Six Named To New Administrative Roles At Lyric Theatre

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma over the past few months has welcomed five new faces to its administrative staff and has announced the promotion of a sixth person, as the organization starts its 2019 theatrical season.

Kerrie Brinkman-White has been named the new director of development, and Leia VanLue has joined as the organization's business manager. Andy Foreman will serve as information systems specialist and Sarah King Bartell is the organization's newest house manager. At Lyric's Thelma Gaylord Academy, Kassie Carroll Downey joins as education associate, choreographer and dance instructor. Additionally, Jessica Carabajal, who previously served as house manager, was promoted to a full-time position as development coordinator.

"These six professionals bring a great deal of expertise to Lyric and are all highly respected in the arts and business communities," said Michael Baron, Lyric's producing artistic director. "I look forward to working with each one as we continue to produce quality professional theatre and cultivate young theatre performers of tomorrow."

Brinkman-White graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor degree in education and has put her degree to work in several capacities, including teaching at Jenks Public Schools and working for two global pharmaceutical companies and the University of Oklahoma Price College of Business. She joins the Lyric family from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Brinkman-White is a dedicated supporter of the arts and has performed in more than a dozen shows at Sooner Theatre and Poteet Theatre. She brings two decades' experience in corporate training, management, sales and marketing, education and fundraising in both the public and private sector.

VanLue oversees the accounting operations of the theatre and offers more than 12 years of non-profit accounting experience. Before Lyric, she worked for three years at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas managing all aspects of payroll, recruiting, onboarding and benefits administration. VanLue previously worked as the assistant controller for the Dallas Theater Center and received her bachelor degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. She is also a member of the Air Force Reserves, currently serving at the 507th Air Refueling Wing at Tinker Air Force Base.

A native of Tulsa, Foreman completed his studies at Northeastern Oklahoma State University, earning a bachelor degree in computer science. His experience dealing with software support, database management and web development led to his employment as the information systems specialist. At Lyric, he's responsible for managing the customer relationship database, assisting all departments with report generation and maintaining web site data.

Bartell earned a bachelor degree from Drury University in Springfield, Mo., majoring in theatre, writing and English. In 2012, she returned to her hometown of Norman and founded the nonprofit theatre collective Namron Players Theatre with her husband, Nicholas Bartell, who serves as director of secondary education at Lyric's Academy. As House Manager, she will welcome patrons to the Plaza Theatre and oversee front-of-house operations during Plaza performances.

A native of Norman, Downey graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a bachelor of music in musical theater. Her career has included performing, teaching and directing for companies from Oklahoma to New York and Australia. She is a proud member of Actors Equity Association, the union for professional actors. At Lyric's Academy, Downey teaches a variety of classes, including choreography and dance, and assists with Academy marketing and communications.

Previously serving as Lyric's Plaza house manager for two years, Carabajal joined the staff full-time at the end of 2018 as development coordinator. An Oklahoma City native, she attended Classen School of Advanced Studies and earned her bachelor degree in general studies with a minor in theatre arts from the University of Central Oklahoma. At Lyric, Carabajal serves as the board of directors liaison and supports the Development department with its day-to-day operations.

Founded in 1963, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma is the state's leading professional theatre company. Lyric produces classic and contemporary musicals, new works, and plays featuring artists from Oklahoma and around the nation. Shows are presented at two Oklahoma City venues - the intimate Plaza Theatre and in the summer at the grand Civic Center Music Hall. Lyric's Thelma Gaylord Academy is the premier professional theatre training ground, offering classes in all aspects of the performing arts. Lyric is a nonprofit member theatre of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre and Allied Arts. For more information, visit www.LyricTheatreOKC.org.

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