meet

our team

Is your child ready to step into a world where education meets creativity, expression, and excitement? At State 48, we believe that learning should be as dynamic and unique as your child. Our team of passionate educators are not only experts in their fields—they themselves are inspiring performers and theatre enthusiasts who bring energy and creativity into every lesson.  We have a careful vetting process for anyone who comes on board our staff to work with your youth. Safety is a top priority for us and we will always ensure that everyone involved with us feels respected, protected, and secure. Each staff member (directors, stage managers, teachers, choreographers, etc) complete thorough interviews, provide a fingerprint clearance card with government background check, and demonstrate a clear knowledge of our expectations of safety and appropriate teaching and directing styles. State 48 is and always will be a positive, uplifting, and safe place to experience and practice all aspects of the arts and academics. 

Karli Kemper

  • Co-founder
  • Managing Director
  • Music Director
  • ELA Instructor

Karli has been teaching, directing, and coaching in the musical theatre world for over 25 years! She has worked in private, charter, and public schools all over the east valley as well as in studios and for theatre companies throughout Arizona. She was proud to team up with Andrea to create State 48 Theatre Company in 2018. She has been working alongside her wonderful partners and teammates ever since, writing and directing many original works, producing and staging many shows and performances, and teaching in the classroom and for the stage.

Karli holds a Bachelors in Music Education and currently directs Choir and Musical Theatre and teachers secondary ELA courses at State 48 microschool.  She partners with Halle Porter to run an after school touring show choir through the company as well.

Karli is also a proud wife to her amazing husband and partner, Justin, and mom to two wonderful boys, Jaxson and Ashton, who also love to sing, learn, and perform!

Justin Kemper

  • Operations Manager
  • Technical Director
  • Box Office Manager
  • Set Designer
  • Lighting Designer

Justin has worked alongside Karli and Andrea since the creation of State 48 to build and design the theatre company from the ground up. He most recently led the rebuild of a temporary outdoor theatre as well as the site build for State 48’s microschool in San Tan Valley. He continues to maintain all of the structural and technical aspects of the theatre and school.

When he isn’t building a set, designing lights, attending a production meeting, managing the company website and ticketing, or repairing an element of the venue, Justin can be found screening custom tee shirts with his side business (Marshmallow Tees), trouble shooting technical issues at his regular job as an IT specialist for the Arizona Humane Society, or even appearing on stage himself in a community production (when he can find the time)!

Justin is happily married to Karli and grateful to be a dad to their two fabulous kids, Jaxson and Ashton.

Dr. James Giles

  • Microschool Founding Member
  • Science Instructor
Dr. James Giles (Dr. J) graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in 1975 and then a pHd in biochemistry from the University of California, Davis in 1979.  He initially traveled and worked in scientific research as a consultant, and then transisitoned to college education as a professor at the Maricopa Community Colleges in early 1990. After teaching for over 30 years at the college level (in general and advanced chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology) and serving as Assistant Department Chair at MCC, he retired from the full time college professor life but has continued working part time as an adjucnt faculty member and has now joined the microschool classroom to create, design, and instruct the high school sciences. He is excited to be a part of the school where his grandsons attend and have the opportunity to work with his daughter and family members in this special environment. 

Deborah Giles

  • Microschool Founding Member
  • Head of Wardrobe
  • Costume Designer

Deborah is thrilled to continue working with State 48, not just overseeing and designing costumes, but in helping with general aesthetics of the productions as well as the set up and design of the microschool. Deborah has costumed for many years in Arizona, designing and constructing for local arts schools and school programs all over the valley and continues to bring her expertise to the microschool.  She has also, over the years, costumed for neighboring theatre companies, including Actors Youth Theatre, The Tuscany Theatre Company, and The Southwest Shakespeare Company. 

Deborah was a licensed hair dresser in her early career and still enjoys doing hair and makeup for her family members (and occasionally the theatre company), and she also enjoys crafting, decorating, and hosting and celebrating holidays.  Above all, her greatest love in life is spending time with her family-and especially her 5 fantastic grandchildren who have all been involved in the theatre world as well.

Halle Porter

  • Company Choreographer
  • Dance Instructor
  • Dance Program Manager
Halle has been dancing for 20 years and loves it with all her heart! She has training in every style, was on the dance team at her high school, and has danced in over 20 musicals. She was an assistant dance teacher in high school at FusePAC until she graduated and then taught there for 6 months. She graduated from MCC with her Associates Degree in Musical Theatre. While there she won the artist of promise award and was a finalist in the KCACTF festival for the Irene Ryan competition, the Open Jar singing competition, and the Open Jar Dance Competition, where she placed second! She has now choreographed and taught dance classes at schools and theatres throughout the East Valley and has taught dance and show choir for State 48 Theatre Company for the past four years.  She is excited to be a part of the microschool team as well. She has choreographed 14 musicals and workshops for State 48, has been in over 23 musicals herself and loves to perform, and now runs the dance classes and after school program for the school and company! Halle is grateful for her amazing husband, Ren, for being so supportive of her and all her ambitions, and she is also a proud mom to her sweet boy, Cove. 
 

Melissa Tice

  • Elementary Instructor
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Scheduling, Field Trip, and Events Coordinator
Melissa Tice joins the State 48 microschool team with nearly 20 years of teaching experience.  Her educational background was founded in Life-Based Community Development and Global Education. She has a passion for the arts, engaging lessons, and meeting students where they are in their learning.  Melissa is a valued member of the State 48 family and wears many hats to assist with school scheduling, finances, community outreach, field trips, events, and more – all in addition to expanding young minds in and out of the classroom! 

Beth Boyd

  • Elementary Instructor
  • Art Instructor
Ms. Beth comes to State 48 microschool after working in schools and in educational facilities for over 13  years; specializing in working with special needs youth and in early childhood education.  Beth has always had a passion for art and has most recently painted murals and backdrops for many theatrical productions!  In addition to this, Beth has a flare for stage and theatrical makeup and facepainting and has assisted the theatre company for many shows behind the scenes with her artistic talents!  Beth has the biggest heart for children and is so excited to be working with the wonderful students and staff at the State 48 microschool! 

Bradley Mucha

  • Social Studies Instructor
  • PE Instructor
Bradley Mucha graduated from Red Mountain High School before continuing his education at Scottsdale Community College, where he also played baseball. After that he transferred to Arizona State University to complete his bachelors degree in education. He is excited to be a part of the State 48 microschool team.  He enjoys helping his students stay active and especially enjoys getting to teach about history and the events that have shaped the world, while encouraging students to think about how the past impacts us today. Outside of school, he enjoys fishing, baseball, and men’s softball. His hobbies have inspired his approach to teaching by emphasizing hands-on learning and allowing students to discover new activities. 

Dave Murray

  • Science Instructor
  • Math Instructor
  • Theatre Set and Props Instructor
Dave Murray, a lifelong creator and builder, has nurtured his passion for woodworking and cratmanship since childhood.  With a BA in construction management and teaching certificates from Lewis and Clark College and the University of Idaho, he has combined his love for hands-on work with nearly two decades of teaching.  He has a love of learning, as evident by his personal study of ancient history – especially the ancient Egyptians! Dave has built everything from houses to stage props, always welcoming a creative challenge. His career and education is marked by his knack for connecting with students and inspiring them to bring their own ideas to life.  

Adisyn Montefour

  • Instructional Assistant
  • Dance Captain
  • Stage Manager

Adisyn graduated from Lumos Arts Academy and has been a staple of State 48 for the last four years, both on and off the stage. She has been a volunteer props master, assistant stage manager, stage manager, assistant instructor, and general production assistant on many shows and has since joined the microschool team as an instructional assistant and dance captain.

On stage, Adisyn has appeared in many productions including:  Ensemble (Hadestown), Winnie the Pooh (Winnie the Pooh), Sarah (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), Nadya (Dracula), Storyteller/Blind Mouse (Shrek Jr), Olenka (Hamlet, a Tragedy in Three Rings), Miss Caroline (Jekyll and Hyde), Debbie (Epiphany), Pirate Lass Molly (Pirates, a Love Story), and Jacopo (The Count of Monte Cristo). When Adisyn is not performing you can find her helping out around the theatre or school, sleeping, traveling to Disneyland, watching Marvel movies, and hanging out with her boyfriend.

Silas Green

  • Teaching Assistant
  • Stage Manager

Silas Green is a talented, caring, and hard working young performer currently working at State 48 microschool as a teaching assistant. Over the past few years, he has been actively involved in both on-stage and behind-the-scenes theatre productions. With a love for performing, Silas has appeared in many school and community theatre plays and musicals, showcasing a natural flair for acting, singing, and dancing, along with a keen interest in learning about various behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre, having recently stage managed a youth production for the company!

Some favorite roles include: Mr. Salt (Willy Wonka), Fitzwilliam (Pride and Prejudice), Sebastian (Epiphany), and Dr. Jekyll (Jekyll and Hyde), Rumpelstiltskin (Villains), and Hugo (Bye Bye Birdie) where Silas was able to delve into vastly different character work and also use his natural skill for accents and character voices. 

When not in the theatre, Silas enjoys singing, playing guitar, playing piano, and creating music, which continue to fuel his creativity and passion for the arts. He is excited to be a part of the microschool team and looks forward to continuing his work with the theatre company.

Joseph Sullivan

  • Director
  • Drama Teacher

Joseph has joined State 48 as both an actor and director and recently served as a drama instructor for the microschool. In addition to starring in several original productions with the company-Jekyll and Hyde (Hyde), Epiphany (Duke Orsino), and Pirates, a Love Story (Malcolm Beecham)-he partnered with Erin Garner to direct the junior musical production of Guys and Dolls. Following this, Joseph wrote and directed his own original musical, Mr. Specatcular, which was produced and staged through State 48 as well. He joined the team in their first semester of the micrschool and helped to stage a theatrical haunted house event for their fall Spook Alley and also directed an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with the school drama class. 

Joseph has loved performing around the valley in shows outside of State 48 as well, and has been seen in: Urinetown (Officer Lockstock), Les Miserables (Enjolras), Into the Woods (Jack), Elf (Buddy), The Addams Family (Gomez), and Legally Blonde (Emmett).  In his free time he loves to write scripts and music! 

Chuck Green

  • Staff and Student Culture
  • Recruitment

Chuck has been a professional educator for the past 20 years teaching and administrating across all grade levels and in 4 states.  As a teacher, he has taught French, English, Literature, English as a second language, Social Studies, beginner Spanish, and has coached almost every sport. As an administrator, he has served as a dean, assistant principal, and principal, and his favorite education quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil”

Bryson Giles

  • Composer/Arranger
  • Musician
  • Sound Engineer
Bryson has been writing and composing for State 48 productions since before they became a company! He has written and arranged eight original musicals for State 48 and has also written and arranged choral and show choir music for theatre companies, studios, and schools all around the east valley for over 20 years.  Bryson has been a musician on and off the stage since childhood and plays guitar and sings in addition to his composition work. 
 
Bryson is happily married to his beautiful wife, Delmy, and is a proud father to his talented and fabulous kids, Noah, Iris, and Carson. When he isn’t busy working at his regular University of Phoenix job or creating orchestration for State 48, he enjoys playing guitar and creating music of his own!

Andrea McFeely

  • Co-founder
  • Artistic Director
  • Theatrical Director
  • Playwright

Andrea McFeely earned her Bachelors Degree from USC in Film and Television.  She also studied theatre at San Francisco’s renown American Conservatory Theater and at Saddleback College in Southern California.  After working in Hollywood for many years, Andrea relocated to Arizona.  In addition to teaching high school theatre at GateWay Early College High School, Andrea has acted with different companies around the valley and has written and directed for youth and community theatres.  Prior to starting State 48 Theatre Company, she founded the Tuscany Theatre Company in Gilbert where she directed both classic and modern Broadway plays and contemporary works with community theatre members.  Over the last few years, she has directed The Wizard of OZ, Dracula, MacBeth, Epiphany, Little Red Riding Hood, Romeo and Juliet, Frankenstein, Leading Ladies, Merlin and Morgana, As You Like It, Murder at Sunset, The Scarlett Pimpernel, Villains, Much Ado About Nothing, Jekyll and Hyde, Sleeping Beauty, Hamlet, a Tragedy in Three Rings, Annie, Evita, Urinetown, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Picnic, The 39 Steps, I and You, Arcadia, and Pirates: A Love Story all around the valley and at different theatres including State 48. Andrea has written/adapted and directed many of these productions and teamed up with her creative cohorts at State 48 to turn many of her scripts into original musicals as well. Andrea has also written a number of workshop productions in conjunction with Karli Kemper to include, Swing Kids, The American Dream, Disco Nights, and The Ties That Bind.  Andrea is a retired private acting/audition coach and educator and now resides in Rockland, Maine with her daughter.  Andrea believes theater can be life-changing and has always wanted to open the door to theater for anyone who wants to step through.  “With a small dose of courage, we can find our way to the stage, make great friends, gain new insights into ourselves and the world around us, improve our confidence, and build community roots.”