Board of Directors
Andy is a transplant to Albuquerque, coming from the Midwest and loving the sunny days. He is a graduate of The Second City Comedy Studies Program in Chicago and former traveling Demotivational Speaker because why be perfect when you can be average? Andy enjoys being both on stage and behind the scenes with recent credits at MTS including performing as Clifford Bradshaw in Cabaret and working as the scenic designer for Sweeney Todd and scenic designs and master carpenter for Cinderella. He previously served as the president of the Michigan Intramural and Recreational Sports Association where he focused mainly on fundraising and by-law and policy making and hopes to bring that experience to MTS. He currently sings with the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus.
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.
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).
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.
Jenn spends her days in the world of construction marketing writing proposals and orchestrating community outreach events and her nights making sure Musical Theatre Southwest shines (from behind the camera, of course—she gave up the stage after high school and has zero plans for a comeback). Armed with certifications in Google Analytics and social media wizardry (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn—you name it), as well as a bachelors from UNM Anderson School of Management, she works her magic to get people talking, clicking, and showing up for live theatre.
When she’s not snapping headshots or crafting the perfect post, you’ll probably find her up at her house in Rio Rancho (40 minutes away!) baking something delicious or experimenting with a new recipe. Marketing is her passion, and whether it’s construction or theatre, she loves using it to bring people together and make an impact in the community!
Special shoutout to my son and husband, who I do all of this for! All we really want to do is change the world, right?
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.
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