Joe Potter, Assistant Professor & Artistic Director of Theatre
jpotter@williamwoods.edu 573-592-4281

Joe is Artistic Director of Theatre and has been a full-time WWU theatre professor for 25 years. He earned his B.A. in Theatre from Drury University and his M.A. in Theatre Arts from Cal State University, Los Angeles. Before coming to WWU, he worked in professional theatre, television and film. His professional theatre credits include four seasons with Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Mo. His television and movie credits include such productions as Star Trek: The Movie, 1941, Blade Runner, Superman, The Waltons, Little House On the Prairie, Dukes of Hazzard, Charlie’s Angels, M*A*S*H, Fantasy Island and The Carol Burnett Show.

Melissa Alpers-Springer, Adjunct (Theatre)
maspring@williamwoods.edu 573-592-1650

Melissa holds a B.F.A. in theatre and interpretation from Missouri State University (formly SMSU) and an M.A. in theatre theory and criticism from Northwestern University. Her theatre credits include Springfield Little Theatre, Ozark Area Community Theatre, Clowns and Criers Community Theatre, Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre School, and Chalkboard Theatre in Columbia, Mo. Her WWU directing credits are The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Blood Relations, How the Other Half Loves, A Piece Of My Heart, Ain’t Nothin’ Quick’n Easy, Bedroom Farce and Phaedra.

Adrienne Branson (Dance Instructor & Choreographer)
adrienne.branson@williamwoods.edu 573-592-1650

Adrienne began her dance training at age five and has studied extensively in New York and Los Angeles under the styles of Alvin Ailey, Phil Black and Steps on Broadway. She studied closely with Suzanne Grace of Burning Feet and Kathleen Kingsley of City in Motion. In 1989, she earned her B.A. in Performing Arts - Dance concentration from WWU. She was a student teacher and choreographed and performed in musicals and dance productions including her favorites: Sweet Charity and Cole, a Cole Porter review. Her professional career includes being a member of “Spellbound,” a Las Vegas musical review on tour, a Las Vegas-based children’s theatre which toured here in Missouri, and as a member of Casey’s Barberettes, a six-women traveling song and dance troupe. She has choreographed pieces for the Illinois Civic Ballet, is currently a dance instructor at WWU, and owns her own dance studio, Tonanzio’s School of Dance. She was a Jazz, Tap and Modern instructor for three years at Dancenter of Jefferson City. Her WWU credits include choreographing Godspell, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Little Me and Once Upon A Mattress, The Pajama Game.

Jane Friedman (Costume Designer)
jfriedma@williamwoods.edu 573-592-4356

Jane has been our costumer for over thirteen years. She loves what she does and enjoys being around the students and community players. Jane’s talents for sewing and designing fashions are well known around the area. Her organizational skills and her professionalism are extraordinary. We are very lucky to have her on staff. Jane is a Fulton High School graduate and attended Truman State University. She enjoys reading and island travel.