Our Directors
Eric Webster
Director and coach for High School and Middle School Theater programs
HIGH SCHOOL
- Fall Play Director and Tech Director
- Improv Coach
- Spring Musical Co-Director and Tech Director
- One-Act Director
- Cougar Football Stadium Announcer
MIDDLE SCHOOL
- Fall Play Co-Director and Tech Director
- Improv Coach
- Speech Coach
- One-Act Coach
- Spring Musical Co-Director and Tech Director
Laurie Tangren
Middle School Fall Play Co-Director
Middle School Musical Co-Director
High School Costume Director
Mrs. Tangren's bio is coming soon.
Mary Rudquist
Middle School Musical Music Director
High School Musical Co-Director
Mary (Palazzolo) Rudquist has been the choral director at Centennial Middle school since 2013 and music director since 2018 (Mary Poppins, Singin’ In The Rain, Frozen).
She has also been director and co-director of the high school musical since 2020 (The Addams Family, The Dance, Into the Woods).
She studied music education at the University of Minnesota Duluth and performs professionally as an actor in the Twin Cities in many shows including Legally Blonde (Paulette), A New Brain ( Lisa), Footloose (Lulu Warnicker), and Company (Marta).
Melissa Krieger
High School Musical Music Director
Centennial Theatre Booster Secretary
Melissa has been involved with Centennial High School Theatre since 2015 as a director, musician, and Boosters member.
Melissa has a degree in vocal and instrumental music education from The University of Minnesota. She is a private lesson instructor, substitute music teacher, church music director, and freelance musician.
Melissa enjoys photography and traveling with her husband and three sons. Her favorite part of being involved with Centennial Theatre is getting to share her passion for music and theater with amazing, dedicated students.
Kris Schmidt
Middle School and High School Play and Musical Set and Props design and Director
Kris attended MCAD and has learned most of what she knows from working in the sign industry for 25+ years and trying new things that interest her. Kris has dabbled in woodworking, stained glass, sculpting, and various other hobbies. She learns best by doing and never stops learning. "Don't be afraid to try something new."
Theater was Kris's favorite part of high school and she is happy to be involved with this program at both schools. She enjoys the challenge of figuring out the prop and setlist on new shows and how to make them work with materials that aren't necessarily the standard. She loves seeing the end result of everyone's hard work when the whole show comes together.
Student Leadership
Olivia Lundberg
2021/2022 Student Co-President
Head Student Costumer
Olivia is a Senior this year (2022 graduate) and has been a part of Centennial Theatre since 7th grade. Some of her favorite shows she's been in at Centennial include Mary Poppins, Freaky Friday, It's a Wonderful Life, and Into the Woods.
"I'm so grateful for all the amazing people I've met throughout this time and plan to expand my love of theater by studying acting and music at the University of Northwestern St. Paul starting this fall."
Avery Emmer
2021/2022 Student Co-President
Avery is a senior this year and has been in theatre since sixth grade.
"My favorite show I’ve ever done was “It’s a Wonderful Life” in which I played Mary. My favorite aspect of theatre is that everyone comes together in community to create something beautiful."
After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Northwestern where she will study Music Education.
Alaina Posavad
2021/2022 Student Co-Vice President
Alaina will be graduating in 2022. After Graduation, she plans on going to the University of Northwestern St. Paul to major in Theatre.
"I have been in theatre for seven years. My favorite aspect of theatre is the amazing and supportive theatre family and community. My favorite show that I performed in was It's a Wonderful Life in which I played the role of Clarence."
Willem Lavandowska
2021/2022 Student Co-Vice President
Co-Captain Improv Team
Willem graduates this year, 2022.
"My favorite aspect of theatre is getting to have fun with my friends and getting to act."
Willem plans to attend the Technical University Dublin and then eventually open his own bakery. He's been in theatre since 6th grade (6 years).
Braden Williams
Director of Marketing, 2022 Improv Captain, Improv Alumni President
Braden has been in theatre since 6th grade.
"My favorite show so far has been ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ where I got to play the incredible role of Mr. Potter. My favorite part of theatre is the indescribable feeling of watching a show come together and realizing how cool it’s going to be for the audience."
After graduation, Braden plans to study film starting at Augsburg University. Braden will be returning to CHS to lead the new Alumni Improv program.
Nicole Kammer
Centennial Theatre Stage Manager
Nicole graduates in 2022.
Nicole’s favorite aspect of theatre is the people. The family created is unlike any other and really makes theatre a welcoming environment for everyone.
"Theatre is something that everyone should join! Even if you don’t feel comfortable on stage, you can always join the Backstage Gang!!!"
Cassie Nuutinen
Centennial Theatre Stage Manager
Cassies's bio is coming soon.
Peter Mundale
Centennial Theatre Booth Manager
Peter graduates this year.
"My favorite part of theater is the teamwork from so many different people into telling a story. My favorite show was It's a Wonderful Life. I will be going to the University Of Minnesota Duluth as a Biology/Ecology Major."
For previous performances, news, and other information, please see our News & Info page.