQing, biking, and occasionally snowboarding.
Yes, this next part deserves its own mini-paragraph. He’s a huge Star Wars fan. 'Nuff said.
David Morrison, Director
Kelli Lawrence, Auditorium Director
Spring & Fall Technical Director
Mark has been involved in theatre in some capacity since he appeared in Oklahoma in 7th grade. His true passion for it bloomed his junior year when he became a state champion in Contest Play for his work in Shakespeare’s Othello. He has since performed in over 30 productions ranging from small independent shows to full scale productions.
Mark attended Utah State University, where he minored in Acting Performance, and three times was awarded the Irene Ryan Award for acting excellence. Starting in 2010 he added "director" to his resume, and has been directing the musical ever since. In addition to directing the spring musical, he is also the assistant director for the fall play since 2015. Mark’s directing experience extends beyond Bolingbrook High School, including six years with the Fox Country Players Fine Arts Academy and one year at Plano High School, where he made is directorial debut. Thanks to the commitment to this theatre program from all of the directors, administration, parents, and students, directing at BHS is a true highlight in his career.
At home, Mark is proud to play director to his five sons, alongside his loving wife, Allison.
Mark Wayne, Director
Fall Play & Spring Musical Production Staff
Cheryl Avery, Choreographer
Cheryl has been a professional actor and Actor's Equity Union member for over 30 years. You may have seen her on Chicagoland stages such as The Goodman Theatre, The Marriott Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Oakbrook, The Apple Tree Theatre and The Apollo. Cheryl starred in Forbidden Hollywood in both Japan and Chicago, earning her Chicago's After Dark Award. You may have seen her singing and dancing on ships for Royal Caribbean and Carnival, sharing the stage with Pat Boone in Branson, or performing her solo Cabaret at many Chicago venues. Cheryl is inspired by the drive of these amazing young performers, and hopes to continue to help them enhance their theatrical experience through dedication, hard work, and lots of FUN!
Karra Badakhshanian, Props Designer (Spring)
Karra Badakhshanian has been a member of The Brook Theatre since 2004, when she was an audience member watching her older brother on stage. When she reached high school in 2007, she participated in the program for all four year until 2011. Now, she is back working as an English teacher and our Long Story Short Sponsor, Co-Director of The Musical Revue, and The Props Director for the Fall Play & Spring Musical. With many hats in our program, she is so excited to be involved again and looking forward to our future performances!
Lisa Garza, Pit Director (Spring)
Caleb Scott, Master Carpenter (Fall)
Caleb Scott is an Illinois State University graduate with a degree in technology and engineering education. His interests involve tinkering with tools and computers, shooting photography, and thrift shopping.
In Caleb’s spare time, he usually can be found playing video games, listening to music, or watching old movies. He loves teaching at BHS because the students are so engaged in the subjects he teaches, making work something to look forward to every single day.
Lauretta Sterner, Musical Director (Spring)
Lauretta Sterner teaches Bella Voce, Vibe, Shine, piano and guitar at BHS. She has always had a deep passion for music and is an accomplished vocalist and instrumentalist. Ms. Sterner graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and as valedictorian from Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts in 2015. She went on to pursue her Master’s Degree of Music Education at Vandercook College of Music where she harbored her passions for choral music and special education to author her thesis, “Establishing an Inclusive Choir in Your Community.” Prior to her time at BHS, Ms. Sterner has taught chorus, band, general music, and musical theater at Franklin Fine Arts Center in Chicago and Butler School District 53 in Oak Brook. Along with her teaching experience, Ms. Sterner sings professionally outside of school. Her most memorable performance experiences have been performing with the Grant Park Chorus and singing backup vocals for the Rolling Stones for their 50 and Counting Anniversary Tour in Chicago.
Adam Thas, Artistic Director (Spring)
It started with X-men #1 from 1991, after seeing that, I decided I wanted to be an artist. I graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2001 with a BFA with an emphasis in Education. My first full-time teaching job was at Jane Addams Middle School, and the rest has been history. I’ve spent the past 22 years honing my craft in both painting and illustration. I’ve had multiple side projects doing freelance album design and layout for Capitol Records and have spent the past few years with my own business doing “geek” wedding invitations worldwide and being featured on various websites and media including “Poptastic Bride” and “Don’t Tell the Bride” on BBC. My other true passion is coaching the Jane Addams Cross Country and Track and Field programs, running on any trail, anywhere, any chance I get, and attempting to raise my two amazing kids.