UMBRELLA COLLECTIVE
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ABOUT

Umbrella Collective (formerly Savage Umbrella) collaborates to create new works of theater that inspire vital conversations.

Umbrella Collective’s not-so-secret power is creating transformative performance experiences powered by people. Shared, live arts experiences have the unique ability to transcend the boundaries of the everyday to foster deeper conversations about who we are, how we are, and what we want to be. We believe the practice of collaboration—with artists and audiences—leads to transformational change. To create change, we first need to model compassion, empathy, respect, listening, and curiosity in all aspects of our work and play. We embrace theater that inspires genuine conversations centered around womxn and queer voices. We encourage artists to take risks and push their own boundaries to create compelling and bold stories that represent their identities and experiences. From the nascent seeds of ideas, we devise artistically excellent and thought-provoking new works of theater. In this way, we are shaping a world where creativity, collaboration, and curiosity are essential tools for connection.

Read more about Core Values, Equity & Inclusion, and Aesthetics under the umbrella.


For over a decade, Umbrella Collective has been building bold new works of theater that inspire and engage artists and audiences alike. We’ve created over 20 original productions and numerous works-in-progress in the Twin Cities, as well as across the country and world — including Duluth, Minnesota; Calgary, Canada; Kansas City, Missouri; and Seoul, South Korea.

Founded in 2007, the Collective has grown from its four founding members to an ensemble of diverse artists, including performers, directors, writers, designers, choreographers, composers, musicians, and visual artists. The Collective also relies on the year-round support and work of countless collaborating artists, volunteers, and dedicated audience members.

We believe that when we work together we can do so much more than we ever could alone.
Together is better. Get under the umbrella.


Press about Umbrella Collective.

CORE MEMBERS

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Megan Clark | Co-Chair, Dramaturgy, Education, and Production Team

Under the umbrella since:  2015​
Character description: Megan thinks she enjoys a calm and still existence, but courts chaos at every turn. She/Her.
Hometown:  Manhattan, KS
Training:  BFA Creative Writing Chapman University
Other adventures: 
Assistant Director, Manhattan Experimental Theater Workshop for high school students; Co-Founder, Experimental Theater Lab; Independent maker of original plays
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Kathryn Fumie | Co-Chair, Collective Engagement Team

Under the umbrella since:  2015
Character description: Kathryn is a 21st century, modern, liberated woman. The world is her oyster. And she loves oysters. She/Her.
Hometown:  Sartell, MN
Training:  BFA, Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts
Other adventures:
Company Member, GTC Dramatic Dialogues (social justice theatre) 2012-present; Performer with various companies and venues around the Twin Cities and beyond, including: Guthrie Theater, Mixed Blood, Theater Mu, Park Square, Theatre Unbound, Full Circle, and Pioneer Place on 5th.
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Hannah K. Holman | Producing Artistic Director

Under the umbrella since:  2011
Character description: Poetic playground builder, motion moment maker, spreadsheet storyteller. Likes to do all the things. She/Her.
Hometown:  Bloomington, MN
Training:  BA in Theatre Arts, Music from Concordia College – Moorhead, MN
Other adventures: Interdisciplinary maker, social practice artist, theater collaborator, and creative consultant working in communities of all shapes and sizes -- rural, remote, urban, and suburban; Program Manager, Minnesota Theater Alliance; Project Manager, 2019 Rural Arts & Culture Summit with Springboard for the Arts; Board Member & Collaborator, Department of Public Transformation. hannahkholman.com
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Alana Horton | Chair, Audience Engagement Team

Under the umbrella since:  2015
Character description: Chameleon with an extensive wig collection. Performer, drummer, marketing geek and illustrator. She really like pickles, and she’s not so great at sarcasm. She/Her.
Hometown:  Northampton, MA
Training:  BA in Theatre and English Literature from Macalester College
Other adventures: Director of Marketing and Communications​, Cedar Cultural Center; Drummer in several Twin Cities bands (Bella Yaga; Controversial New Skinny Pill); Performer and Creator with various companies, including: Red Eye Theatre, Bedlam Theatre, and Dolan//Heeringa.

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Foster Johns | Co-Chair, Dramaturgy, Education, and Production Team

Under the umbrella since:  2018
Character description: A friendly, goofy and vocally shape-shifty fellow who loves peoples flaws, quirks, and idiosyncrasies; silly but sincere and a ceaseless supporter of alliterative phrases and fellow artists. He/Him.
Hometown:  New Orleans, LA
Training:   Royal Central School of Speech & Drama (MFA in Voice Studies) Boston College (B.A. in Theater & English)
Other adventures: 
Dialect coach for various companies and venues around the Twin Cities, including: Guthrie Theater, Theatre Latte Da, Park Square, and Old Log Theater.
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Nick Wolf | Co-Chair, Collective Engagement Team

Under the umbrella since:  2015
Character description: Lanky outdoorsman and builder. Nocturnal, pack animal. He/Him.
Hometown:  Saint Paul, MN
Training:  BA in Theater: Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Other adventures: Performer and Collaborator with various companies around the Twin Cities; Writer / Producer, Couples Therapy; Carpenter, Spoleto Festival USA.

COLLECTIVE MEMBERS

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Lauren Diesch
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Under the umbrella since:  2018
Character description: An undeviating fire that conjures reality from fiction. A little, fierce fool who's body is too bootylicious for you, babe. She/Her.
Hometown:  Pittsburgh, PA
Training:  BA in Theater: Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Other adventures: Director of Education / Associate Artistic Director, CLIMB Theatre; Performer with various companies around the Twin Cities; Board Member, Chameleon Theatre Circle.
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Meghan Gunderson
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Under the umbrella since:  2017
Character description: Movie quoter, reader, story collector, closet poet. Loves to listen and learn. She/Her.
Hometown:  Plymouth, MN
Training:  BA in Theater from the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University​
Other adventures: Freelance director and stage manager with various companies around the Twin Cities, including: 20% Theatre Company Twin Cities, Children’s Theatre Company, Workhaus Collective, Sherlock Studios, Upright Egg Theatre Company, 500 Clown, and Wanderlust Productions.
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Meredith Kind​
More info soon!
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MJ Leffler
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Under the umbrella since:  2017
Character description: A handy-dyke fix it type, that spends a lot of time contemplating the feeling of ease, what ice cream flavor is the best, where to watch the best sunset, and which state park to camp in next. Genderqueer and uses all pronouns.
Hometown:  Swanville, MN
Training:  AA Degree - Central Lakes College; BA in Theater - Minnesota State University-Moorhead (emphasis on acting, directing, and technical design)
Other adventures: Run Crew Supervisor and Studio ATD, Guthrie Theater; Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Sidecar Theatre; Performer with History Theatre, Artistry, Mission Theatre Company, Chameleon Theatre, Open Window, 20% Theatre, Theatre in the Round, among others.
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Natavia Lewis

Under the umbrella since: 2019
Character Description: Writer constantly looking for the right pen (and won't start writing until she finds it). A goofy, loud, eccentric performer who fancies herself a purple-lover (yes you read that right. She loves all thing purple. That purple thing over there in the corner? She LOVES that!). She/Her/Hers.
Hometown: East St. Paul, MN
Training: BA in Theatre from Minnesota State University, Mankato
Other Adventures: Has performed with several theatre companies in the Twin Cities, including Pangea World Theatre and Transatlantic Love Affair. Has also performed with the MN Fringe Festival, as well as the Twin Cities Horror Festival. Writer and Teaching Artist.
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Nissa Nordland
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Under the umbrella since:  2018
Character description: A ball of energy that enjoys making people laugh. A lover of dinosaurs, Lisa Frank unicorns, cross stitching, and pinball. She’s been called a force of nature. She/Her.
Hometown:  Born in Austin, TX, raised primarily in Albert Lea, MN
Training:  BA in Theatre Arts, Southwest Minnesota State University​
Other adventures: Founder, Special When Lit; Performer with various companies around the Twin Cities, including: Classical Actor’s Ensemble, Wayward Theatre Company, Mission Theatre Company, nimbus theatre, Theatre Unbound, Brave New Workshop, and Twin Cities Horror Festival; Represented by Nuts, ltd for Commercial / Industrial work.
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Antonia Perez
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Under the umbrella since:  2018
Character description: The coolest nerd you will ever meet; infamous for her quick wit and always having snacks. She/Her.
Hometown:  Roseau, MN
Training:  BA in Theatre, Minnesota State University Mankato
Other adventures: Performer, choreographer, and collaborator with various Twin Cities companies and venues including Theatre Coup D'etat, Trademark Theater, and Park Square Theater.
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Eli Purdom
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Under the umbrella since:  2018
Character description: Just a simple lizard person, trapped in a complicated human shell. Diviner, creator, puppet enthusiast. He/Him,
Hometown:  Kansas City, MO
Training:  BS in Theatre: Performance from Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU)
Other adventures: Assistant Director at KC Rep on Angels in America, Parts 1 + 2; Teaching artist and actor with CLIMB Theatre; MN Fringe and Twin Cities Horror Fest participant.
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Courtney Stirn
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More info soon!
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Leslie Vincent
​​

Under the umbrella since:  2018
Character description: A musical sprite who runs on optimism, pixie sticks, and the feeling of crossing things off a list. Comfortable in chaos. She/Her.
Hometown:  Owings, MD
Training:  BM in Musical Theatre, Catholic University - Washington, D.C.
Other adventures: One half of the jazz duo The Champagne Drops, thechampagnedrops.com; Freelance singer, songwriter, and ukulele player; Performer and collaborator with various companies and venues around the Twin Cities, including: Park Square Theatre, History Theatre, and Sidekick Theatre.
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Patrick Webster
​​​

Under the umbrella since:  2018
Character description: Antsy feet, messy hair, holey sweaters. He/Him.
Hometown:  Hastings, MN
Training:  DPT Candidate - U of M; Massage Certification - Aveda Institute; BA - Oberlin College
Other adventures: Bodyworker, Life Time Athletic Club; Construction volunteer facilitator, TC Habitat for Humanity; Longtime member of the Zenon Dance Xchange program.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lori Castille | Chair
Project Manager, Pace Analytical LLC
Executive Board, NE Mpls Farmers Market
Morgen Chang | Secretary
Performer, Arts Instructor
​Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts
Tanner Curl | Treasurer
Development Director, MinnPost
Nicole Wilder
​Actor, Director, Playwright, Producer, and Musician
Rachel Kuhnle
Resident Ensemble Member & Company Manager, Commonweal Theatre

ARTISTIC ADVISORY

Carl Atiya Swanson
Minneapolis, MN
Blake E. Bolan, Co-Founder
New York, NY
Amber Davis
​Minneapolis, MN
Laura Leffler, Co-Founder
Artistic Director Emeritus
Minneapolis, MN
Mason Mahoney
Los Angeles, CA
Rachel Nelson
New Orleans, LA

EMERITUS MEMBERS

Eric F. Avery, Co-Founder (2007-2011)
Neal Beckman (2015-2017)

Sarah Borger (2009-2011)
​Lisa Brimmer (2014-2016)
​Tanner Curl (2010-2015)
Emily Dussault (2015-2019)
​​Russ Dugger (2010-2017)
​Candy Emberley (2010-2013)

Christina Forga (2010-2014)
Heidi Jedlicka Halvarson (2011-2016)
Daniel Ian Joeck (2015-2016)
​Anni Jordan-Amberg (2015-2016)
​Shira Levenson (2010-2011)

Ben Mattson, Co-Founder (2007-2009)
Michael Ooms (2015-2019)
Mark Sweeney (2018-2020)
Allison Witham (2015-2020)

COLLABORATORS

Fenja Abrams
Eva Adderley
Jim Ahrens
Ico Ahyicodae
Gracie Anderson
Cael Anton
Adam Arnold
Rachel Austin
Fernanda Badeo
Mikey Barshack
Adam Baus
Nayely Becerra
Grete Bergland
Sonya Berlovitz
Kit Bix
Amber Bjork
Bella Blackshaw
Thomas Borger
Lindsey Cacich
Zac Campbell
Charles Campbell
Emily Carlson
Anna Carol
Morgen Chang
Emily Chang
​Alexis Clarksean
Eric Cohen
Lisa Conley
Seth Conover
David Coral
Kelsey Cramer
Santino Craven
Mary Cutler
Sean Dillon
Mike Davidovich
Alyssa Davis
Nic Delcambre
Peyton Dixon
Joy Dolo
Jame Daniel Duquesne
Kayla Dvorak
​Asher Edes
Don Edwards
Ben Egerman
Jim Eischen
Peter Ekland
Eric Elefson
Matthew Englund
Brandon Ewald
Erin Nicole Farste
Thomas Ferguson
Sarah French
​Nate Gebhard
Parker Genne
Amy Ginther
Ali Gould
Elana Gravitz
Joni Griffith
Jeff Groff
Bryan Grosso
Gunther Gullickson
Bryon Gunsch
Megan Hadley
Seth Hale
Joe Halvarson
Bob Hammel
Meaghan Harding
Nick Haug
Aaron Henry
Sarah Hollows
Justin Hooper
Keith Hovis
Alissa Ona Jacobsen
Todd Janssen
Jami Jerome
Michael Johnson
Kari Kachelmacher
​Ilana Kapra
Naomi Karstad
Scott Keely
Taous Khazem
​Tera Kilbride
​Song Kim
Rydia Kim
Meredith Kind
Ellen Kirk
Adrienne Kleinmann
Benjamin Kolis
Rachel Kuhnle
Annalise Lamberty
Theo Langason
Starla Larson
Molly Leahy
Kit Leffler
Natavia Lewis
Maggie Lofbloom
Tara Lucchino
Ellie Finch
Andrew Lynch
Eric Marinus
Hazen Markoe
Josh Martin
Laura Mason
Ben Mattson
Shannon McCarville
Jerry McMurray
Katie Melby
Grant Merges
Julia Metzger-Traber
Derek Lee Miller
Marcela Michelle Mobama
Katharine Moeller
Ted Moore
Claire Morrison
Helena Mueller
Claire Nadeau
Kris Ness
Hope Nordquist
Carley Olson
Zakeeya Patel
Leo Peterson
Jonathan Peterson
Adelin Phelps
​Anna Pladson
Brian Proball
Marika Proctor
Adam Raine
Cameron Reeves
Sheila Regan
Scotty Reynolds
Tinne Rosenmeier
Daniel Rovinsky
Gary Ruschman
Paul Rutledge
Nora Sachs
Daniel Sakamoto-Wengel
Maggie Scanlon
Jessie Scarborough-Ghent
Adam Scarpello
Zachary Schaeffer
Courtney Schmitz
Amanda Schnabel
David Schneider
Matt Sciple
Jake Scott
Siddeeqah Shabazz
Mickaylee Shaughnessy
Carl Shoenborn
Danielle Siver
Kate Skoretz
Joe Song
Jessica Spivey
Colin Stanhill
Cody Stewart
Courtney Stirn
Jason Stone
Michael Sung-Ho
Mike Swan
Carl David Swanson
KT Thompson
Jordan Lee Thompson
Dana Lee Thompson
Tamara Titsworth
Evan Tredal
Cameron Tredal
Eve Tugwell
Andi Vargo
Nancy Waldoch
Alan Wales
Abbee Warmboe
Jordan West
Gwethalyn Williams
Spencer Witter
Chloe Wong
Andrew Young
Lacey Zeiler
John Zeiler​
Photo: These Are The Men (2015)  // Dan Norman Photography
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Together is better.
Get under the umbrella.
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Copyright 2019
​Umbrella Collective
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