Artistic Director: Tim Backes
Tim 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 Freshman English, Drama I, Drama II and Media Studies.
The 2022-2023 season marks Tim’s fifth 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.
Costume Designer: Mary Grace Seigel
Light and Sound Technician: Rick Chojnacki
Rick Chojnacki, aka “Mr. Cho,” is starting his 25th 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. In addition, Rick coaches girls’ softball with a rival school. He enjoys traveling with his wife and time with his children and grandchildren.
Choreographer: Cora Trexell
Cora Trexell is thrilled to return to South Milwaukee High School for her third show as choreographer and now assistant director! A Milwaukee native, Cora received a degree in voice from UW-Milwaukee in 2022. She has performed extensively throughout the area, most notably with Bombshell Theatre Company, the Placeholder Players, UWM Opera Theatre, and Greendale Community Theatre. Cora’s goal at South Milwaukee is to help every student experience the magic of theater while also fostering a love for the arts.