Backdoor Theatre Staff
Jessica 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.
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. |
Carter started working in theatre in 2007 and has been in love with it ever since. In high school he was heavily involved in UIL Speech & Debate as well as his school’s theatre department and UIL One Act Play.
Carter went on to pursue his degree in theatre at Midwestern State University and in May of 2014 he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with emphasis in Theatre Tech and Design. In the near decade that Carter has been involved with theatre he has worked on over 25 productions as an actor, designer, stage manager, director, and many, many other different roles. Carter’s true passion is in stage management and directing, and he hopes to pursue those further in the future. |
Anthony was “bit by the bug” in 2008 when he was cast in his first high school production. Ever since, he has been on a journey to create moments for audiences that will last forever. That journey led him to Backdoor Theatre, where he has volunteered his time and efforts since 2015.
Anthony’s credits include Master Carpenter for the 2014-2015 season at MSU Theatre, Stage Manager for Rock of Ages, 9 to 5: The Musical, and White Christmas, as well as portraying the roles of Leon Czolgosz in Assassins, Howard in Moon Over Buffalo, and Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show at Backdoor Theatre. As the OPA, Anthony assists in the physical aspects of production and bringing them to life, as well as assisting in the daily operations at Backdoor Theatre. |
YOUTH EDUCATION DIRECTOR - EMAIL
HANNAH SMITH has been teaching at Dance Etc. since 2013 in the styles of jazz, tap, hip-hop, jazz-funk, and contemporary as well as the assistant director for the competitive dance team, Evolve.
She is the choreographer for Backdoor Theatre's Summer Youth Musicals (13 the Musical 2017, School of Rock 2018, and Freaky Friday the Musical 2019.) She has competed in Dancing for the Stars in Wichita Falls as well as Dancing to the Stars in Bowie and won the WF competition in 2018. She was a featured dancer in the Wichita Falls The King: Eras of a Legend Elvis Tribute Artist, Kraig Parker performance in 2012. When she isn't teaching, she spends her time performing at Backdoor Theatre (Columbia in Rocky Horror Picture Show 2017 and Sherrie in Rock of Ages 2016), the Wichita Theatre (Grandma Addams in The Addams Family 2014 and Gloria the Hippo in Madagascar! A Musical Adventure 2017), and as the lead singer in her band, Hannah Belle Lecter. |
YOUTH EDUCATION DIRECTOR - EMAIL
JENNIFER WALKER has been performing in some capacity of theatre since elementary school and began performing with Backdoor Theatre as a high schooler. She has been a part of many community theatre productions in Wichita Falls and surrounding areas.
As an SYM alum, Jennifer was very excited to begin working with the SYM in the summer of 2019 for Freaky Friday as the vocal coach. From there, she jumped on board working with the Youth Theatre program. Jennifer has worked in special education for 10 years as an Educational Diagnostician. The rest of her time is spent chasing her daughter, Jemma. |