CVCT

Julie Griffin is a life time lover and student of the arts, continuously studying vocal and theatre performance, and stage direction. She has worked with many performers of all ages teaching them to explore the world around them through theatre.  She is a vocal coach, and the Casting/Staging Director for The Spirit of ‘76 4th of July Parade here in Cedar City.  Julie joined CVCT with their production of Oliver in 2017, and has continued to work closely with them behind the scenes and on stage, including directing Matilda in January 2020.  Here, she is home, where she can learn, grow, and give back to the community that she loves.

Noel Bauer has 20 years of theatre experience ranging from community to professional. She graduated from SUU with a BS in Theatre Arts/English Education. Noel spends her summers as the Lead Teaching Artist for the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Education Department and the rest of her year teaching theatre and English at Parowan High School. She has been very passionate about CVCT ever since she ran spotlight for Annie back in 2013. Since then, she’s been involved in 14 CVCT productions in all capacities (from directing to acting to tech) and loves that she gets to support this organization as a board member.

Stephen Wagner received his BA in Theatre Arts/Directing from California State University, Fullerton and an MFA in Arts Administration from Southern Utah University. He performed with Walt Disney Entertainment and Jim Henson Productions as a puppeteer for over a decade, and was a repertory member of the Rude Guerrilla Theatre Company in Orange County, CA. Additional directing credits include work performed at the Blank Theatre in Hollywood, CA, The Arthur Seelen Theatre in New York, and the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. 

JENNIE GRIMES is a wife and mother of five, currently the dance teacher at CVHS and board member for the CVCT. She has Bachelor Degrees in Dance Performance and Education with a minor in Theatre from SUU. Where she later became an adjunct professor. Jennie was chosen to dance select works of José Limón under the direction of Risa Steinberg from Juilliard. She has trained in multiple styles/genres of dance, competitive gymnastics and has performed with several companies. Arabesque Ballet Company, Ballet Repertory Dance Company, Eagle dancers, Orchesis Modern Company, a principal dancer for St. George Dance Co. and most recently with AlambradoDanza as a dancer/choreographer in Florence Italy

Jessika Grimshaw loves theatre and has enjoyed performing from a very young age. She is a Dental Hygienist, and is passionate about theatre and the arts. Her first appearance with CVCT was in the 2014 production of Oklahoma. Some of her roles with CVCT include Alice in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Margo in Bright Star. Jessika is grateful that theatre has been an integral part of her life. She enjoys giving back by volunteering in the community arts and at Shakespeare Competition at the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Matt Adams grew up singing and dancing in Southern California.  After moving to Cedar City in 2012, he and his wife sought out a community theater to be involved in.  They are glad that they found CVCT, because it has done so much to make them feel a part of the community.  Matt’s first show with CVCT was “Hello Dolly!” in 2013 and he’s had the opportunity to be involved in numerous CVCT productions since.  Matt teaches math at SUU and also enjoys singing with the local men’s choir and playing in the Southern Utah Handbell Choir.

Shellee Younkin is excited to be serving on the CVCT board. She is completing her Masters in Arts Administration in 2025 and happy to help put her knowledge to work to support local theatre at CVCT. Shellee has a BA in Theatre with a dance minor from The Ohio State University has been in recent productions of CVCT as well as providing choreography for several shows. Shellee loves teaching yoga and dance in Cedar City and serves as the Education Director for The Orchestra of Southern Utah. Shellee loves helping support the Arts in Southern Utah. She also loves spending time with her two kids and husband

Torri has been dancing since she was three years old. She started teaching and choreographing at age seventeen. Torri found the joy of musical theater when she had the opportunity to play Marian Paroo in a production of "The Music Man" in Salt Lake County. Participating in following productions played a part in her meeting and marrying Matt. In 2012 they moved to Cedar City and quickly sought out a community theater. They found Cedar Valley Community Theater just in time to be a part of the cast of "Hello, Dolly!" Torri has since participated in multiple CVCT productions as either a member of the cast or as choreographer. Torri has also had the amazing and humbling experience of being hired to choreograph for Utah Shakespeare Festival: Playmakers. She is grateful to be a part of the Cedar Valley Community Theater family and for the many friendships that have grown there.

Trevor Walker currently teaches band, choir and musical theatre at Parowan High School. In addition to his work responsibilities he is also an active actor with roles including Nicely-Nicely in Guys and Dolls and Quasimodo in CVCT's upcoming Production of Hunchback of Notre Dame. He is also an active music director at the high school and community theatre level where some of his credits include Bright Star, Drowsy Chaperone, 1776 and Once Upon A Mattress. His main function on the CVCT Board is running Social Media and he is grateful to be part of such a great organization

S. Diane Rees joined Cedar Valley Community Theatre in January 2024 and has quickly become an essential part of the team. With theatrical experience ranging from stage managing The Addams Family to serving as prop master for Freaky Friday, she brings a passion and fresh perspective to each production. Outside of CVCT, S. Diane owns and operates The Learning Loft Preschool and is a proud wife and mother--managing it all with heart and dedication.