Board of Directors
Ron is excited to join the MTS Board of Directors. Ron has been very active in the theatre community since returning to Albuquerque in 2012, performing in shows not only at MTS, but others as well. Ron graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh with a BFA and brings extensive performance experience in the theatre and performed in many venues across the US. Ron knows the operations of what it takes to make a professional theatre production company thrive and Ron believes MTS is on a clear path to continue to have high professional standards. Ron's goal is to help MTS continue to reach an even higher standard than it ever has.
Ashli Saenz has been an active member in Albuquerque classical arts for nearly two decades as both a professional opera singer and music enthusiast. Growing up in NM and attending UNM has given her the opportunity to meet many of the incredibly talented musicians around town. It is her passion to ensure she is doing all she can to make MTS the most inclusive and equitable theater in New Mexico.
Jordon Embree studied at The Southwest University of Visual Arts, majoring in interior architecture and design with a minor in advertising and marketing. He gained years of experience in residential design as the head In-House Designer at a local custom home builder. He also gained further knowledge of graphic design and production as the production manager at a large format print shop. He has loved theatre since childhood and has found many creative outlets through volunteering with MTS over the years. Now, his focus is on improving and streamlining the processes we use in our theatre.
John Stephen is a local actor, singer and community servant. John is a native Buqueno, and began his relationship with MTS, in ACLOA’s 1977 production of Oliver, as
liver. John has been performing on and off for more than four decades. Some of John’s artistic highlights include a guest appearance on Grizzly Adams and singing with Barry Manilow and the rock band Foreigner. John is also a member of the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus and serves as Music Director at Metropolitan Community church. John is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and has spent the last 10 years of a 30-year career at Cedars-Sinai Medical Canter, in Los Angeles California as manager for government programs and collections, before retiring and returning to New Mexico in 2010.
liver. John has been performing on and off for more than four decades. Some of John’s artistic highlights include a guest appearance on Grizzly Adams and singing with Barry Manilow and the rock band Foreigner. John is also a member of the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus and serves as Music Director at Metropolitan Community church. John is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and has spent the last 10 years of a 30-year career at Cedars-Sinai Medical Canter, in Los Angeles California as manager for government programs and collections, before retiring and returning to New Mexico in 2010.
Adrianne Elkins is a local school principal, teacher, mom, and theatre volunteer. She holds a Master's degree in Education and an Ed.S in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico, where she also began doctoral work in 2017 before opening an APS Magnet School. Adrianne now serves as principal and teacher of an award winning local K-8 program. Adrianne has performed in many local productions with MTS and other local theatres. Favorite roles include Belle (Beauty and the Beast, MTS), Blanche (Bonnie and Clyde, MTS), Sandra Bloom (Big Fish, MTS), Gingy (Shrek the Musical, ALT) and Marty Maraschino (Grease, ALT); however, her favorite role will always be any which enables her to work on behalf of others, and she is excited to serve Musical Theatre Southwest and our extended community family.
Raul was born in El Paso, Tx but has lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico since 2010. He graduated from Cathedral High School in El Paso, TX and attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM where he majored with a bachelor’s in Business Administration in 2013 and has his Master’s in Business Administration from Western Governors University. Raul wants to help Musical Theater Southwest expand and further their success. Currently, Raul is a program manager for the government bringing experience and professionalism. His admiration and dedication to music comes from having sung in high school in the All-Men’s Choir as a bass and his wife, Ashli Saenz, who is a professional opera singer. He is excited to be a part of MTS as the Amigos Committee Chair.
Ruth's first taste of volunteering with MTS was crewing backstage with Cinderella (MTS 2022). She has been extensively involved with Musical Theatre Southwest ever since. You will most often find her helping with or managing Front of House during performances. Ruth took on the role of Merchandise Coordinator for MTS. She is excited to join the board to continue to serve the theatre community.
Xavier Visage aka "Xavi" is a native of Santa Fe, NM and graduate of the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Since 2005, Xavier has directed various parish choirs and performed with numerous choral groups around northern New Mexico. In 2007 he sang Handel’s Messiah at Carnegie Hall in NYC under the direction of world-renowned composer, John Rutter. He served as a long-term substitute educator for various APS schools and taught K-3 Music, 2nd grade writing, 3rd grade Science, and 6th grade Reading Interventions at Mission Achievement and Success Charter School where he currently serves as the Records & Purchasing Manager. In 2020, he music directed The Green, an original musical by Joriah Kwame for the televised musical theatre competition show Broadway Bound LIVE (Katharsis Media) and returned as a vocal coach and adjudicator for Season 2. His other music directing credits include Chicago (MTS, 2019) and Nunsense (ALT, 2023). Xavi's most recent performance credits include: “Stacee Jaxx” in Rock of Ages (DFP, 2023), “Doody/Teen Angel” in Grease (ALT, 2022), “Dr. Frank N. Furter” in The Rocky Horror Show (SFP, 2018) and “Joseph” in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (MTS, 2018). Xavier is also a licensed Cosmetologist Instructor (NMRLD).
Our Staff
Justin was born in Erie, Pennsylvania and lived most of his life in the Greater Allegheny National Forest Area. He graduated from Brockway Area Jr/Sr High School in Brockway, PA and attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. He then taught Music and performing arts for eight years at his home school district. Justin furthered his education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania receiving an MA in Music Education and his Principal's certificate. He directed the Theater program at Brockway Area Jr/Sr High School, and was involved in the community at the Reitz and Warren Theaters as a director and member of the board. Justin moved to Albuquerque in 2021 to become an Assistant Principal at School of Dreams Academy in Los Lunas. Since coming to Albuquerque, Justin has joined the Albuquerque Theater Guild, serving as its President in 2022, and is currently the Technical Director for the New Mexico Shakespeare Festival and Musical Theatre Southwest.
Maigan Traci Wallace is excited to be working with MTS. She has been passionate about theater for over 3 decades, earned a degree in production management from the University of Louisville, was production manager for Asheville Lyric Opera, and brings considerable experience with her to the theater. Some of her production credits include: Diary of Anne Frank, Sweeny Todd, West Side Story, Meet me in St Louis, Hello Dolly, The Sound of Music, James & the Giant Peach, The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Quilters, The Laramie Project, and Shrek. She is also active in theater education, has taught stage manager courses at high schools, and has been active in many children's theater programs.
