Erin Wilson
Theater Director

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Erin moved back to Grand Rapids after living in New York City and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where he bartended in the East Village at night, and taught English to immigrants during the day.  Born in Muskegon Heights, he now lives within five blocks of Wealthy Theatre, where he's raising a family with his partner, Amy, who is a ballet dancer and instructor.  Erin started with CMC as a MoLLIE instructor and web-design teacher, then transitioned to GRTV, where he became a manager.  In 2006, CMC Executive Director Laurie Cirivello tapped Erin to begin work at Wealthy Theatre.

Francesca Amari
Administrator

Francesca directs audio books for Brilliance audio, teaches Creative Drama at Grand Valley State University, and teaches and directs children’s theatre throughout West MI. She has a long history of doing p.r. and marketing for area nonprofits, including the YWCA of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Library, Planned Parenthood and United Way.  A versatile vocalist, Francesca sings everything from jazz standards to pop to musical theatre to folk and recently released her first solo CD, "Better Days," which can be heard on WYCE! She travels throughout the Midwest with her popular vocal trio, Boogie Woogie Babies, which released its second CD, "Boogie, Beehives & Beyond!"  last year. She also sings with Rhythm Section Jazz Band and The Fabulous Eastones.

Brooke LaLonde
Operator

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Brooke was born under the waning moon and into the realm of her own reality, which was temporarily placed in Bay City, MI.  Brooke eventually moved on through the age of reason, many Science Olympiad competitions, and up and down the Mississippi River. Grand Valley State University allowed Brooke’s mind to wander into a new world and into the school of film and video.  She started at GRTV as an intern; she finished her degree and became a production assistant; now she's the manager.  And she assists at Wealthy Theatre every week.  

Ted Diedrich
Theatre Operator

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The Abbreviated Biography of Ted Diedrich: Ted, a native Grand Rapidian, began an internship with the CMC in 1998; after which he accepted a part time position at GRTV, a position he’s now held for nearly a decade.  Now his work includes teaching classes, aiding CMC members with GRTV operations, and helping out at the Wealthy Theatre wherever and whenever he’s needed. Points of Interest: Ted was born on the 9th Floor of St. Mary’s Hospital on the 9th Day of the 9th Month weighing 9 Pounds 9 Ounces. Ted’s favorite number is 7. Ted sinks like a rock. Ted rocks!

Jeff Hudson
Theatre Operator

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Geoff left the cornfields of a tiny town in southern Michigan to travel to the "big city" of Grand Rapids in the late 80s and has been involved with the local arts and entertainment scene ever since.  His long string of unusual public-access productions includes Nothing TV and The Great Daryl Nathan Entertainment Show. He was Art director for Slak Magazine and Music Revue and played for a number of years with a band called LSDudes.  Currently he is a professional DJ hosting a retro night at a local dance club under the name Jef Leppard and of course works at Wealthy Theatre.

Tom Schwallie
Adminstrator / Operator

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A life long Michigander, Tom has been with CMC for over four years, starting as an Americorps Vista with the former GRIID affiliate.  One of the original CMC staff moved to the Wealthy Campus, Tom has been involved with much of the issue-oriented programming at the Theatre.  Currently Tom manages the Common Lens Documentary Series, part of the Wednesdays at Wealthy program.  He produces Catalyst Radio, a weekly production on 88.1 FM WYCE.  He often can be spotted in the concessions stand, doing his best to not burn the popcorn.