Our People
MARKET HOUSE THEATRE IS A VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY PROFESSIONAL STAFF.
Meet the team that helps keep Market House Theatre operating.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
President
Clint Combs
Vice President
Jessi Fletcher
Treasurer
James Gwinn
Secretary
Sally Wiggins
Past President
Megan E. Mulry
DIRECTORS
Allison Rains
Bailey Porter
Bernice Belt
Chase Durrance
Dorothea Davis
Kathy McHaney
Korey Vazquez
Kristen Williams
Liz Hammonds
Nate Heider
Nick Gillespie
Riley Solomon
Russel B. Jones
Travis Taylor
Victoria Seng
Benjamin Grimes
Managing Artistic Director
Ben Grimes is a multifaceted theatre artist, administrator, and educator. He earned his BFA in Acting from The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University and began his career as a professional actor, performing in regional theatre productions across the country and in New York City. After more than a decade on stage, feeling disconnected and lost, Ben made the life-altering decision to join the U.S. Army in 2006. He served as an Airborne Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division, deploying to Baghdad, Iraq, and again in 2017.
Following his final deployment, Ben turned to theatre as a means of healing from combat stress. He discovered a deeper connection to his craft and found that working in an ensemble helped alleviate feelings of isolation and depression. These realizations led him to pursue a Master’s in Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service, where his research explored theatre as a vehicle for social impact.
Inspired by his studies, Ben founded Riverside Actors Theatre, a company dedicated to using theatre and storytelling to address trauma and the challenges faced by veterans and other at-risk populations. He has held artistic and administrative leadership roles in theatre companies in Chicago, New York, and Little Rock, earning recognition as both a director and actor from Broadway World and the Arkansas Times. A sought-after teacher and facilitator, Ben is committed to fostering creative communities that empower and uplift.
In 2025, Ben was appointed the Managing Artistic Director of Market House Theatre in Paducah, Kentucky, where he leads a dedicated team in producing community-centered stories and expanding access to transformative theatre experiences.
270.444.6828 ext. 105
Emi Hensel
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Emi has been the principal choreographer for the Market House Theatre since 2009. A dance graduate from Belhaven University, Emi helped found and is now the Dance Program Director for the Theatre’s premier dance program, DanceMHT, where she teaches dance classes for preschoolers through High School. Emi has been involved with children’s theatre since 2005 and a member of MHT’s Playtime since 2015. She is very excited to be stepping into a new role as a Director and instructor for MHT’s theatre education in addition to her Dance Program Director duties. Being a mother of four helps fuel Emi’s passion for making arts education accessible for all.
Hadley Pierce
ASSISTANT EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Emily Suhrheinrich-Weeks
DANCEMHT STUDIO MANAGER
Emily Suhrheinrich-Weeks has been teaching dance in Western Kentucky for almost 20 years! She attended Murray State University, where she pursued a dance minor, and attended American College Dance Festivals. She graduated from Murray State after founding and acting as president of Murray Dance Company. After working in a variety of programs and studios in the area, she is delighted to call DanceMHT her dance home! Emily is the Studio Manager, as well as a dance instructor. Her philosophy is that anyone can – and should! – dance! Whether she is introducing littles ones to their first dance classes, or work with her Adult Movement programs, she hopes to help anyone find their love of mindful movement and self love!
Jerome Veit
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Jerome graduated from Southern Illinois University (SIU) with a degree in theater, specializing in technical direction. While at SIU, he was hired as Carpenter and Sound Technician for the theater as well as having sound designed several shows including The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Pippin, Punk Rock, and many others. In his final year he technical directed a production of To Kill a Mockingbird and was Assistant Technical Director for Sunday in the Park with George. Jerome also spent three summers working at McLeod Summer Playhouse as Carpenter, Lead Carpenter, then finally Sound Designer, working on such productions as Sister Act, Mamma Mia, 9 to 5, Gypsy, and eight additional shows. Jerome has been participating in theater in some capacity for over 15 years and has worked on over 40 productions.
Alexandra Brue
RESIDENT STAGE MANAGER/PROPS MASTER
Alexandra Brue (she/her) is a 2020 graduate of SIU Carbondale with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Theatre, with a focus in Stage Management and Props. She hails from Chandlerville, a very small town in Illinois where her passion for theatre started in high school. Since then she has worked various jobs in theatre including stage management, props work, scenic painting and carpentry, and helps with electrics for shows whenever she can. Every element of theatre is good to know as a stage manager and when she can get her hands dirty, it’s a fun day. Some of her recent credits includes Mississippi Goddamn, Torch Song, and Days of Rage at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, TN. Some of her favorite Stage Management credits include Sunday in the Park with George, The 39 Steps, and Million Dollar Quartet.
Angela Hoerner
COSTUMES DIRECTOR
Angela first worked with Market House Theatre in 2017 when she and her sister remotely designed and built the costumes for Addams Family. That opportunity led her to move to Paducah in 2018 to become MHT’s Costume Director. In addition to all of the shows she built costumes for, she also relocated and organized the costume shop TWICE, finally ending in our beautiful space she helped design in 2020. In 2021 she left MHT to pursue a lifelong dream of working on a cruise ship but, after three and a half years of summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean, she has come back home to Paducah to put down roots. She and her partner, Raye, purchased a house near Noble Park in November and are excited to be a part of this lovely community once more.
Ronda Gibson
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Ronda joined the Market House Theatre staff in 2019. Though she has no theatre experience, Ronda prides herself on being “very dramatic.” She’s been involved in development for non-profits since the mid-1990s with experience ranging from scouting to public radio to human service. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Murray State University, studying Public Relations and Journalism/Radio TV Production. Ronda lives with her husband Brian and son Hayes (and five cats) on a family farm in rural Ballard County.
270.444.6828 ext. 103
Caleb Buford, CPP
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING + COMMUNICATIONS
Caleb Buford is a multidisciplinary theatre artist, creative communicator, and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP). His path into the arts began backstage—as a stage manager, production assistant, and technician—before evolving into a career that blends storytelling, strategy, and visual design. With a degree in Communication Studies from Northern Kentucky University and nearly a decade of hands-on theatre experience, Caleb now channels his creative instincts into shaping meaningful audience experiences and building bridges between art and community.
Caleb’s photography has been featured in Paducah Life, Vue Magazine, and AACT’s Spotlight Magazine, as well as by Dramatic Publishing, Music Theatre International, Broadway Media, and KET. Whether behind the camera or inside the rehearsal process, he’s passionate about visual storytelling that captures emotion, place, and purpose.
At his core, Caleb believes in the power of theatre to nurture connection, foster creativity, and serve as a platform for shared belonging. His work continues to evolve at the intersection of artistic collaboration and community engagement—on stage, off stage, and everywhere in between.
270.444.6828 ext. 113
Lisa Humphrey
BOX OFFICE MANAGER
Lisa Humphrey joined the staff of Market House Theatre as Box Office Manager in January, 2020. However, she has been involved at MHT since 1980. Lisa has worn many hats over the years: she has acted in multiple shows, worked as both light and sound board operator, served as assistant director/stage manager, built sets, served on the Board of Directors, and even directed several shows. “I have a deep love for Market House Theatre and felt like I was coming home when I joined the staff.” Prior to working here, Lisa owned the Itty Bitty Knitty Shop and is still an avid knitter and crocheter. Lisa earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and History from Murray State University.
270.444.6828 ext. 1
Alissa Cooper
EVENT + RENTAL MANAGER
After several years of being a contracted client for Market House Theatre, Alissa Cooper (she/her) joins MHT as the Rental and Events Manager. She has worked on several local events including the Lower Town Music and Arts Festival and the Paducah Fiber Festival. She has also worked tech, wardrobe, and props design for the national Broadway tours of Beetlejuice, Peter Pan, My Fair Lady, and Elf. She began her relationship with MHT by ushering for several shows followed by joining the cast for Bright Star and School of Rock. She looks forward to helping the community celebrate and plan their own events and welcoming visitors to Paducah through the MHT apartment rentals. Alissa, her husband Adam, and their 4 children have all participated in MHT programing, as volunteers, ushers, tech, and cast members.
Aidan Cooper
MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Aidan Cooper (he/him) joins Market House Theatre as Maintenance Manager. He has mechanical experience including espresso equipment, bicycles, and working on his own vehicles. He now maintains the many facilities across the MHT campus. Growing up In Lower Town, he appreciated being surrounded by the arts community, and he is pleased to be working with the creative team at MHT. Aidan and his wife, Gina, both enjoy musical theatre, as well as listening to and making music with their friends.
Ari Klope
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Ari Klope is currently studying fine arts at the Paducah School of Art & Design. Since launching their theater career in 2021, they’ve gained experience in costume and scenic design. Ari extends heartfelt thanks to their mother, Jade, for supporting their artistic journey and career.
Davin Belt
ASSISTANT COSTUME DIRECTOR
Davin is a Murray State University graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nonprofit Leadership Studies and Theatre Design/Tech. When he’s not helping you with any ticket or seating issue you may have he can be found directing, designing, or teaching throughout Western Kentucky.
