Backdoor Theatre Staff

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JESSICA WOOD - EXECUTIVE MANAGING DIRECTOR
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CHANCE HARMON - ARTISTIC/TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
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Jessica Wood began volunteering with Backdoor Theatre through Backdoor's Improv Troupe in 2015 as a cast member.  From there she was wrangled into playing the piano for many of our recent musicals, and is now the leader of our Improv Troupe.  She also spent time on our Board of Directors.

Previously, she was the Executive Director of NAMI Wichita Falls, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Data/Marketing Coordinator for Commun-ities In Schools before accepting the position as Managing Director for Backdoor Theatre. 

When she is not at work, she is home snuggling with her husky, Sky,  and cats Honey, Norton, Benny, and Mannie.  Her Roomba that works overtime. 
Chance Harmon has over 35 years of experience in the creative arts having produced, directed, and performed in many regional theater productions and Broadway national tours. Harmon was a casting director and vocal coach for the MTV networks and has worked for ABC, NBC, Food Network, and Fox News, among other television networks. Harmon is the former producing artistic director of the Wichita Theatre in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he created and administered the Acting Out in Class program in area north Texas schools.

In 2016, Harmon consulted and participated in the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture's inaugural TALL program, and in 2018, he lent his expertise to Lincoln Center Education's
Teaching Artist Development Labs. Chance is a fierce advocate
​for the arts in all communities.
ANTHONY TAYLOR - OPERATIONS & PRODUCTION ASST.
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Anthony was “bit by the bug” in 2008 when he was cast in his first high school production. Ever since, he’s been on a journey to create moments for the audience that will last forever. That journey led him to Backdoor Theatre, where he has volunteered his time and efforts since 2015. As the Operations & Production Assistant, Anthony assists in the physical aspects of a production and bringing them to life as well as assisting in the daily operations at Backdoor. 

Anthony’s credits include Master Carpenter for the 2014-2015 season at MSU Theatre, Stage Manager for Rock of Ages, 9 to 5, and White Christmas, as well as portray the roles of Leon Czolgosz in Assassins, Howard in Moon Over Buffalo, and Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Backdoor Theatre.
MARK DUDLEY - BOX OFFICE MANAGER
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Mark is a lifelong resident of Wichita Falls, aside from a short stint in the 80s when he lived in Austin. He attended Rider High School, where he was involved in everything that was music or theatre.  After graduating in 1982, he attended the University of Texas for a brief period before taking a break and working for the Texas Legislature as a staff assistant to the Secretary of the Senate, Mrs. Betty King. He returned to Wichita Falls in 1989 to complete his college education at Midwestern State University.  Upon graduation, he went to work as a teacher for the Wichita Falls ISD, where he worked for 29 years. He retired from public education at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. 
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Mark is passionate about two things: music and theatre.  He sings, plays piano, and is a member of the Chancel Choir at First United Methodist Church.  As for theatre, he has performed on stage in many productions, as well as being involved backstage as Music Director and Stage Manager.    

When he is not at the theatre, you can usually find him someplace drinking a craft beer, and if he has a free week, he is heading to the great state of Colorado and enjoying his Rocky Mountains. 
His favorite quote, which is his philosophy for how he tries to live life, comes from the poet Alexander Pope: “Act well your part, there all the honour lies.” 
CASSIE TOFT - ​​YOUTH EDUCATION DIRECTOR - EMAIL
Cassie has a BFA in Theatre with a double emphasis in Tech Design & Acting/Directing. She is the Theatre Director at City View ISD where she runs both the Jr. High & High School Theatre programs & has so for the past four years.

​Cassie has experience in almost every aspect of theatre, including stage combat, shop management, prosthetics, special effects makeup, etc. Her passion is educational theatre where she can share her love for theatre with students in order to cultivate a stronger artistic community in Wichita Falls.