WHO WE ARE
get to know our board of directors and our staff
Our Board of Directors
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Kevin Schriver - Board President
How many SGT shows have you been cast in? I lost track back in the 1990’s.
What is your favorite SGT show? "A CHRISTmas Carol." Although, since we were able to do The Christmas Post this year, close second.
Favorite role you have played? Tough one. Toss up between Scrooge "A CHRISTmas Carol" (2020 & 2022) and Mr. Beaver "Narnia" (2011 & 2018)
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Melanie Upshaw - Board Vice President
What was the first show you were cast in at SGT? ”The Hiding Place” (2011).
Favorite role you have played? Kate in "The Hope in Tomorrow" (2024) because I get to act alongside my husband and marry him 13 more times.
Favorite costume you have ever worn? Mary’s church dress in “Unto the Least of These”.
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James McNeal - Board Secretary
What was the first show you were cast in at SGT? "When the Rocks Cry Out" (1999).
Favorite role you have played? Elijah in "Elijah the Musical" (2012 and 2019).
Most difficult role you have played? George Mueller (understudy) in “Unto the Least of These" (2012).
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Aaron & Jaime Benson
Favorite role you have played? Jaime: My favorite role was Queen Amytis in "Miracle of the Magi" (2025), but I also really liked my singular line to scream in a role as a party attendant in the same show. Aaron: Jesus in Shepherds of Bethlehem, though the role was a bit intimidating!
Give us a fun fact: Aaron and Jaime were married in the courtyard of SGT. Jaime’s wedding dress later had a stage debut during the wedding scene of "Hope in Tomorrow" (2024)
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Brad Givler
Favorite role you have played? General answer is whichever I am currently doing. However, Sgt Buchanan from "The Christmas Post" (2024), was really fun. It is not often you get told to eat donuts when you are on stage.
What was the most difficult role you have played? Joe from "Welcome to Joe's" (2021) was probably the hardest role for me as far as the number of lines, however playing the father in "Summer of Hope" (2019) was pretty tough emotionally.
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Ron & Connie Rhodes
Give us a fun fact: Connie serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for SGT. If you are thinking about getting involved on our hospitality team, just ask Connie!
How did you get involved at SGT? When my kids were cast in shows, I volunteered to help.
How many shows have you been cast in? Ron: Zero. Connie: Three, although I’ve never auditioned.
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Denise Schriver
How long have you been volunteering at SGT? A little over 40 years. I began as a part of the original traveling team.
Favorite role you have played? I have liked Fern from “A Wall of Fire”, Granny from "The Neon Cross", Madam Katrina in "The Barkerman", and all the roles I’ve done in "The Outpouring".
Favorite costume you have ever worn? Madame Katrina’s from "The Barkerman".
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John & Ginger Zaagsma
What is your favorite SGT show? John: My favorites are “The Christmas Post” and “Elijah the Musical”. Ginger: I am biased toward “Elijah the Musical.
Favorite role you have played? John: Captain Josiah Johnson from "The Riverboat Revival" (2025)Ginger: This is hard, Jezebel in “Elijah the Musical” (2012 & 2019) is fun, but so was LuAnn from “The Christmas House” (2023).
Our Staff
Chris McNeal - Managing Director
Jamie Spanner - Box Office Manager
Morgan Crawford - Concessions Manager
Bobby Caringer - Technical Director
Alex Schriver - Operations Manager