About Us
History of The Invisible Theatre
IT takes its name from the invisible energy that flows between a performer and audience, creating the magic of theatre. Started in 1971 as an arena for local playwrights, the theatre has expanded its programs to include adaptations of classics and recent Off-Broadway plays and musicals, while continuing to encourage new playwrights through both full productions and stage readings.
Under the leadership of Managing Artistic Director Susan Claassen and Associate Artistic Directors James Blair and Betsy Kruse Craig, IT is strongly committed to community service and outreach programs.
Our team members
Susan Claassen
Managing Artistic Director
Susan celebrates 5 decades with The Invisible Theatre (IT). She has directed 600 productions and acted in over 70 including her award-winning touring production of A CONVERSATION WITH EDITH HEAD. Among many accolades, she was recently honored as one of Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women. Susan has been a member of Actors’ Equity Association for over 50 years.
Email:
suz@invisibletheatre.com
James Blair
Associate Artistic Director
Jim has been the Invisible Theatre Renaissance man for decades and has designed for Desert Voices, The Waterfront Playhouse, The Red Barn Theatre in Key West and The University of Arizona. James is technical director for the national and international touring company of the award winning and critically acclaimed A CONVERSATION WITH EDITH HEAD.
Email:
jim@invisibletheatre.com
Alayna Voutsas
Executive Administrator
Alayna has been with IT for close to a decade. Alayna has brought strong leadership and management skills to IT for the past 9 years. She is also a licensed Christian Counselor and Grief, Loss & Hope Coach serving the public for over 25 years.
Email:
alayna@invisibletheatre.com
Betsy Kruse Craig
Associate Managing Artistic Director
Betsy has spent the last thirty years acting, directing and teaching in the theatre. She was formerly the Artistic Director of The Pear Theatre in Mountain View CA, Program Director of the Arts for Stratford Schools and a professor of acting and directing at both The University of Arizona and Pima Community College. She also works as the Education Director for IT.
Email:
betsy@invisibletheatre.com
Louis Tancredi
Box Office Manager and Director of Patron Services
Louis is the newest member of the IT family. After 19 years in the insurance business doing sales, service and mentoring, working in a Non Profit local Tucson institution felt like the right fit to Louis. He has worked in production accounting at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego and brings his background in database management, customer service, and people skills to this position.
Email:
louis@invisibletheatre.com
Diana Knoepfle
Production Stage Manager
Diana has spent many years with her beloved IT and is a veteran stage manager. She is a professional level member of the Stage Managers’ Association, and is also the Production Stage Manager for Ballet Rincon, in addition to her many freelance credits.
Email:
diana@invisibletheatre.com
Board of Directors
Jerri Rosen
CEO, Executive Coaches, Happy Volunteer
Alexandra Jupin
Arts Consultante
Kay J. Wright
Consultant
Tania Gutsche
Consultant
Norma Jean Darden
Caterer & Entertainer
Paddy Calistro
Owner/Publisher – Angel City Press
William "Jake" Jacobs
Managing Director
Rochelle Taylor
Teacher (retired)
Hope Simpara, MFA
Associate Professor of Practice
Douglas and Laura Mance
Financial Consultant & Realtor
Cicely d' Autremont
Social Worker (retired)
Ruth "Bunny" Davis
Attorney (retired)
Anne Cavanagh
International Financial Broker
Steve Peterson
Community Volunteer
Shirley Scott
Flight Attendant (retired)
Dee-Dee Samet
Attorney
Pamela J. Parry
Meeting Planner (Retired)
Gail Fitzhugh
Associate Director
Sandra Del Casale
School Teacher (Retired)
Joan Cole
Community Volunteer