The mission of the South Milwaukee High School Theatre Company is to create a safe, respectful and collaborative environment for students to learn the values and life skills of teamwork, confidence, honesty, kindness, perseverance and responsibility through the production of high-quality performances.
We have the privilege of performing in the gorgeous South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, a professional quality facility that gives our students an unrivaled performing experience.
SMHS Theatre Staff
Director: Tim Backes
Mr. Backes is a 2006 graduate of South Milwaukee High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Wisconsin. He is a member of the SMHS faculty in the English department, teaching AP Literature and Composition, Composition, and Drama.
The 2025-26 season marks Mr. Backes’s eighth as the director of SMHS theatre. He remains thrilled to have the opportunity to direct theater for his alma mater.
Technical Director: Nick DaVia
Nick DaVia is the technical director for the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, a role he has served in for several years now. He manages the stage crew during rehearsals and performances and takes charge of set design and construction for all SMHS theater company productions.
As technical director of the PAC, Nick supervises everything behind the scenes. He is responsible for stage lighting, sound, set construction, rigging, safety, event scheduling, and theatre rental. It is his duty to make sure that all events that happen in the PAC look and sound as good as possible, and happen smoothly, stress-free, and safely for everyone involved.
Light and Sound Technician: Rick Chojnacki
Rick Chojnacki, aka “Mr. Cho,” is starting his 27th year assisting students working on lights and sound for the South Milwaukee High School Theatre Company. Rick started doing lights and sound when his children went to South Milwaukee High School, and has continued through the years working with numerous students. Some of the students he worked with have gone on to work professionally in the industry, coming back to visit and assist him in learning the new technologies.
Rick has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in English Literature. He performed onstage during college and has acted and directed with local community theater groups. He has also assisted in lighting and sound design at other schools in the area. He enjoys traveling with his wife and time with his children and grandchildren.
Costume Designer: Darcy Devens
Darcy has served as the SMHS costume designer since the 2023-2024 season. You can catch her work at a wide range of schools and community theatres around the Milwaukee area.
Choreographer:
Vocal Director: Aimee Swanson
Mrs. Swanson joined SMHS theatre in her first year in the School District of South Milwaukee, the 2022-23 school year. She prepares students vocally during musical season so they can sing confidently during performances. She also directs the SMHS choirs and the auditioned Apollo Jazz group!
Orchestra Director: