Davenport Junior Theatre Podcast

Allison Niemela (’92) - One Parks and Rec to Another

Join us as we talk with Allison Niemela, a former DJT kid. Allison takes us on a walk through her life from before she discovered DJT, her time at DJT, and how her life today is still influenced by DJT, especially as she works for a Parks and Rec Department. She is a true DJT kid and even came back for the 70th university to give a wonderful speech!

Rachel Wagner - DJT’s Second Dance Coordinator

Rachel Wagner started out as one of the first teachers in our dance program and then became our 2nd dance coordinator. Join us as Rachel speaks about her own dance journey, developing the new dance program, and how it has grown since then. 

Lauren Sciascia - First DJT Dance Coordinator

From helping start the dance program here at DJT to diving into her artistic passions, Lauren takes us through her life and expreinces that lead her to where she is today!

Jim McCoy (’89) - Providing Workers and Supporting Works of Art

As generous supporter and alumni of Davenport Junior Theatre, Jim McCoy joins us to speak about his current life and involvements in the arts and to touch on his time at DJT. Jim is also the underwriter of our production of Squirrel Girl, which closes this weekend!

Cal Werner - Giving back with Non-profits

Cal Warner joins us to speak about his time as a DJT kid in the 50's and 60's. Now part of a major law firm in Davenport, Cal runs many non-profits to give back to the community.

Brooke Galvan (’11) - Continuing the tradition of Theatre for Kids, by writing for kids

A student during the "revitalization" period of Davenport Junior Theatre, Brooke Galvan shares her experiences at DJT with us. And now as a writer of children's shows Brooke leads us through her journey in theatre to reach where she is now.

Steve Sissel -Former DJT kid and Mary Fluhrer-Nighswander’s grandson

Steve tells us about his experience not just as a Davenport Junior Theatre kid, but as the grandson of the program’s founder. We discuss his relationship with his grandmother, how his time at DJT helps him today, and just how important family was to Mary and still today.

Sadie Theis (’15) - From DJT to Disney to the World

Sadie grew up a DJT kid. After graduating the program in 2015, she headed to Florida to work with Walt Dinsey World and attend UCF. Recently her partner and her have started a new adventure in their lives traveling the world and blogging about it as they go. You can find their blog at https://whywaitgotravel.com/. Join us as we catch up with Sadie whiles she's 19 hours ahead of us into a new day!

Don Souhrada (’89) - DJT kid turned ”Fun”draiser

Don Souhrada was deeply involved in DJT as a kid in the 80's. Today he calls Chicago home, where he uses his childhood skills daily. Join Don as he shares memories of then and experiences of today. 

Cynthia Taylor (’02) - DJT, NYC, LA and Back

Cynthia’s journey in the performing arts has taken her coast to coast and back again. She was a longtime DJT kid, teacher, and mainstage director. Cynthia earned her masters in psychology and uses all her skills leading kids in the classroom today.