Youth Theatre

President: Jody Montgomery

Jody Montgomery has taught public school for over twenty years, has been certified in curricula such as The Parent Project®, Community Caring, and Making The Peace. She is the founder of Heart and Mind Consulting focusing on private family consultations for families struggling in school or at home as well as facilitating parent, student, and staff development workshops. Jody is certified with the State of California as a K-12 teacher, Parent Project® Facilitator, Making the Peace Facilitator, and Community of Caring Instructor. It is her wish for families to feel secure in the education system and to feel empowered with theatre.

Jody's participation in high school theatre productions changed her world. It is for that reason Joday dedicates herself and her time to helping others discover themselves. Jody began her theatre career as an assistant director for her high school's production of Anything Goes. She then continued with performing in the role of Dulcie in The Boyfriend and participated in numerous youth productions in the San Francisco Peninsula. She continued in college with You're A Good Man Charlie Brown as well as touring and competing throughout the state of California leading in an original production of West. Jody understands how theatre can create passion as well as instill great self confidence in adolescents and young adults.

Vice President: Open

Secretary: Tammie Tabellija

Tammie Tabellija has been involved in youth theatre for the past 5 years as a prop master. She has managed props for over 19 productions amassing a wealth of knowledge and experience in backstage operations. Prior to her involvement in theatre, Tammie taught art classes for her local 4H Club. In all she has been working for over 20 years as a volunteer in youth activities including baseball, soccer, basketball, and theatre. "I have enjoyed every minute and hope to continue for another 20 years!"

Treasurer: Terri McDowell

Terri McDowell has been performing most of her life, the past 20 years being around the Bay Area. She is also a vocalist in Harmony Fusion (a Barbershop chorus) and Silver Lining (a female a cappela group), and can never get too much music. Terri is very thankful for the mentors early in her life who inspired her to sing and perform, and is blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of offering that inspiration to other young children. She feels Youth Theatre is a vital tool for teaching confidence, team work, family values and many other virtues important to developing into a well-rounded, happy adult.

AaaahZ Staff

Artistic Director: Jim Burris

Jim Burris graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a double major in Music Education. He taught public school and then did Professional Dinner Theatre in Hilton Head, South Carolina. After 5 years with the dinner theatre Jim returned to the classroom. He presently teaches music and drama at two private schools in San Jose, does vocal direction and directs musicals with various Community Theatres groups and after school programs in the area. He also teaches private voice. Jim runs the summer musical theatre teen camp for AaaahZ . We have an exciting year planned and are excited to work with each and every one of you!!

Executive Producer: Blair Barrett

Blair Barrett is a 1983 graduate of the United States Armed Forces School of Music and spent his youth and young adulthood playing in marching and concert bands. He has been involved in the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre world for the better part of the past five years playing in and conducting pit orchestras. He is passionate about providing young people opportunities to participate in performing arts and has worked with young people as a Music Director, Vocal Director, and Producer.

Blair has served in leadership positions in community musical groups for over 25 years as a musician, Artistic Director, and President of various musical organizations from Florida to New York, to California. He is the founder and leader of San Fran Sax Co., a bay area saxophone ensemble and plays baritone sax for City Swing, a Bay Area swing band.

Producer: Ann Anderson
Ann Anderson is proud to be associated with AaaahZ Youth Theatre as a producer and grant writer. She has produced, stage managed, costumed, and done lighting, and sound for a variety of community theatre groups as her daughter grew up in theatre. Now she has two granddaughters in theatre.