About Sutter Street Theatre

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide all children and adults in the region with high-quality programs and services to learn about the art of theatre and related fields, to enrich the quality of life in the community through enhanced arts experiences, and to provide entertainment and art awareness through community stage performances and exhibits.

 

Sutter Street Theatre and the Theatre Production & Technical Academy is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit located on Sutter Street in the heart of Folsom’s Historic District.  In addition to galleries and specialty shops, within a block or two of our venue, you can find restaurants, wine bars, pubs, and the famous Snooks Chocolate Factory.

In addition to our theatre, Sutter Street Academy, housed in “The Annex” building directly behind the theatre, provides a wide range of learning opportunities for both casual and committed artists from age five to ninety-five.  Our seasoned and talented team of educators offer ongoing courses in Acting, Improvisation & Scene Study, Vocal Music & Piano, Musical Theatre, Jazz & Tap Dance, and Visual Arts!  Workshop intensives and private lessons are also available for students.

With seasons that present a host of award-winning comedies, musicals, and young people’s theatre, our combined theatre experience includes recognition from the Folsom Telegraph, Sacramento Bee, KFBK, Good Day Sacramento, multiple “Best of” awards from Sacramento Magazine, and even a mention in the Wall Street Journal!  In addition, our theatre has been honored with many Elly nominations and awards at the annual Elly Awards for Excellence in Theatre (named after the patron of the arts, Eleanor McClatchy).

Performances in our Off-Broadway Series are 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as Sunday afternoon matinees at 4:00 pm. Performances in our Family Series are Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 1:00 pm. New this year are performances in our Pee Wee Series, Fridays at 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 1pm. You can visit our online calendar by clicking here.

Many Saturdays showcase special performances with special pricing:

Breaking Borders is our touring company, bringing fun and educational productions to your school or in our theatre.

Sutter Street Theatre also encourages original works that are presented throughout the year.

Meet The Staff

 

Connie Mockenhaupt, Artistic DirectorConnie Mockenhaupt

TPTA Artistic Director, CEO, Box Office Manager, Director, Choreographer

Connie Mockenhaupt holds degrees in Music, Dance and Drama, and has appeared in numerous musical productions from New York to California. She has directed, choreographed and/or musically directed over 1,000 shows. Connie has devoted much of her life to education– teaching dance, drama and music–and was awarded the National Outstanding Dance Educator of the Year. She was the original coordinator for the Natomas Performing & Fine Arts Academy Charter School in Sacramento, CA; and is also a professional musician, having played Bassoon for the Sacramento Symphony, Music Circus, and various other orchestras. She has received numerous Elly Awards for excellence in theatre, including a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’

 

 

 

Mike Jimena

 

TPTA Managing Director, Director, Co-Director of Mikon Productions

Mike Jimena’s artistic career has balanced between visual and performing arts; his paintings, murals, and set designs have been featured locally (the “Komen Promise Wall”), regionally, and nationally. He is a multiple Elly award winner for Set Designs & Lighting, whose work can be seen at B Street Theatre, Sutter Street Theatre, as well as Fairy Tale Town (designed and built the Granny Goose Stage), The California Arts Council, and the Stage Nine store. Jimena has designed numerous Gold Medal award-winning exhibits for counties throughout California that may be viewed yearly at the California State Fair; his special awards include Best Design, Best Marketing & Best Animation. He is also a founding teacher of Natomas Charter School Performing & Fine Arts Academy, creating both the visual arts and stagecraft program. Jimena is also a Recipient of the Wilkerson Fellowship for Arts Education.

 

Allen Schmeltz

Artistic Associate, Director, Instructor, Publicity

Allen Schmeltz, is an award-winning director, having directed over 70 plays. He was the founder and artistic director of the award-winning Garbeau’s Acorn & Oak Theatre for young people. Currently, he is an artistic associate, director, and teacher at the acclaimed Sutter Street Theatre in Historic Folsom. His productions have received over 100 Elly nominations and numerous awards for excellence in theatre in every category from design to acting to best production. As an actor, Mr. Schmeltz has appeared at numerous theatres in the Sacramento region. His most rewarding roles were the Stage Manager in “Our Town,” Blind Captain Jack in the critically acclaimed four-star production of “Under Milkwood’ and as Henry in “The Fantasticks.” He has studied with Miriam Gray, Jack Lynn, Charlie Holliday, and Ed Claudio.

 

 

 

Eileen Beaver

Resident Costumer, Olde Tyme Radio Show Director

As Sutter Street Theatre’s resident costumer, Eileen costumes most of the shows at Sutter Street Theatre in both the Off Broadway and Family Series. She’s been costuming and performing in the greater Sacramento area for 35 years.  She is the recipient of numerous Elly Nominations and Awards for her costuming. She received the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance Lifetime Achievement Aware in 2018.  She is also an accomplished actress and has been seen in many productions throughout the greater Sacramento area. Eileen is also the Director of Sutter Street Theatre’s Olde Tyme Radio Show and is responsible for selecting the monthly dramas and casting and coordinating the talent, often appearing in the show herself.