Meet the Board
James Dean President
Katie Ellis Vice-President
Katie Ellis Vice-President
James Dean is a versatile television actor known for his work with New Dominion Pictures, appearing in The FBI Files, New Detectives, and Forensic Files on the Discovery Channel. He has also been featured in commercials for the Virginia State Fair and a chain of gas stations in Virginia.
Before his acting career, James served in the United States Coast Guard in the early 1990s. After leaving the service, he worked in contract security for various agencies. His passion for acting was rekindled in 2019 when his son joined a local theatre group, inspiring James to pursue his career with renewed enthusiasm.
James is deeply dedicated to his family. He and his wife recently adopted five little girls, bringing their total to ten children. His commitment to balancing his professional and personal life showcases his remarkable character and devotion.
Katie Ellis Vice-President
Katie Ellis Vice-President
Katie Ellis Vice-President
Katie Ellis currently serves as Vice-President for the Maysville Children’s Theatre Board of Directors. She resides in Maysville with her husband and four boys. Katie is a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and is currently employed by Mason County Schools. Katie is no stranger to the stage. She participated in multiple theatrical productions in middle school, high school, and college. She held several leading roles including Dorothy in an adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz.” Katie also participated in multiple state level pageants. She won multiple awards for her vocal performances including Overall Talent Winner at Kentucky Junior Miss. She has been singing on stage since she was a child. Katie has a true passion for the stage, singing, and helping others. Katie is excited to be apart of The Maysville Children’s Theatre and looks forward to the many adventures that await us.
Isabella Gilvin Secretary
Katie Ellis Vice-President
Barbie Zweigart Board Member
Isabella Gilvin is a dynamic force in education, performance, and pageantry. As a dedicated teacher, she brings compassion, creativity, and enthusiasm into the classroom, inspiring her students to dream big and believe in themselves. Her background in theatre and performance enhances her teaching style, making learning an engaging and empowering experience.
Isabella is also a talented actress with a strong presence both on stage and behind the scenes. Whether she’s performing in local theatre productions or mentoring young performers, she brings heart, professionalism, and a deep appreciation for the craft of storytelling.
In addition to her work in education and theatre, Isabella holds titles in pageantry, Known for her grace, intelligence, and poise, Isabella is passionate about being a role model for young people and a voice for causes she believes in.
Balancing her many roles with humility and heart, Isabella Gilvin continues to uplift her community through every stage she steps on and every life she touches.
Barbie Zweigart Board Member
Barbie Zweigart Board Member
Barbie Zweigart Board Member
Barbie resides in Maysville, Kentucky with her husband, Steve. Her passion for the performing arts began at the age of 10, launching a lifelong career rooted in musical theatre, vocal performance, and stage acting.
Best known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Barbie has performed in a wide array of beloved productions, including The Sound of Music, The King & I, Showboat, Ebenezer, Dracula, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Nunsense, As It Is In Heaven, Honky Tonk Angels, The Music Man, Godspell, The Diviners, Steel Magnolias, Noises Off, and her most celebrated role as Patsy Cline in Always… Patsy Cline.
Beyond the spotlight, Barbie has spent over 15 years behind the scenes as a director, assistant director, choreographer, and staging coordinator, with a special focus on youth and teen musical productions. Her dedication to young performers extends into schools, churches, and local arts organizations, where she has provided vocal and performance coaching, choreography, and mentorship.
A strong advocate for arts education, Barbie also offers private vocal instruction to local youth. She is the co-founder of a music scholarship program through Flemingsburg First United Methodist Church, where she continues to invest in the next generation of performers through community-based vocal training.
Carolyn Least Board Member
Barbie Zweigart Board Member
Carolyn Least Board Member
Carolyn Least, a Corbin High School Class of 1984 alumna, has dedicated her life to education and the arts. She holds a BA in Music from Centre College, a BME from Morehead State University, an MA in Education from Morehead, and a Rank 1 in Special Education from the University of Louisville.
Married to Mark Least since 1988, Carolyn moved to Maysville where she enjoyed a long career teaching students with visual impairments in Mason County Schools, retiring in 2023. An active member of Seddon Global Methodist Church, she is deeply involved in musical activities and lay ministry.
Carolyn's love for the arts began early with dance and choir participation, continuing with the Maysville Players and the Limestone Chorale. Her passion for the Maysville Children's Theatre (MCT) stems from a desire to inspire children to explore the arts and build a supportive community.
Sheryl Hicks Treasurer
Barbie Zweigart Board Member
Carolyn Least Board Member
Sheryl Hicks is a retired general music and choral director with an illustrious 27-year career at Bracken County Schools, where she dedicated herself to the musical education of K-12 students. She holds a Master's Degree in Education and has achieved her Rank I in Instructional Supervision/Principalship.
In 1999, Sheryl began integrating theatrical plays into her elementary classrooms, which sparked a passion for drama that would grow throughout her career. Her initiative led to the formation of the middle school drama club in 2007. With further theatrical training from the Kentucky Theatre Association, she established the Bracken County High School Polar Players in 2016, where she served as their director until her retirement in 2021.
Even in retirement, Sheryl's commitment to the arts has not waned. She currently serves as the Drama Club Assistant Director at Bracken County Schools and continues to contribute to community and children's theater across the region, nurturing a love for the performing arts in young minds.
Board Member Jon Lovell
Jon began his career in 2003 after training in Performing Arts, landing a job at a national radio station in the UK. Over 15 years, he honed his skills in advertising, copywriting, presenting, and production. In 2008, he became a professional voiceover artist, eventually making it his full-time career, voicing commercials, audiobooks, animation, and more. Before radio, he worked as a street entertainer, juggling, stilt walking, and even breathing fire. His experience includes performing a live radio commercial in front of a thousand people while a famous UK band played onstage. With 25 years of stage experience, he has appeared in around 60 productions as a performer, director, or technical crew, with a strong passion for musicals. He has a featured role in an eight-part UK drama and earned a National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) award for his portrayal of Jekyll and Hyde. Jon also studied at the London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), earning a bronze medal in verse and prose. Now, he shares his love of Shakespeare by teaching foster children in Mt. Sterling each week.
Rebecca Lovell Board Member
Whilst Rebekah isn’t one to be on stage, her daughter, Kate, loves to perform. Being a part of the Maysville Children’s Theatre is a fantastic opportunity to give kids in the area an extra chance to perform. Rebekah is also married to a performing husband, Jon, who is also involved whenever he can be with MCT. Rebekah is excited to see where MCT goes.
Amanda Norris Board Member
Amanda Norris Board Member
Amanda Norris resides in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, with her husband, Will, and their two sons, Logan and Luke. She became involved in theatre after witnessing the potential it unlocked in her oldest son. This inspired her to teach drama at Flemingsburg Elementary, where she directed Willy Wonka, Seussical the Musical, and Frozen Kids. Amanda currently works at Fleming County High School as an Instructor of Exceptional Children and has seen countless times how drama and the arts can motivate reluctant learners and bring out the very best in them. She is honored to share her love of children, learning, and the arts with the community through her involvement with the Maysville Children's Theatre!
Kim Dean Board Member
Kim Dean Board Member
Kim Dean Board Member
Kimberly Dean is a dedicated board member of the Maysville Children’s Theatre, bringing a thoughtful perspective and a passion for storytelling that enriches every aspect of our work. As a writer and creator, her love for the arts and belief in the power of theatre shine through in all she does.
Beyond the stage, Kimberly has spent years supporting students as a tutor in the local college’s writing lab, helping them build confidence and find their voice. Her work in education and the arts makes her a valued mentor and advocate for young people in our community.
Whether she’s organizing events, shaping ideas, or encouraging our performers, Kimberly’s steady leadership and behind-the-scenes dedication make her an invaluable part of the MCT family.
We’re so grateful for the heart, wisdom, and creativity she brings to every production.
Kim Dean Board Member
Kim Dean Board Member
Kim Dean Board Member