Monica Minogue (founder and program director) – Monica caught the theater bug in second grade after landing the lead in “The Princess with the Broken Heart.” She continued to perform in school and community theater productions throughout her youth, including roles in “Peter Pan,” “Mame,” “The Doctor in Spite of Himself,” “Evita,” “Baby,” “Jane Eyre,” and Candide.” While a student at Ball State University, Monica discovered her love of children’s theater and directing. After graduating, she moved to Chicago where she met and married her husband Martin in 2000. They have two children, Martin Leo and Olivia. Monica founded StagePlay: Musical Theater for Kids! in 2002 after a giving up a career in catering and corporate event planning, and realizing that her true life's mission is to help kids discover and foster their talent and passion for performing.

Katie Saweikis (director/assistant director, make-up design) - Katie obtained her B.A. degree in Child Psychology with a minor in Visual Arts from Saint Xavier University in 2008.  She has been dedicated to involving artistic expression in Early Childhood Education throughout her teaching career.  In 2002, Katie answered an ad to be a StagePlay assistant director, and has been involved with the program ever since.  She has been involved in several StagePlay productions including "On the Radio," "The Princess and the Pea," "We Has Jazz," "Broadway Santa," "Pinocchio," and most recently, "Romeo and Harriet." Katie is truly passionate about what StagePlay offers it's students.

Robin Lasak (assistant director) - Robin is a student at Elmhurst College and is studying Theater Arts Education. She is originally from Algonquin, and still lives there part time with her two labrador retrievers Penny and Shelby, along with triplet sisters Brittany and Ashley. Without theater, Robin says her life would not be complete! By joining the StagePlay team a year ago, she is combining her passion for theater with her love of educating children. Her favorite projects have been assistant directing StagePlay's "Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum!" and "Romeo and Harriet," as well as her quilt design for "Moon Over the Brewery," prop design for "Sweeny Todd," and stage management gigs for Mother Hicks,""Abraham Lincoln," and "Squirrels." She asks that you keep supporting fine arts in our schools and community!

Joe Peterson (assistant director) - Joe began doing musical theater at 5 years old in a production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," and has been performing ever since. Numerous roles include Oliver Twist in "Oliver," Kenickie in "Grease," and most recently, a Pastry Chef/Gangster in "The Drowsy Chaperone." He also works for the Oak Lawn Park District as a gymnastics coach, pre-school coordinator assistant, and special recreation inclusion aide. He became involved with StagePlay in the fall of 2010 as an aide for one of the participants, and was then asked to assistant direct the next production, "Romeo and Harriet." Joe considers himself one of the lucky ones -- he loves his job, as well as his co-workers, and working with all the kids.

Alexandria Alatorre (assistant director) - Alexandria has been dancing since the age of 8. She began her training at the American Dance Center, studying ballet, tap, jazz, and modern. In addition to dance, Alex is pursuing a career in acting, having attended the John Casablancas Modeling & Career Center. She was recently in Orland Park Theatre Troupe's production of The Music Man. Alex is continuing to better herself in dance, and is so excited about her first year with StagePlay, passing on her passion for the Arts.