Special Thanks

Parents (of all kinds) - They all helped raise me in some way.

Don and Susan Welch, Avis and Ed Sexton, Brenda and David Cunningham, Johnny and Joe Ann Moore

Robertsville Middle School [link] - Where I first tasted the reward of entertaining.

Beth Adler, Shirley Gist, Kris Strohschein, and all the RMS Drama Club

Oak Ridge High School [link] - Where I discovered technical theatre and learned to be a leader.

Ron Kirby (the man that gave me my nickname and my career path), Amanda Ragan, Elaine Vaughan, Joseph Self, Vondle Shipley, Kara Alexander, and all the ORHS Masquers & Techies.

Oak Ridge Community Playhouse [link] - Where I learned about the business of theatre and was inspired to create.

Tony Lucchese, Reggie Law, Reeva Abraham, Lucas Lloyd, Terry Lynn Copeland

American Museum of Science and Energy [link] - Where I was given tremendous opportunities to dream and create innovative attractions.

Lenell Woods, Chuck English, Judd Brown, Glenda Bingham, Lissa Clarke, Corky Witt, Maintenance, and all the staff & volunteers

Other Entertainment Projects - From haunted houses to script based improvisational plays to puppet shows, my greatest projects have all been collaborative.

Jill Fortney, Mark Smith, all the Halloween Tech volunteers, Oak Ridge Secret City Excursion Train, Oak Ridge Fire Department, Josh Phillips, Kevin Reaves, Don Cox, IBM Ring 58

University of South Carolina [link] - They have all helped me learn more about the world of the theatre.

Lisa Martin-Stuart, Terry Smith, David Britt, Tom Angland, Elbin Cleveland, Andy Mills, Aaron Pelzeck, Jason Diaz, Ray Jones, Danielle Wilson, Ian DelDuca, Walter Clissen, Mallory Morris, Alex Bergeron, Thomas Clawson, Ashley Hyatt, and all my fellow students.

Employers - The work experiences they offered provided me with wonderful opportunities.

Oak Ridge Civic Music Association, Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association

The Walt Disney Company - These are the people who taught me how to look for the magic in every day.

Tammy and Noah Deadman, Mike Jorgansen, Michael Schmidt, Jen Stout, JR Williams, Amanda Vasquez, Janene, and all the expert game drivers at Kilimanjaro Safaris and the villagers of Harambe. Amy Bennett and the University of South Carolina College Program Representatives.

Inspirations - Each of these individuals has inspired me in some profound way.

• Walt Disney - He is my greatest role model. His values of hard work, the importance of play, believing in your dreams, and the significance of entertainment have all helped shape my beliefs.

• John Hench - Perhaps the greatest of Walt's imagineers. His book "Designing Disney" taught me much about the importance of detail, thinking in new ways, and most importantly the value of liking one's audience.

• Jim Henson - His creations, primarily the Muppets and Sesame Street, have inspired me throughout my life. Through him I learned to keep a sense of humor, appreciate the characters in one's life, and that, "life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing. Keep pretending."

• Jimmy Buffett - Though certainly not known for it, I believe he is a great philosopher and poet. His songs remind me not to get so caught up in life that I forget to "just enjoy this ride on my trip around the sun."

• J.K. Rowling - She has created not just a series of enchanting adventures, but a whole universe of story that fans can enjoy immersing ourselves in. There is no better example to show how much of an effect great storytelling can have on an audience.

• Steve Irwin - His groundbreaking style furthered my lifelong love of animals and began my fascination with conservation education. His passionate spirit lives on through those he has inspired.

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