Katie Otten
Time at CLIMB
2015-16
Career Update
I just finished my master’s degree in theatre performance at the University of Nebraska–Omaha. Now I work at a local talent agency, teach classes for children at The Rose Theatre, act with local theatre companies, and am a freelance voice actor and model.
Favorite Memory
The entire experience taught me SO much! Having to know so many scripts at once and how to adapt them for every kind of classroom made me a much better teacher and actor. I learned flexibility, confidence and team-work skills!
Scott Tolzmann
Time at CLIMB
2014-2015
Career Update
Program assistant for St. Croix River Education District. We specialize in Special Education for 6 member school districts!
Favorite Memory
The Arts Access Grant in 2015 and the work I did with adult immigrants from all over the world! Really opened my eyes to the simple things we do that can seem like insurmountable tasks to those without the tools to accomplish them.
Brianna Leann Fallon
Time at CLIMB
2015-16
Career Update
Right now I’m the theatre director for a Christian arts school. Just finished directing my first full length musical with a cast of 40 (adults and children!). I also work as a teaching artist/administrative assistant at Childsplay, as well as an assistant director at Art and Sol. Going to graduate with my associate degree in theatre in December.
Favorite Memory
Getting to use theatre to as a tool to give young people job training was so inspirational to me. At CLIMB I learned that theatre doesn’t ONLY have to be entertaining but it can also bring and healing and education to people of all ages and abilities. I still use pieces of training I learned from CLIMB nearly every day.
Barrett Scroggs
Time at CLIMB
2007
Career Update
I have a Ph.D. and am now faculty in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Pennsylvania State University-Mont Alto.
Favorite Memory
My experience at CLIMB shaped how I understand emotional regulation and how I talk about emotions with young people.
Ally Suazo
Time at CLIMB
2009
Career Update
I have my bachelor’s of science in nursing and I work as an RN at Mercy Hospital – Coon Rapids. I love blending theatre with the art of caring.
Favorite Memory
CLIMB took me into many classrooms with class pets. There was one week in Chicago where I had to be very aware of what pet was in the room. I HATE snakes and my partner Julie Hove would sometimes switch sides with me so I could be away from the snakes.
Rebecca Glade
Time at CLIMB
2009
Career Update
I am the president of the International Ladies Club of Macau, a social and charity organization in Macau, China, assisting 14 different charities.
Favorite Memory
I am forever grateful for CLIMB. I was hired right out of college, which got me to move to Minnesota. It was a wonderful transition to the real world, giving me an awesome group of colleagues and friends and introducing me to a new city and state. CLIMB also put me in the know about TCUTA’s auditions, which I not only participated in, but helped volunteer at, which gave me my next gig at ValleyFair where I met my now husband. Thanks, CLIMB!
Joia Tellez
Time at CLIMB
2012-2013
Career Update
I’m a music therapist!
Favorite Memory
Exposure to using an art to improve a non-art based goal (bullying, respect, etc) and discovering art-based therapies is the main reason why I’m a music therapist today. Thanks, CLIMB!
Griffin Woodworth
Time at CLIMB
1998-1999
Career Update
I’m now an assistant professor of commercial music at USC Upstate in South Carolina (prior to that I was an adjunct instructor at various colleges in MN, where I often ran into CLIMB alumni Jason Gonzalez, who teaches theater at Inver Hills Community College).
Favorite Memory
The Climb experience that sticks with me today is the amazing 2-week training that we received in TeachCo, which prepared me to engage with students of any age level or walk of life. I use my Climb teacher training every single day in my teaching life, and I’m not exaggerating.
LaDareon Copeland
Time at CLIMB
2017-2018
Career Update
I am currently working for Missoula Children’s Theatre for the fall, Bay Area Children’s Theatre in the spring and starting my drag career as Rustina Roze.
Favorite Memory
A great CLIMB experience for me was being able to speak up and say my opinion. I’ve had anxiety for when I say anything or say my opinion. CLIMB gave me a way to speak my mind and be able to be confident in myself as a person and artist.
Courtney Helen Grile
Time at CLIMB
2006-2008
Career Update
I am a PhD candidate at Trinity College Dublin researching how applied drama might inform practices in participative democracies.
Favorite Memory
My experience at CLIMB formed lasting friendships with artists I respect and look up to who are now scattered all over the US. It makes me feel proud to know such thoughtful and lovely artists who are committed to making a positive difference in this world. Oh – and #ResponsibilityTangles
Julie Hove
Time at CLIMB
2014-2017
Career Update
I am the lead pre-k teacher at Primrose School of St. Paul and also teach occasionally for Stages Theatre Company.
Favorite Memory
I don’t think I could choose just one! CLIMB completely changed my life. For one thing, it brought me to Minnesota! I never would have come here otherwise; I never would have met my husband; I never would have met all of my friends if it wasn’t for CLIMB. I learned countless teaching strategies through my work with TeachCo, above and beyond what I learned while earning my education degree. I loved working with so many students from different backgrounds, races, socio-economic classes, etc. across the Midwest. My partner and I also taught three weeks in Tokyo, which was an amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity.
Justin Cervantes
Time at CLIMB
2014-2017
Career Update
I am a staffing consultant with AppleOne; I interview candidates and recommend them to positions for employment and also create business relations with companies who are in a hiring need. Outside of this I work as an actor and director for various Twin Cities theaters.
Favorite Memory
Coordinating performances at my middle school and elementary school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I was so thrilled to coordinate all of that! And the best part was that my sister was in the audience.