Connie Mockenhaupt
Founder, TPTA Artistic Director, CEO
Connie Mockenhaupt holds degrees in Dance, Drama, and Music, and has performed in musical productions from New York to California. She has directed, choreographed, and musically directed more than 1,000 shows, while also devoting much of her career to arts education. Connie was the founding coordinator of the Natomas Performing & Fine Arts Academy Charter School in Sacramento, where she built programs in dance, drama, and music. As a professional musician, she has played bassoon with the Sacramento Symphony, Music Circus, and regional orchestras. Her many honors include National Outstanding Dance Educator of the Year, multiple Elly Awards for excellence in theatre, and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mike Jimena
Founder, TPTA Managing Director, Co-Director of Mikon Productions
Mike Jimena’s career spans both the visual and performing arts. His paintings, murals, and set designs have been featured locally, regionally, and nationally, with notable installations at Sutter Street Theatre, B Street Theatre, Fairy Tale Town, the California Arts Council, Stage Nine, and the California State Fair. Mike has designed numerous award-winning county exhibits for the State Fair, receiving Gold Medals as well as special awards for Best Design, Best Marketing, and Best Animation. He was a founding teacher at the Natomas Performing & Fine Arts Academy Charter School, where he developed the original visual arts and stagecraft programs. A Wilkerson Fellowship recipient and multi-Elly Award winner for set and lighting design, Mike continues to balance artistry with arts education.

Allen Schmeltz
Artistic Associate, Publicist
Allen Schmeltz is an award-winning director, actor, and educator who has helmed more than 80 productions. He was the founder and artistic director of Garbeau’s Acorn & Oak Theatre for young people, and is now an artistic associate, director, and teacher at Sutter Street Theatre. His productions have received more than 100 Elly Award nominations across every category, with multiple wins for directing and overall excellence. As an actor, Allen has performed widely in the Sacramento region, with standout roles including the Stage Manager in Our Town, Blind Captain Jack in Under Milkwood, and Henry in The Fantasticks. He has studied with respected theatre artists such as Miriam Gray, Jack Lynn, Charlie Holliday, and Ed Claudio.

Eileen Beaver
Resident Costumer
Eileen Beaver has been costuming and performing in the Sacramento theatre community for more than 35 years. As resident costumer for Sutter Street Theatre, she designs for both the Off-Broadway and Family Series, earning numerous Elly Awards and nominations for her work. In 2018, she was honored with the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to her costuming, Eileen is a seasoned actress who has appeared in productions across the region, most recently as Veta Louise Simmons in Harvey. She also directs Sutter Street Theatre’s Old Tyme Radio series, selecting and casting monthly scripts and often joining the cast herself.