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5300 Alpine Drive NW, Ramsey, Minnesota 55303, United States
Northern Starz Staff
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Rachel Bohnsack
As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Northern Starz, Rachel has over 30 years of experience in financial management, communications, theater, human resources, and programming. Rachel completed her college education as a performing arts and music major, with a minor in communications. After raising her family, she pursued further education at Notre Dame University and NYU, focusing on nonprofit fund development and nonprofit administration. She is passionate about the performing arts and is dedicated to ensuring the inclusion of individuals who share her passion for the arts.
Co-Founder and Creative Director
Kyle Frederickson
Associate Director & Director of Disabilities Programming
Paula Anderson
Having always enjoyed theater since being a teenager, Paula returned to college as a nontraditional student after 25 years of working in public schools. She graduated from Anoka Ramsey Community College in the spring of 2017 with an Associate of Fine Arts in Theater. Paula works as a director, costume designer & stage manager around the Twin Cities, she is currently the resident costume designer at Anoka Middle School for the Arts. She is passionate about theater for all abilities and is excited to be the Associate Director of Penguin Programming for Northern Starz.
Associate Director of Adult Education
Viva Anderson
Viva Anderson has been "doing" theatre since late elementary school in 1970! She has been involved in all aspects of theatre including, Director, Producer, Technical Director, Lighting Designer, Costume/Wardrobe Designer, Readers Theatre Director and Teaching Artist. Besides working with the older generation of theatre lovers at Northern Starz, she also very much enjoys working with students of all ages, and is involved with local high schools and community colleges. She and her husband Tim (a Scenic Designer) live in rural Princeton. They have three adult children (& their spouses!) and nine grandchildren.
Production Manager and Education Director
Kolie Shaw
Kolie is a Director, deviser, and performance artist in the Twin Cities who is passionate about new theater works, avant-garde performance art, and theater education. Kolie graduated from North Dakota State University with xyr BFA in performance and an emphasis in directing, and currently works at Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts as their Production Manager and Education Director. Kolie’s most significant projects include imagine a u.s without racism at Mixed Blood Theatre, The Laramie Project at Northern Starz, Peer Gynt at Saint Paul Conservatory for the Performing Arts, and What Takes Who at Minnesota Fringe 2021. Kolie has been awarded the Achievement in Directing from The Kennedy Center and is happy to be growing as an Artist at a company like Northern Starz!
Volunteer Coordinator
Jane Johnson
Bookkeeper
Kat Fritz
Music Academy
Associate Director of Music Education & Teaching Artist - Vocal
Ben Olson
Music Academy Teaching Artist - Vocal
James Sherepa
Music Academy Teaching Artist - Wind Instruments
Britta Kilber
Music Academy Teaching Artist - Guitar
Brandon Wells
Board of Directors
Board President
Negin Emami-Simones
Negin Emami-Simones resides in Champlin with her husband of 12 years, their son, and daughter. With 15 years of experience as a behavior analyst and mental health practitioner, she recently joined her husband’s real estate team, blending her passion for helping people with her new venture. In 2023, while her daughter participated in her first theater production, Negin joined the Northern Starz Theater as a Board Member at Large. She is committed to supporting the theater’s mission of partnering with the community and families to provide innovative and diverse performing arts education in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Negin values the theater’s focus on fostering creativity, cultural diversity, and community engagement. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, attending sporting events, and spending time with her loved ones.
Board Treasurer
Jackie Mjolhus
Jackie plays a vital role in maintaining transparency and accountability for the organization’s financial health. She assists with fundraising efforts, ensuring donations are properly managed and spent according to the organization’s mission. Jackie’s dedication and financial expertise help the organization thrive while staying fiscally responsible.
Members at Large
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Jen Golden - Secretly
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Megan Olsen
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Sarah Shidell
