The Bug Performance and Media Arts Center is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that seeks to foster a supportive community of artists in Denver by providing the opportunity for the development of unique voices, a diverse audience, and dynamic programming. We believe in the spirit of artistry as the driving force behind every production, in the integrity of the creative individual, and in the power of shared artistic experience.
Donna Morrison (Executive Artistic Director):
Donna relocated to Denver from Seattle in 1998 to serve as the first Executive Director
for the Bug Performance and Media Art Center, in order to stabilize and secure the longevity
of the historic Bug Theatre's life as an alternative venue for the arts, and co-founded the
Bug Theatre Company, the resident theatre company, with Alex Weimer. She has worked regionally
for the past decade as a professional director, actor, and producer.
She completed an individualized theatre management seminar with Dr. Jack Wolcott, Phd. and
four years of Suzuki Training with Steve Pearson and Robyn Hunt. She received her B.A. from
the University of Washington School of Drama, Seattle in 1996; cum laude, and in 1995 won the
Excellence in Drama Scholarship.
donna@bugtheatre.org
Alex Weimer (Technical Director):
A native of Colorado Springs, Alex has always been immersed in the arts. His mother was the
original President of the Performing Arts for Youth Organization (PAYO) and his brother is a
founder of The Pirate: A Contemporary Art Oasis. He received his BA with honors in Dramatic
Arts from the University of Washington. Alex has been active in the technical aspects of the
theater for over eight years, working on more than 30 productions. He received the James Brewer
Award at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, CA and was a founder of Central Coast Theater Works and
Grotesque Productions. He recently returned to Colorado to serve as Technical Director at the
Bug and is the resident set designer for The Bug Theatre Company.
Al@bugtheatre.org
Donna Jean Sipes (Director of Public Relations & Marketing):
Donna Jean is also native to Colorado theatre, acting and directing here for 12+ years. She began as the Public Relations and Marketing Director of The Bug Theatre in the Fall of 2004. In addition to teaching and developing theatre education curriculum, she and brings 3 years of experience managing theatre programs and organizations. Donna holds a Bachelor’s degree with a background of study in Theatre Arts, and Business Management from the University of Colorado.
donnajeansipes@bugtheatre.org
Rachel Hirshlieb (Financial Operations Manager):
Rachel is the Financial Operations Manager for the Bug Theatre. She has worked in the Denver theatre community for the past five years; in the past two years Rachel has stage managed for the Bug, for Imagination Makers Theatre Co., the Aurora Fox and is currently stage manager, lighting & sound technician for Rattlebrain theatre. A Colorado native, Rachel grew up in Colorado Springs and received her B. A. from Western State College in Communications & Theatre, Theatre Emphasis. After college Rachel studied abroad in Bath, England for 6 weeks, taking classes in theatre, history and literature. Returning to the states & to couch serf on her parent’s sofa for 6 months while looking for her dream job in theatre, Rachel landed a job as Assistant Production Manager with American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Missing the fresh air, climate and the mountains back home, Rachel made the trek back to Colorado, this time to Denver, where she worked at the Arvada Center for three years on the technical production staff and broke into the Denver theatre scene.
Rachel@bugtheatre.org
Joni Pierce (Program Administrator):
Joni was raised in Louisville, Colorado and has been active in Denver art, music,
film and theatre since she was a teenager. She recently received her Bachelor of
Arts in Theatre, Television, and Video Production at CU Denver, after finishing her
Associate of Arts in Arts Management at The Community College of Denver.
Previous to The Bug she has held positions at The New Denver Civic Theatre, The King
Center for the Performing Arts, and Berg Imaging Inc. In addition, Joni has
volunteered for organizations such as City Stage Ensemble, The Denver Civic Theatre,
Alliance & Co, Industrial Arts Theatre, Singing Youths of Denver, Blind Lion Media,
and Hubahdjue Productions Inc.
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Originally built in 1912 as a nickelodeon movie house, the theatre now known as The Bug survived multiple incarnations and more than 25 years of dormancy before local artists Chandler Romeo and Reed Weimer renovated the building in 1994 and founded the Bug Performance & Media Art Center (BPMAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to serving Denver audiences by facilitating the development and presentation of diverse arts and cultural programming. Though recognized early on by the media as an important Denver alternative arts center, the organization floundered financially. In 1998, Donna Morrison and Alex Weimer took on the roles of Artistic Director and Technical Director, respectively, and founded the resident Bug Theatre Company (BTC). The company flourished and gained critical acclaim & financially stability.