Staff

Meet Our Staff

Sean Wright Executive Director
swright@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 227

Sean Wright came to the Performing Arts Foundation in January 2015 as the Executive Director of the organization.  In a short time, he has continued to build on The Grand’s commitment to providing the best in the performing arts for the region, as well as expanding the venue’s community and patron engagement initiatives.  Wright received his bachelor’s degree from Westminster College (MO), and has a MA from the University of North Carolina.

Olivia Hill General Manager/Associate Director
ohill@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 239

Originally from Miami, Florida, Olivia Hill spent 10 years in Colorado before coming to Wausau in 2019. Hill joined the Grand Theater as General Manager/Associate Director in 2023 and oversees the operations, administration, and personnel at the Grand. With a focus on arts and community impact, Olivia is an ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient and has a bachelor’s and MA in music and arts administration from Florida State University.

Merry Little Director of Finance
mlittle@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 233

Merry Little has been in the industry for 26 years with the past 20 years at the Performing Arts Foundation. In her position as Director of Finance, Merry plays a crucial role in areas of finance and budgeting at the Grand. A Chicago area native, Merry has an extensive business background as an art and antiques dealer. She was President of an economic development corporation and President of city council in her previous community and is a long-time member of the Wisconsin Presenters Network.

Gail Bayer Custodian
715.842.0988

Gail has been with the Performing Arts Foundation since 2003. First as a part time staff member, Gail quickly became full time as a custodian. Gail enjoys working with volunteers and often helps out during matinee performances in the Arts in Education Series. In her spare time, Gail raises horses and runs a carriage and sleigh ride business.

 

Joel Freiberg Director of Ticketing & Analytics
jfreiberg@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 226

Joel started with the Performing Arts Foundation in 1996 as a stage hand and has moved through the organization now serving as the Director of Ticketing since 2005. Joel handles all aspects of ticketing and IT for the organization. As a musician, Joel directs and accompanies performing groups in the area.

 

Sadie Fisher Marketing Manager, Second Century Campaign
sfisher@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 248

Sadie Fisher joined the Performing Arts Foundation in March 2025. A D.C. Everest grad, Sadie is thrilled to work at the venue that sparked her love for the performing arts. Sadie experienced many “firsts” at The Grand, like seeing her first concert, performing in her first musical, and dancing in her first recital. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media & Cinema Studies from DePaul University and was previously the morning anchor at WAOW.

Anja Hanington Marketing and Communications Coordinator
ahanington@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 232

Anja joined The Grand in March of 2022. A graduate of Hollins University, Anja brings extensive audio-visual experience to her role as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Originally from the west coast of Canada, Anja lived in the Washington DC area for the past seven years before coming to Wausau. She is excited to be back in the cold and to watch some local hockey.

KC Hofer Technical Assistant
kchofer@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 224

KC Hofer comes originally from the Black Hills of South Dakota, but moved to Wisconsin in 2015. Since then, he has been involved in productions at numerous venues in the North Central Wisconsin area. He is proud and very happy to have found a place at the Grand Theater in Wausau!

Kaitlyn Konrardy Community Engagement and Development Coordinator
kkonrardy@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 238

Kaitlyn joined the Performing Arts Foundation in July 2024.  Originally from Marshfield, WI, Kaitlyn pursued her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and graduated in 2022.  She returns back to the Central Wisconsin area after working for the past two years as Manager of Guest Services at Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI.  Kaitlyn is thrilled to be back in her hometown and serve a community that holds a special place in her heart!

Edyta Kruk Assistant Director of Guest Services
ekruk@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 229

Born and raised in Poland, Edyta brings a background in music and theater to The Grand, along with 25 years of customer service experience. Starting in July 2021 as Event Manager, Edyta is now Assistant Director of Guest Services. After relocating to Wausau from Chicago in 2020, Edyta has found a home at The Grand.

Danielle Marsceau Ticket Office
dmarsceau@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 223

Danielle joined The Grand in November 2021, bringing several years of customer service expertise from her previous job as manager of Dave’s County Market in Merrill. She has an associate’s degree in veterinary science from Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, but veterinary work turned out to be not “people-y” enough for Danielle! She enjoys helping our patrons experience The Grand, and learning a little bit about them whenever they call or visit the Ticket Office.

Misty Pfantz Custodian
715.842.0988

Misty joined The Grand as a part time custodian in 2005, and after a few years became full time. As a custodian her duties include keeping the many different areas of the building clean and presentable. She also helps with maintenance when needed. If there is an evening event at The Grand, Misty is probably working it.

Vicky Rice-Bricko Director of Guest Services
vrice-bricko@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 230

Vicky has worked at The Grand since 2017 in many capacities; House Manager, Wedding Coordinator, and Event Coordinator. As of November 2021, she has expanded her role as Director of Guest Services. She is responsible for all front-of-house staff and services, and coordinates with staff, volunteers, clients and artists to plan and run all events at The Grand smoothly and efficiently. Vicky came to The Grand with over 30 years of customer service experience, along with a background in space planning, merchandising and event planning. Along with our public events, Vicky also coordinates weddings and private event services for any of the five venue spaces available.

 

David Rusch Assistant Technical Director
drusch@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 228

David assists with the technical needs of The Grand and is proud to be a part of the Performing Arts Foundation.

 

Tammy Stezenski Director of Marketing
tstezenski@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 240

Tammy joined the Performing Arts Foundation in September 2021, after working closely with the organization for 25 years as a community partner in her previous role as Publisher/Editor of Wausau’s weekly newspaper City Pages. She has a background in business management and development, as well as journalism and community events. As The Grand’s Director of Marketing, Tammy develops strategies and campaigns, oversees print, digital and media communications, and manages marketing partnerships with the many organizations that help sustain The Grand Theater.

Tessa Taylor Director of Development
ttaylor@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 231

Tessa joined the Performing Arts Foundation in May 2024 and is a native to Central Wisconsin. She has a background in marketing, development and business management. Most recently, Tessa was the executive director of the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra before coming to The Grand Theater. Tessa has dual bachelor degrees (business and music) from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. As The Grand’s Director of Development, Tessa is the main point of contact for corporations and foundations. She also oversees The Grand’s philanthropy through donor cultivation and stewardship.

Mark Weiss Technical Director
mweiss@grandtheater.org
715.842.0988 ext. 225

Mark started working with the Performing Arts Foundation in 1993 transitioning to a full time Technical Assistant in 1995 and to his current position as Technical Director in 1999. He coordinates the technical aspects of performances and stewards the day to day maintenance of the Grand. Mark received his Associates of Arts and Sciences from UW-Marathon.

 

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