CATCO IS…
Theatre. Kids. Magic. Drama. Captivating. You.
Producing commercially viable new work and regional and world premieres. Cultivating relationships with institutions of higher learning. Collaborating with other arts organizations. Exploring interesting spaces. Creating captivating programming and educational opportunities for all ages.
CATCO IS…
Theatre. Kids. Magic. Drama. Captivating. You.
Producing commercially viable new work and regional and world premieres. Cultivating relationships with institutions of higher learning. Collaborating with other arts organizations. Exploring interesting spaces. Creating captivating programming and educational opportunities for all ages.
CHRISTY FARNBAUCH
Executive Director
Christy Farnbauch became CATCO’s executive director in April 2020. A graduate of Otterbein University, with degrees in music performance and business administration, Christy spent many years of her career in arts education. She is a highly respected leader in central Ohio’s arts and cultural sector, and nationwide. Her entrepreneurial and innovative mindset has led to the creative transformation of organizations, while strengthening their governance structures. Christy is no stranger to CATCO, having served as a trained audio describer. Additionally, she and her family were 10-year subscribers to The Phoenix Theatre for Children, the predecessor to CATCO is Kids. She believes deeply in the power of theatre to help us creatively solve complex challenges, support children in their learning, make space to connect with family and friends, and foster joy and escape. In her free time, you can find her playing cornet in the Brass Band of Columbus, reading, traveling, or spending time with her family.

CHRISTY FARNBAUCH
Executive Director
Christy Farnbauch became CATCO’s executive director in April 2020. A graduate of Otterbein University, with degrees in music performance and business administration, Christy spent many years of her career in arts education. She is a highly respected leader in central Ohio’s arts and cultural sector, and nationwide. Her entrepreneurial and innovative mindset has led to the creative transformation of organizations, while strengthening their governance structures. Christy is no stranger to CATCO, having served as a trained audio describer. Additionally, she and her family were 10-year subscribers to The Phoenix Theatre for Children, the predecessor to CATCO is Kids. She believes deeply in the power of theatre to help us creatively solve complex challenges, support children in their learning, make space to connect with family and friends, and foster joy and escape. In her free time, you can find her playing cornet in the Brass Band of Columbus, reading, traveling, or spending time with her family.


LEDA HOFFMANN
Artistic Director
Leda Hoffmann (Artistic Director) became CATCO’s Artistic Director in August 2020. Previously, Leda was Artistic Director at Strawdog Theatre Company in Chicago. Before that, Leda served on Milwaukee Rep’s artistic staff for seven years, working in the Education and Literary departments and founding Milwaukee Rep’s Community Engagement Department. Also in Milwaukee, as the Artistic Director of Luminous Theatre, Leda produced and directed site-specific productions of Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play and The Penelopiad. Leda’s work as a director has been seen across the country at Milwaukee Rep, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, University of Miami, Door Shakespeare, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Northbrook Theatre, The Alchemist Theatre, Max and Louie Productions, and Riverside Theater Iowa City. Leda has also been a teaching artist for over ten years, directing youth and teaching with Hartford Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Mudlark Theater, Northbrook Park District, and Skyline Studios. Leda is a proud graduate of Grinnell College, a former Milwaukee Rep directing resident, Hartford Stage apprentice, SDCF Observer and a member of Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab.

LEDA HOFFMANN
Artistic Director
Leda Hoffmann (Artistic Director) became CATCO’s Artistic Director in August 2020. Previously, Leda was Artistic Director at Strawdog Theatre Company in Chicago. Before that, Leda served on Milwaukee Rep’s artistic staff for seven years, working in the Education and Literary departments and founding Milwaukee Rep’s Community Engagement Department. Also in Milwaukee, as the Artistic Director of Luminous Theatre, Leda produced and directed site-specific productions of Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play and The Penelopiad. Leda’s work as a director has been seen across the country at Milwaukee Rep, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, University of Miami, Door Shakespeare, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Northbrook Theatre, The Alchemist Theatre, Max and Louie Productions, and Riverside Theater Iowa City. Leda has also been a teaching artist for over ten years, directing youth and teaching with Hartford Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Mudlark Theater, Northbrook Park District, and Skyline Studios. Leda is a proud graduate of Grinnell College, a former Milwaukee Rep directing resident, Hartford Stage apprentice, SDCF Observer and a member of Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab.
ANDREW PROTOPAPAS
Interim Education Director
A Columbus native, Andrew Protopapas is proud to be a member of the CATCO staff. He is an alumnus of both Capital University and CATCO’s acting apprenticeship program. He holds bachelor’s degrees in English literature, creative writing, and theatre studies. As an educator, Andrew has facilitated and planned workshops, classes, and residency programs in schools both inside and outside of Columbus. Apart from providing education through theatre, Andrew enjoys acting, directing, and writing for the stage.


ANDREW PROTOPAPAS
Interim Education Director
A Columbus native, Andrew Protopapas is proud to be a member of the CATCO staff. He is an alumnus of both Capital University and CATCO’s acting apprenticeship program. He holds bachelor’s degrees in English literature, creative writing, and theatre studies. As an educator, Andrew has facilitated and planned workshops, classes, and residency programs in schools both inside and outside of Columbus. Apart from providing education through theatre, Andrew enjoys acting, directing, and writing for the stage.

KRISTA LIVELY STAUFFER
Artist Educator
Krista Lively Stauffer, a graduate of Otterbein University’s Theatre Department, is a local professional actor on stage and screen. A casting associate/in-house artist with Boxland Media, Krista has been seen and heard in several commercials and voice overs. Some of her favorite stage credits include Avenue Q (Kate/Lucy), Sunday in the Park with George (Nurse/Harriet/Mrs.), and She Kills Monsters (Agnes). Krista is an artist educator with CATCO is Kids, working as the director for the Saturday Morning Musical experiences.

KRISTA LIVELY STAUFFER
Artist Educator
Krista Lively Stauffer, a graduate of Otterbein University’s Theatre Department, is a local professional actor on stage and screen. A casting associate/in-house artist with Boxland Media, Krista has been seen and heard in several commercials and voice overs. Some of her favorite stage credits include Avenue Q (Kate/Lucy), Sunday in the Park with George (Nurse/Harriet/Mrs.), and She Kills Monsters (Agnes). Krista is an artist educator with CATCO is Kids, working as the director for the Saturday Morning Musical experiences.
ROWAN WINTERWOOD
Casting Coordinator
Rowan Winterwood is a designer, technician, stage manager, and occasional actor and director. She holds a dual degree in cognitive & linguistic sciences and theatre studies from Wellesley College, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society. She is an ensemble member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include Romeo & Juliet (stage manager), Mystery-Bouffe (director, staged reading), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (sound board operator). Recent CATCO credits include sound design for Babe and The Christmas Schooner, and lighting design for Sunshine.


ROWAN WINTERWOOD
Casting Coordinator
Rowan Winterwood is a designer, technician, stage manager, and occasional actor and director. She holds a dual degree in cognitive & linguistic sciences and theatre studies from Wellesley College, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society. She is an ensemble member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include Romeo & Juliet (stage manager), Mystery-Bouffe (director, staged reading), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (sound board operator). Recent CATCO credits include sound design for Babe and The Christmas Schooner, and lighting design for Sunshine.

CAROLINE DITTAMO
Interim Production Manager
Caroline Dittamo has worked in opera, theater, and music as a stage manager, master electrician, and lighting designer, both in Ohio and Kansas. Her favorite recent shows include CATCO/Evolution’s Breaking the Code, CATCO is Kids Babe, The Sheep Pig, and Evolution’s The Turkey Men.

CAROLINE DITTAMO
Interim Production Manager
Caroline Dittamo has worked in opera, theater, and music as a stage manager, master electrician, and lighting designer, both in Ohio and Kansas. Her favorite recent shows include CATCO/Evolution’s Breaking the Code, CATCO is Kids Babe, The Sheep Pig, and Evolution’s The Turkey Men.
SARAH MILLS BACHA
Press Representative
Sarah Mills Bacha is a professional writer and communications/marketing consultant. As president of her own firm, SMB Communications Ltd., which she founded in 1994, she has assisted numerous national and central Ohio companies and organizations with their marketing and communications needs. Before becoming a consultant, she worked as a journalist at daily newspapers. Previous positions include business reporter at The Columbus Dispatch in Columbus, Ohio, comment page editor at The Journal-Gazette in Fort Wayne, Ind., and stringer for Reuters.


SARAH MILLS BACHA
Press Representative
Sarah Mills Bacha is a professional writer and communications/marketing consultant. As president of her own firm, SMB Communications Ltd., which she founded in 1994, she has assisted numerous national and central Ohio companies and organizations with their marketing and communications needs. Before becoming a consultant, she worked as a journalist at daily newspapers. Previous positions include business reporter at The Columbus Dispatch in Columbus, Ohio, comment page editor at The Journal-Gazette in Fort Wayne, Ind., and stringer for Reuters.

JACQUELINE S. BATES
House Manager
Jacqueline S. Bates has served as House Manager for CATCO since 2012 and loves welcoming patrons to CATCO productions. Jackie has been active in local theatre for many years and has performed roles for Players Theatre, CATCO, Red Herring, Actors’ Theatre, and OSU Summer Theatre. Most recently she appeared as Katherine in CATCO’s Mothers and Sons and Ouiser in Steel Magnolias. She also does audio description for the visually impaired.

JACQUELINE BATES
House Manager
Jacqueline S. Bates has served as House Manager for CATCO since 2012 and loves welcoming patrons to CATCO productions. Jackie has been active in local theatre for many years and has performed roles for Players Theatre, CATCO, Red Herring, Actors’ Theatre, and OSU Summer Theatre. Most recently she appeared as Katherine in CATCO’s Mothers and Sons and Ouiser in Steel Magnolias. She also does audio description for the visually impaired.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
KRISTA HAZEN · PRESIDENT
ED HOFMANN · VICE PRESIDENT
JOSH HALTER · TREASURER
PNC
TERI BERLINER · SECRETARY
Community Volunteer
DIRECTORS
DONNA J. ANDERSON
Ohio Excels
BRENT BADGER
Cardinal Health
SONYA M. BROWN
National Church Residences
STEVEN FIELDS
Cramer & Associates, Inc.
KATHLEEN M. FOX
Community Strategy Partners, LLC
MICHAEL J. GALEANO
Alliance Data
SYLVIA GARRETT
Sylvia A. Garrett Agency, LLC
MICHAEL C. GRIFFATON
Vorys, Saler, Seymour and Pease LLP
JOHN HART
U.S. Bank
DR. JEFF S. KEYES
Central Ohio Newborn Medicine, INC.
ALEXA KONSTANTINOS
Battelle
SAM NAHEM
Screen Play, Inc.
BRAD RICHEY
Turner Construction Company
LIZ RILEY
Community Volunteer
JOSHUA SCHONAUER
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
BRIDGET THARP
Mid-Ohio Food Collective
MICHAEL V. WIBLE
Thompson Hine

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
KRISTA HAZEN · PRESIDENT
ED HOFMANN · VICE PRESIDENT
JOSH HALTER · TREASURER
PNC
TERI BERLINER · SECRETARY
Community Volunteer
DIRECTORS
DONNA J. ANDERSON
Ohio Excels
BRENT BADGER
Cardinal Health
SONYA M. BROWN
National Church Residences
STEVEN FIELDS
Cramer & Associates, Inc.
KATHLEEN M. FOX
Community Strategy Partners, LLC
MICHAEL J. GALEANO
Alliance Data
SYLVIA GARRETT
Sylvia A. Garrett Agency, LLC
MICHAEL C. GRIFFATON
Vorys, Saler, Seymour and Pease LLP
JOHN HART
U.S. Bank
DR. JEFF S. KEYES
Central Ohio Newborn Medicine, INC.
ALEXA KONSTANTINOS
Battelle
SAM NAHEM
Screen Play, Inc.
BRAD RICHEY
Turner Construction Company
LIZ RILEY
Community Volunteer
JOSHUA SCHONAUER
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
BRIDGET THARP
Mid-Ohio Food Collective
MICHAEL V. WIBLE
Thompson Hine