Meet the Creative Team Behind the Upcoming Production of Footloose.
Kendel Smith (Director and Set Designer) - Kendel is a native of New Orleans, La., who grew up in Waldheim. After receiving a BFA in Theatre from SLU, he moved to New York City where he attended the Neighborhood Playhouse and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He was a member of Love Creek Theatre Company, performed in summer stock at Gateway Playhouse and Theatre in the Catskills, performed at Wigstock for over 25 years, and designed costumes for Boheme Savage while living in Berlin. Kendel originated several roles Off-Broadway and participated in multiple tours of Pump Boys and Dinettes, Equus, and Baby. A human rights activist, he worked for Dr. Kenneth Unger as a healthcare provider and AIDS researcher. He moved back to the area in 2015 and opened Swamplight Theatre and The Kay Butler Performing Arts Project with his dear friend Barbie Butler Vallot.
Wendy Kinchen Savarino (Music Director) - Wendy lives in Ponchatoula, La. She holds a bachelor's degree in Music Vocal Performance from Southeastern Louisiana University and a master's degree from The Ohio State University. Wendy is a certified music teacher and teaches music at Tucker Elementary School in Ponchatoula. Wendy has performed on many stages through the years, but her proudest roles include Rhetta in Pump Boys and Dinettes, Hannah in The Spitfire Grill, Lucy in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music, and Naomi in Cendrillon. Recently, Wendy was the music director for Oliver at Swamplight Theatre.
Chloe Vallot (Choreographer) - Chloe was born in Ponchatoula, La. She grew up dancing and performing, attending NOCCA for Musical Theatre and graduating from The Young Americans College of Performing Arts in Corona, California. After graduating, she traveled with the Young Americans to Germany, Poland, and throughout the United States teaching, singing, and performing. She now performs at The National World War II Museum as a Victory Belle and has performed at various theaters in the Greater New Orleans area. She also frequently administrates, directs, and choreographs for Swamplight Theatre, home of The Kay Butler Performing Arts Project. Some of Chloe’s most notable roles are Linda Mason in Holiday Inn, Percy in The Spitfire Grill, Penny in Hairspray, Sophie in Mamma Mia, Rita in White Christmas, and Sandy in Grease. Chloe loves to travel and would like to continue pursuing anything in the arts, film, television, or live theatre.
AUDITIONS: April 24 & 25
CALLBACKS: April 26
SHOW DATES: July 21 - 30
TICKETS ON SALE: July 1