23-24 PROFESSIONAL STAFF BIOS

Abby Pritzl – Executive Producer Abby is a proud Singers alumna who has played several roles within the Singers organization since joining as an undergraduate singer/dancer. After graduation, Abby performed in various aspects of entertainment ranging from live bands and theme park productions to private hire commissions, music direction, and festivals. She has worked in higher education at UW- Madison since 2016 and is beginning her fourth full season as Executive Producer for Wisconsin Singers. Abby is overjoyed to be carrying on the program's 56-year tradition of excellence, and she hopes to inspire each student to go out into the world and share their talents both on and off the stage.

Michael Stanek – Choreographer Micheal Stanek a native of Spring Green, Wisconsin, spent the last 25 years living in New York City working as a performer, director, choreographer and teaching artist. He served at the resident choreographer for The RIDE! (Drama Desk Nominee) and Artistic Director/Choreographer for Broadway Kids With Heart, (Rosie O’Donnell Show). In 2006, he assisted Tony-Award winner Kathleen Marshall on 70, Girls, 70, starring Olympia Dukakis (City Center Encores!). Stanek has performed all over the United States and Europe touring with 42nd Street and creating the original role of the Prince in Beauty and the Beast (Disney-MGM Studios). He has directed/choreographed over 100 different theatrical productions and is 25- year member of Actors’ Equity Association and 10-year associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society..

Jenna Mood - Orchestrator

Jenna Mood is excited to be back writing music for the Wisconsin Singers Band! She studied music at UW-Madison while playing trombone in Singers for six years. After graduation she started her own music arranging business, working with show choirs and groups all around the USA. Jenna is a lifelong musician who continues to play trombone and sing in several bands, including her family group, Mood Family Band. She and her husband, former Singers’ synth player Michael Mood, homeschool their four beautiful boys on a small farmette in Cottage Grove.

Chris Novotny – Director of Business Operations/Sound Engineer

Chris Novotny is a Wisconsin Singers alumnus who has served on the Friends of Wisconsin Singers Executive Board since its inception in 1994. A UW graduate (BBA '97/ MBA '11), Chris is currently CFO/COO of On-Site Studios, which installs and operates virtually staffed professional video production and television broadcast studios around the nation. He is also involved in a number of other startup ventures and provides strategic business planning to the Wisconsin Singers program, to which he attributes much of his success.

Luke Hrovat-Staedter – Vocal Specialist Luke Hrovat-Staedter is thrilled to be joining the Wisconsin Singers’ professional staff for his second season as the new Vocal Specialist. A native of Madison and a UW graduate (BM '14, MM '22), he has a diverse list of musical experiences spanning choral directing, operatic performance, pop a Cappella, musical theater, dueling pianos, and more. He is currently the choir director at Madison East High School and performs locally at The lvory Room piano bar and as a vocalist/keyboardist with The Big Payback.

Jerry Kember – Instrumental Specialist Jerry has filled the roles of musician, teacher, school administrator, and college dean. With degrees in music and communications from Ithaca College and Syracuse University, Jerry pursued a career in education and the arts. After college he performed 5 years with a band touring the U.S. and Canada. As educator, he has 11 years as a high school band director and 25 years as a public school administrator. After retiring as Superintendent of Schools in La Crosse, WI he served as college dean and instructor for another 8 years. He’s excited to further his passion for music as the Instrumental Specialist for Wisconsin Singers.

sKELSEY YUDICE - PROGRAM COORDINATOR Kelsey received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a BFA in Acting and a minor in Sociology. Afterward, she worked as an actor, director, teaching artist, and producer in Chicago and the Washington D.C. area. As InterAct Story Theatre’s Associate Artist, she brought theatre and artist-in-residence programs to underserved communities around Washington D.C. teaching school curriculum through different art mediums and expanding the organization’s communication and development efforts. Kelsey recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Bolz Center for Arts Administration. Kelsey is currently on the Dane County Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission.

Kayla Jenerson – Assistant Choreographer

As an active musical theater professional, and someone who deeply values arts education, Kayla is delighted to return to Singers as assistant choreographer! Currently based in New York City, her love of musical theater began with Singers. After graduation she chose to pursue a musical theater career professionally, and spent years studying, learning, and working to take her career to the next step. Credits include: Off-Broadway; Stardust Road. Broadway national tours; A Bronx Tale, Motown the Musical, Legally Blonde. Selected regional; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ragtime (Broadway Music Circus), The Karate Kid (STAGES St. Louis), Kiss Me, Kate (Marriott Theatre), West Side Story, JC Superstar, A Chorus Line (The Ordway). She is eager to share her extensive knowledge on the demanding, awe-inspiring, and essential industry that is musical theater, and encourage the 56th season of Singers to share their talents and unique gifts with the world!