Founder & Artistic Director
Summer Laich
Acting Teaching Artist
Jaxon Mabry
Stagecraft Teaching Artist
Brooklin Alexander
Voice Teaching Artist
Isaac Empson
A recent graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Isaac Empson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting and Directing, along with a teaching certification. This fall marks the beginning of his career as a high school theatre director. Isaac previously portrayed the role of Son in Keller Central High School’s 2018–2019 UIL 6A One-Act Play State Championship production of Medea by Euripides. While at TAMU-CC, he was a member of Breakers Improv, the university’s scholarship-based improv troupe (2023–2026), and represented the university’s dance program with a performance at the Disney Imagination Campus at Walt Disney World in 2025. Beyond his work as a performer and director, Isaac has extensive experience in educational theatre. He has contributed to programs such as Summer Spotlight (2022, 2024, 2025) and TAMU-CC’s high school theatre intensive, Camp on the Coast (2023, 2024, 2026). This past year, he served as a clinical teacher for several CCISD theatre programs, including Mary Carroll High School, Elliott Grant Middle School, and Veterans Memorial High School.
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Movement Teaching Artist
Benjamin Domingue
A recent graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Ben earned a Bachelor of Arts in Acting and Directing. During his time at TAMU-CC, he trained extensively in all aspects of theatre, including voice, movement, acting, and stagecraft. Ben is a passionate thespian dedicated to making theatre accessible and meaningful for people from all walks of life. He brings valuable leadership experience through his work as a counselor and Assistant Director for TAMU-CC’s Camp on the Coast, as well as serving for two years as a Teaching Assistant in acting courses at the university. He has also directed college freshmen in multiple productions, developing a strong ability to support students with diverse learning styles. Known for his contagious confidence and deep love for the craft, Ben is committed to helping students discover theatre as a space for self-expression, connection, and growth. He is excited to work with this talented group of students and to help create lasting summer memories through the art of theatre.
After discovering her passion for theatre at a young age, Summer Laich pursued formal training in the craft and is currently working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Acting and Directing with a Teaching Certification at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. There, she designs and performs for mainstage productions, developing her skills both onstage and behind the scenes. Summer founded ACT ONE in 2025, drawing from her extensive experience in theatre education. She has worked with programs such as the Alley Theatre Playmakers Summer Camp and High School Conservatory (2023), as well as the TAMU-CC high school theatre intensive, Camp on the Coast (2024, 2025, 2026). She has also served as a middle school director for the university’s Theatre on the Island program. Her personal experiences as a young performer, combined with her professional work as a director and theatre educator, inspired her to establish ACT ONE as a safe space for students to grow artistically and confidently through theatre.​
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A recent graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Jaxon Mabry earned a Bachelor of Arts in Acting and Directing with a Teaching Certification. This fall will officially mark the start of his career as a high school theatre director. While at TAMU-CC, Jaxon directed the First Place Outstanding Production at the 2025 40-Minute Play Festival. He is also a four-time recipient of the UIL One-Act Play Best Performer award (2017, 2018, 2021, 2022). Onstage, he has portrayed many notable characters, such as Curly in Oklahoma! at Harbor Playhouse in Corpus Christi, Texas. Jaxon brings extensive experience in theatre education, having worked with programs such as the Alley Theatre Playmakers Summer Camp (2023) and the TAMU-CC high school theatre intensive, Camp on the Coast (2024). This past year, Jaxon worked as the clinical teacher for the theatre program at Tuloso-Midway High School in CCISD.
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A recent graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Brooklin Alexander earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting and Directing. She is a well-rounded theatre artist with performance credits including Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, Brooke in Be More Chill, Evangeline Harcourt in Anything Goes, and several other notable roles. In addition to her work onstage, Brooklin has designed and programmed lighting for multiple productions at TAMU-CC and brings extensive hands-on experience in set construction, costume stitching, and other technical elements of theatre production. She has also gained valuable experience directing and assistant directing alongside university faculty. Brooklin has worked with the TAMU-CC high school theatre intensive, Camp on the Coast, and has observed the Alley Theatre’s Playmakers children’s camp. She is excited to join Act One as a Stagecraft Teaching Artist and looks forward to working with and supporting students in their theatrical journey.
Stagecraft Teaching Artist
Maddie Clark
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting and Directing at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Maddie is both a National and International Texas Thespian, with notable achievements including the SAMC Award for Best Actress and a Top 4 placement in the National Opera Association’s Musical Theatre Competition. Maddie has gained valuable teaching experience through her work with the Academy Musique and as a ballroom instructor with Arthur Murray Dance Centers. Onstage, she portrayed the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda, Jovie in Elf, and Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes. Her training spans voice, acting, dance, and musical theatre, with study under respected professionals including Priscilla Santana (NYU), Ellen Denham, Cassie Joiner (AMDA), Dr. Derek Mudd, Marco Muñoz, Natasha Tolison, Kelly P. Russell, and Kevin Michael Murphy (NYU). She has also trained in ballroom dance with Arthur Murray Dance Centers, jazz with Christa Oliver (Texas State), and choreography with Joanna Leggthorpe (A Chorus Line on Broadway).
Staff Support Leader
Staff Support Leader
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor
Katelyn Craig
A current Theatre Performance and Production undergraduate at Texas State University, Katelyn Craig has loved theatre since her first performance in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas at the Cypress Academy of Performing Arts in Houston, Texas. Since then, she has remained actively involved in theatre throughout middle and high school, earning a UIL One-Act Play All-Star Cast award for her portrayal of Henrietta Leavitt in Silent Sky during her freshman year. She also delivered a notable performance as Bea in the musical Something Rotten! her senior year. At Texas State, Katelyn has trained in a variety of acting and technical theatre courses under esteemed faculty, continuing to refine and expand her craft. She is passionate about theatre education and is excited to work with and inspire the next generation of artists through Act One.
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor
Angel Purl
A recent graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Angel Purl earned a Bachelor of Arts in Acting and Directing and previously received her Associate of Arts in Theatre Performance from the College of the Mainland. During her time in undergrad, Angel was nominated to compete at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for her performance in The Best Worst That Can Happen. She was also selected as part of a small ensemble to compete in the National Opera Association’s Musical Theatre Scenes competition, where they were named one of four finalist groups in the nation. Angel has built a strong performance background, portraying roles such as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, the Witch in Into the Woods, Adrianna in The Comedy of Errors, Corin in As You Like It, and Natalie in All Shook Up!. Her passion for storytelling began early, including her selection as one of 12 students to participate in 4th Wall Theatre Company’s inaugural Summer Shakes Intensive, where she trained alongside graduate students from The Juilliard School. Angel is deeply committed to the power of storytelling and is passionate about fostering creativity and imagination in the next generation of artists.
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A recent graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Chloe earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting and Directing. During her time at TAMU-CC, she performed in a variety of plays, musicals, and short-film projects while continuing to develop her skills in both performance and production. She also received certification from the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) in four-stage combat weapons, along with additional training in non-SAFD combat styles. In addition to her performance work, Chloe has directed two full-length productions and a 40-minute play, and has served in stage management roles for productions of similar scale. She has also gained professional experience working with repertory theatres in costume design and construction, as well as carpentry. Beyond her collegiate and professional work, Chloe has extensive experience in educational theatre, working with youth through theatre camps, Vacation Bible School programs, and special needs summer and in-school programs, where she supports and engages young performers.
Chloe Paulson
A recent graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Jalen Wheaton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting and Directing. While at TAMU-CC, he trained in acting, voice, dance, movement, and various technical aspects of theatre in preparation for a career in musical theatre. Onstage, Jalen portrayed roles such as Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, Seaweed in Hairspray, and The Squip in Be More Chill. He was also a member of Breakers Improv, the university’s scholarship-based improv troupe. He represented the university at the Disney Imagination Campus at Walt Disney World in 2025 and earned a scholarship through the university’s dance festival, Bailando, which allowed him to travel to Mexico for intensive training and performance opportunities. He also placed in the Top 4 of the National Opera Association’s Musical Theatre Competition and traveled to Boston, Massachusetts, with a select group from the university to compete in 2025. Beyond his work as a performer, Jalen has experience in educational theatre through his time as a counselor for TAMU-CC’s Camp on the Coast, where he developed strong skills in instilling confidence and nurturing emerging artists.
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Jalen Wheaton
Going into her final year at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Natalie is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Design and Technical Theatre with a Teaching Certification. She has gained extensive experience in both stage management and direction, serving as stage manager for TAMU-CC’s MainStage productions of Anything Goes (2026) and Into the Woods (2025). As a director, Natalie worked with middle school students through TAMU-CC’s Theatre on the Island program (2026) and directed the 10-minute show Not for a Lack of Trying (2025). A two-time recipient of the SAMC Award for Outstanding Technician (2024, 2025), she has also contributed to theatrical summer programs, including Camp on the Coast (2025), further developing her leadership and educational experience. Natalie’s work as a director, stage manager, and educator reflects her commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence in the next generation of theatre artists.
Natalie Festari
Justin Taylor
Justin is from Houston and a recent graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Acting and Directing. He is certified in multiple forms of stage combat through the Society of American Fight Directors and has a background in improvisation. Justin has worked with various theatre summer programs, including the TAMU-CC high school theatre intensive, Camp on the Coast, and the summer theatre program at Dickinson High School. Justin also spent five years as a teacher’s aide in a special-needs summer school. Professionally, he performed as an actor-combatant at Unto These Hills Theatre in North Carolina during their 74th season. Justin is passionate about sharing the joy of theatre and looks forward to inspiring and guiding younger students through performance and creative expression.
Camp Counselor
Savannah Empson
Camp Counselor
Arturo Pena
Camp Counselor
Mary Jeanne Blencoe
Camp Counselor
Ellie Buratti
Ellie is a junior in high school who is passionate about working with children and being actively involved in her church community. She spends much of her time babysitting and supporting younger children, developing strong skills in patience, creativity, and leadership. Through her experiences, Ellie has developed a natural ability to foster a welcoming, supportive environment where children feel comfortable and encouraged. She is dedicated to being a positive role model and enjoys helping others grow in confidence. Ellie is excited about the opportunity to be part of the camp, where she looks forward to building connections, fostering a fun, positive atmosphere, and creating meaningful experiences for everyone involved.
Camp Counselor
Alyssa Laich
Alyssa Laich is a sophomore at Texas State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. During high school, she trained as a stage manager and assistant director for the school’s theatre company, gaining hands-on experience in production, leadership, and team management. She was the stage manager for Anastasia (2022) and The Memory of Water (2022), which won Best Show in the Student-Directed Mock UIL One-Act Play Competition. Beyond her theatre experience, she has worked with youth through serving in The Waters Church’s Splash Kids ministry and Vacation Bible School programs at Bearcreek Baptist Church. These combined experiences have inspired her to pursue a career in social work, where she hopes to support and empower children in her community. Alyssa is excited to foster growth, creativity, and confidence in the young learners at Act One.
A current student at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, MaryJeanne Blencoe is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting and Directing, along with a teaching certification. While at TAMU-CC, she has trained extensively in acting, voice, movement, and choral performance, building a versatile foundation for both stage and musical theatre. Onstage, MaryJeanne has performed in a variety of productions, showcasing her strengths in acting and ensemble singing. She is an active participant in university theatre ensembles and choral groups, developing her skills in collaboration, improvisation, and performance. Beyond her work as a performer, MaryJeanne has contributed to educational theatre initiatives, gaining experience in mentoring and supporting younger artists.
Savannah is a sophomore at Keller Central High School in Keller, Texas, where she is actively involved in the theatre program. She has participated in audition-based courses, including freshman select theatre productions and musical theatre, continuing to develop her performance skills. During her time on stage, Savannah has portrayed roles such as Mrs. Puff in SpongeBob the Musical and The Commandant in Dark Road by Ian Rankin. Her work reflects a growing dedication to both performance and character development. Savannah is passionate about theatre and enjoys being part of a collaborative environment where she can continue to learn, grow, and contribute to each production.
A current student at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Arturo Pena is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Acting and Directing with a Teaching Certification. During his time at TAMU-CC, Arturo has gained experience both onstage and behind the scenes, serving as Assistant Stage Manager for Electricidad (2025) and Anything Goes (2026). He has also performed in the university’s 40-Minute Play Festival, taking on roles such as Evan/Tony/Zach in Significant Other and Ruben Salazar in Ruben. Most recently, Arturo appeared as Legionnaire/Mike in What the Constitution Means to Me with Nightshade Immersive Theatre. In addition to his performance work, Arturo has experience in theatre education, having served as a camp counselor for TAMU-CC’s high school theatre intensive, Camp on the Coast (2025). He is excited to join Act One this summer and continue inspiring young artists as a camp counselor.
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Camp Counselor
Frank Villalvazo
A recent graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Frank earned a Bachelor of Arts in Acting and Directing. During his time at TAMU-CC, he performed in a variety of productions while also developing his skills as a director and collaborator. In addition to his work onstage, Frank has directed multiple projects, including the 10-minute play Battle Beavers (2024) and the 40-minute production Out of the Woods (2026). His experience in both performance and direction has allowed him to approach storytelling from multiple perspectives, strengthening his ability to guide and support fellow artists. Frank’s passion for theatre began at a young age, where the arts provided a meaningful creative outlet that helped shape his personal and artistic growth. He is deeply committed to working with young performers and creating a safe, encouraging environment where students can explore their creativity. Frank strives to inspire the next generation by sharing the same sense of confidence, expression, and joy that theatre has given him.
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Director of Operations
Abby Hoagland
Abby Hoagland is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MH Productions, an experiential agency that produces immersive events, brand activations, and virtual experiences through strategy, design, and technical execution. She leads with a focus on strategy, communication, and business growth, guiding projects from initial vision to full realization. In her role, Abby specializes in building clarity within complex environments by learning quickly, aligning the right experts, and fostering strong collaboration across teams. Her work emphasizes innovative problem-solving and thoughtful execution in both creative and technical spaces. Beyond her leadership at MH Productions, Abby serves as the Director of Operations at Act One. She is passionate about bringing people together to turn ambitious ideas into meaningful, impactful experiences.
AV Technician
Matthew Hoagland
Matthew is the Co-Founder and Chief Production Officer at MH Productions, an experiential agency that produces immersive events, brand activations, and virtual experiences through strategy, design, and technical execution. In his role, he leads technical production and event execution, overseeing show design, onsite operations, and overall delivery. Matthew specializes in managing complex live experiences from load-in to final cue, ensuring each production runs efficiently and seamlessly. His work emphasizes precision, organization, and adaptability in high-pressure environments. In addition to his work with MH Productions, Matthew serves as the AV Technician at Act One. Through his leadership, Matthew brings a calm and focused approach to production, fostering confidence across teams and delivering high-quality, engaging experiences.