Our Staff
Ellen Phelps
Managing Director
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Ellen worked for her family’s marketing and distribution company for 30 years, Managing sales and operations for the last 10 years. Since Ellen was 4 years old, she loved performing on stage, and continued to perform throughout high school and college. After meeting her husband Scott at Actors Theatre of Louisville and raising their 4 children in Lake Forest, it became a dream come true to start a live professional theatre in their own backyard. Ellen and Scott appreciate the support from all our donors and patrons. Without you, Citadel wouldn’t have been able to thrive for the past 22 years.
847-735-8554 ext. 5
Scott Phelps
Artistic Director
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Scott is in his 19th year as the Artistic Director at Citadel. He has acted, directed and produced scores of Citadel productions over the last decade & a half since founding this award winning-north shore theatre in 2002 with his friend and lifelong companion, Ellen. Responsibilities include selecting the season, hiring production staff, casting mainstage talent for the 4-5 annual season, along with maintaining the artistic integrity of the education training program and our new Theatre For Young Audience programming. There is additional programming in the summer with an outdoor Shakespeare/classic selection that travels to several Lake County locations, Play Readings, play contests, and working with local senior centers and retirement homes to bring the performing arts to Lake County.
He has acted/directed in NYC, and in his home state of California, trained as an actor at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA, received his BFA from the University of Utah, and did an apprenticeship at the Actors Theatre of Louisville in KY before moving to NYC and getting his equity card at Circle Repertory.
For 18 years Scott worked for a promotional company in Racine WI as the mid-west regional sales manager, responsible for $50 million in sales, and raised his 3 daughters and his son in Lake Forest. The next chapter of his life involves taking on the role of Grandparent. He has four beautiful grandchildren.
847-735-8554 ext. 4
Erin Ammer
Education Director
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Erin is the Education Director at Citadel Theatre. Over the years Erin has spent a lot of time studying and developing her craft in theatre. Erin has spent time working all over with Theater's in Texas, Ohio and New York as well as Chicago and surrounding areas. Through directing, stage managing, acting and technical theatre, Erin loves sharing and creating with artists and watching what can grow with each production she works on. Her favorite part about working with Youth Theatre is watching children not only grow as Actors, but as people too. When you are working with young artists you are nurturing their minds, not everyone may do this forever, but it will have a forever impact on their hearts.
847-735-8554 ext. 2
Emma Cavage
Management and Artistic Assistant
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Emma Cavage (she/her) is an Artistic Leader and Director originally from Savannah, GA. Emma received her BFA Theatre Arts with a Directing Concentration and a Minor in Arts Leadership from Boston University's conservatory program. While in undergrad, Emma freelanced with New Repertory Theatre, Lyric Stage Company, Central Square Theatre, and worked in fundraising at BU. Emma has been in New York the last few years where she served as an associate on many industry workshops and new plays, and assistant directed on large-scale shows.
Notable Assistant Directing includes: Love Life (New York City Center Encores!), Fiddler on the Roof (Paper Mill Playhouse), RENT (The Muny), and Chess (The Muny). Emma is the recipient of the 11th Annual Charles Abbott Fellowship from SDCF, as well as the Hal Prince Directing Fellowship from the Kurt Weill foundation. For her producing work, she has earned a Boston Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture Grant and a New York Cultural Committee Funding Award. Emma is excited to be in the Chicago-land area, and to be working with Citadel! Union: SDC Associate Member.
847-735-8554 ext. 1
Marlo Abril-Viriña
Director of Development and Donor Relations
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As a Filipino-American artist and fundraising professional, Marlo Abril-Viriña is deeply committed to celebrating underrepresented voices and fostering inclusive, accessible spaces for creators. At DePaul University, he honed his writing skills in their Film & Television program, where he learned firsthand how vital funding access and institutional support are to creative projects. Then, as a graduate student in Northwestern University's Leadership for Creative Enterprises (MSLCE) program, Marlo deepened his understanding of how artistic vision and organizational strategy must work together. His particular focus was in grant writing, donor relations, and impact measurement as tools for building stability within arts and culture nonprofit organizations.
Marlo believes artists and community-focused organizations deserve funding structures that honor their integrity, labor and lived experiences. As Citadel Theatre's Director of Development and Donor Relations, his goal is to build sustainable systems that reduce burnout, increase access, and allow creative communities to thrive for the long term. Between the creative beats, you can find him indulging in his love of immersive theatre, strong coffee, and good food, always on the hunt for his next great story to tell.
Bailey Angel Weikel
Audience Development, Marketing Director + Teaching Artist
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Bailey is an actor who recently moved to Chicago from Kentucky. She graduated from Belmont University with a BFA in Theatre Performance and a minor in Public Relations. She has been working professionally in theatre as an actor, an Educator, and an Administrator.
In Kentucky, Bailey was the Marketing Coordinator for the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center. At Belmont, Bailey was a student office worker and the Marketing Representative for the Department of Theatre & Dance. Additionally, she volunteered with The Wishes Foundation, where she served on the Executive Council as the Community Relations Coordinator, Treasurer, Secretary, and Assistant to the Fundraising Director. Bailey has worked as an Acting Teaching Artist for InnOVATION Arts Academy, Lexington Children’s Theatre, and Maples Repertory Theatre.
Bailey is grateful to be working with Citadel Theatre as both the Audience Development/Marketing Director and as a Teaching Artist. She is thrilled to be able to work in a supportive arts community in a field that she loves.
847-735-8554 ext. 1
Debbie Scott
Finance Director
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Debbie has been a board member and officer for Citadel Theatre for over 10 years. She has been a Human Resource and Financial Professional for over 30 years, and currently holding an HR and Safety position in manufacturing. She enjoys her family, friends and hockey. Debbie’s favorite part about working with Citadel Theatre is working with her sister, Ellen Phelps, and meeting the many fabulous volunteers supporting the theatre.
847-735-8554 ext. 1
Lisa Frey
Director of Major Gifts, Campaign Management
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Lisa began working at Citadel Theatre Company in April 2024. She has a great passion for the arts and a talent for fundraising. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, she has honed her skills in donor relations, grant writing, and event planning. Lisa has a proven track record of successfully raising funds and securing major gifts from individual donors as well as corporations. She is known for implementing innovative strategies for donor engagement and building meaningful relationships with the community to support the theatre's mission. Lisa is excited to join the Citadel Theatre Company ensemble and contribute to its growth and sustainability.
847-735-8554 ext. 1
Alisa Bay
Public Relations Director
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Meet Alisa Bay, one of the creative forces behind the vibrant public image and engaging social media presence of Citadel Theatre. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Alisa has become an indispensable asset in the world of theater marketing and social media management.
Armed with a degree in communications and years of hands-on experience promoting the entertainment industry, Alisa possesses a unique ability to craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences and drive engagement. Whether it's promoting upcoming Citadel Theatre productions, creating special events, or fostering community engagement, Alisa excels in navigating the dynamic landscape of marketing and public relations.
In the fast-paced realm of social media, Alisa leverages platforms to connect with theater enthusiasts, spark conversations, and cultivate a loyal following. From crafting engaging posts to curating visually stunning content, Alisa knows how to harness the power of social media to elevate Citadel’s brand and reach new audiences.
Alisa is thrilled to be working with Citadel Theatre, helping to ensure that the magic of live theater, especially the magic of Citadel, continues to prosper and thrive.
847-337-5970
Grey Sindaco
Teaching Artist
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Grey Sindaco (they/them) is a performer, director, producer, and teaching artist in Chicago. They are currently directing TYA and theatre all over the Chicagoland area, while teaching with Citadel Education and the Chicago High School for The Arts. After getting their BFA in Musical Theatre ('22) from Long Island University and opening their own production company (Sparked Productions), they relocated to Chicago due to a love for the city and its community. They adore the children at Citadel Theatre Education and are super excited for upcoming productions! Keep an eye out for more information and plans @greygoeswitheverything on all social media!
Thank You to our Sponsors
