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Miracle on 34th Street 2025

photo by Mark Frohna

Meet The Team

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Executive Director

Angie Bier

Angie first encountered Forte Theatre Company as a parent of a student actor, and quickly became and avid volunteer and, later, board member. When the opportunity to take on a formal leadership role as Executive Director arose, she was honored to be chosen for the role. A passionate supporter of the arts, her combination of organization, vision, and community connections will position Forte for its next chapter after an initial five seasons of bringing Milwaukee’s talent to the Southwest suburbs. Angie graduated from Lawrence University in 1998, attended medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed a pediatrics residency at the University of Arizona, in Tucson, where she began her medical career. Upon returning to Wisconsin, she joined the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin. There she cared for pediatric patients at Children’s Wisconsin and Clinics and pursued an academic interest in medical education. She served in numerous advisory and leadership roles, presented at national conferences, and advised students and residents. Later Angie retired from medical life, taking several years to find her next thing. That next thing was raising her two daughters, and engaging in extensive volunteer work and community service. She also began writing, publishing her first book in 2022 with a second released in 2025

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Interim Artistic Director

Anne Van Deusen

A highly respected musician, music director, and vocal coach with more than two decades of experience in the Milwaukee performing arts community, Anne brings a wealth of artistic knowledge, professional relationships, and a genuine passion for theatre to this leadership role. Anne is already a familiar and valued member of the Forte family, having served as music director for previous productions and will be music directing upcoming shows in Forte’s season. Her appointment provides both continuity and experienced artistic leadership as Forte moves forward. Throughout her career, Anne has collaborated with some of southeastern Wisconsin’s most recognized performing arts organizations, including Skylight Music Theatre, Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Milwaukee Ballet, First Stage Children’s Theatre, and Waukesha Civic Theatre. She has also worked extensively with performers of all ages and abilities, helping artists develop their talents and confidence on stage.

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Education Director, Interim Production Manager

Molly Kempfer

Molly is a local actor, educator, and director who delights in passing on her passion for theatre to the next generation. She has worked with companies such as Forward Theatre Company, Children's Theatre of Madison, and Acacia Theatre. She is also an associate artist with Forte Theatre Company and is thrilled to be joining their education team.

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Company Sound Designer

Liam Ledford

Liam joined Forte Theatre Company in January of 2024 as Sound Designer for Legally Blonde Jr. He has since been the primary Sound Designer for every Forte production. As an actor, he has performed with numerous Milwaukee area theatre companies. Favorite credits include RENT with Outskirts Theatre Co., Kinky Boots & Next to Normal at Waukesha Civic Theatre and All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 with Vanguard Productions. Liam graduated from Purdue University in 2020 with a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and a Certificate in Applied Music Technology, and then obtained his masters in Engineering Technology through Purdue in 2023. Liam returned to Wisconsin in late 2023, after an opportunity arose for him to engineer and commission the audiovisual systems at the new Green Bay Packers Conditioning, Rehab and Instruction Center (CRIC) with AVI-SPL. Liam currently works for AVI-SPL as a Project Engineer during his days, and has designed and engineered systems for Northwestern Mutual, American Family Insurance, The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Rockwell Automation, The United States Air Force, The Indianapolis Colts, The Green Bay Packers, and countless others. In his (limited) free time, he enjoys hunting for rare vinyl records, building Legos, and downhill skiing.

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Company Costume Designer

Nikki Heiniger

Nikki began working with Forte Theatre Company on their production of The Music Man Jr, and has since costumed both mainstage and youth productions there. Nikki’s design work has been featured outside of Forte including memorable shows such as Moana, Jr. for Dare to Dream Theatre; Thoroughly Modern Millie for Waukesha Theatre Company; and the world premiere of RIP: Musical Comedy About Life and Death, presented at Next Act. Her work has been nominated for various awards, and Nikki won a 2019 Footlight Award for Best Costume Design in a Professional Production, for the Zie Magic Flute, with Quasimondo Physical Theatre and Milwaukee Opera Theatre. Nikki graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, IL with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. She also holds a Master of Fine Arts in Costume Production from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Professional Theatre Training Program. When she is not creating costumes for the next production, she can be found creating vintage inspired jewelry to sell at area markets under the name Vintage Nicolina, When she has free time, Nikki enjoys going to museums, concerts, and spending time with her husband and extended family.

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House Manager

Colleen Boehm

Colleen Boehm (House Manager) is in her 3rd year as House Manager and her 2nd year as Youth Show Photographer. After 29 years in the events industry, she knows that theater is a large-scale, intricate event. She loves working behind-the-scenes so the performers and crew have the space to shine! Whether it’s marketing, fundraising, front-of-house, or her favorite role…photographer…she is all in! Colleen is mom to 2 theater kids, wife of 25 years, and in her “spare” time she loves to walk, read, watch theater, eat good food, and travel (a beach and palm trees preferred)! Enjoy the show!

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Interim Shop Manager

Ian Frisch

Bio coming soon

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