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Our team

Our team

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John J. Wooten

Executive Director Theatre Management & Programming

As Executive Director, John supervises theatre management and programming operations for the University. He also serves as the Producing Artistic Director of Premiere Stages, the Equity theatre in residence at Kean, where he has developed and directed numerous critically-acclaimed productions of new plays, many of which were subsequently published, including Scab, Dark Part of the Forest, Any Other Name, ODD, Soldier’s Heart, The Beautiful Dark and The Good Counselor. The latter two productions were also honored by the American Theatre Critics Association, along with the sold-out run of Follow Me to Nellie’s, Dominique Morisseau’s first play. Plays he has authored have been produced commercially Off-Broadway, internationally and in regional theaters across America. Published plays include: Trophies (Dramatists Play Service), 

Humbug (Concord), The Role of Della (Playscripts, Inc.), and Kiss the Bride (Dramatic Publishing Company). John wrote the screenplays for The Role of Della (Toronto, Ft. Lauderdale, Cleveland and DC Film Festivals) and Cat in the Pan (Montreal Film Festival).  Awards: the 2023 Star Award from the New Jersey Theatre Alliance for his outstanding contributions to professional theatre; two NJSCA Playwriting Fellowships, including one in 2021 for his play Fading Grace; a Best New Play Nomination from the American Theatre Critics Association for his play The Mission Home; multiple Best Director nominations from the Newark Star-Ledger; and the 2017 NJ Cultural Access Leadership Award. John teaches Playwriting and Acting as a Profession at Kean University. 

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Steve Cochran

Manager of Kean Stage
Steve has had a long and varied career in theater, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to the performing arts. In 2016, he became the Manager of Kean Stage at Kean University, drawing on his extensive theater management and marketing background. Before his role at Kean Stage, Steve spent 18 years at TheatreWorks USA, where he played a key role in bringing theater to young audiences across North America. His positions as Tour Manager and Marketing Director at TheatreWorks USA allowed him to shape and promote numerous productions, expanding the company’s influence on youth theater.
Steve has held various significant roles in the theater world, including as an actor, company manager, and stage manager on national and international tours, showcasing his deep involvement with the theatrical community. One of his standout experiences was his portrayal of Wile E. Coyote in the international touring production of Bugs Bunny Meets the Superheroes, produced by Madison Square Garden Productions. This role, Steve’s first professional job, allowed him to become a member of the Actor’s Equity Association and remains an amusing memorable highlight of his career. His formal drama education began at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous training programs. He furthered his education at William Paterson University in New Jersey, strengthening his academic and professional credentials. Steve’s journey from acting to managing prominent theater stages illustrates his passion and commitment to the arts, and he has made significant contributions to theatrical productions and arts management.
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Christina Hoffman

Director of Marketing and Audience Development

Christina Hoffman joins Premiere Stages and Kean Stage after helping to open The Avenel Performing Arts Center (APAC) in Avenel, NJ in Spring 2019. As Marketing Manager of APAC, Christina oversaw the marketing for over 200 performances in the performing arts center’s inaugural season. Prior to APAC, Christina worked at TheaterworksUSA, for seven years, first in the marketing and sales department before getting promoted to General Manager. She is a graduate of New York University’s Performing Arts Administration Graduate Program (class of 2011) and William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ.

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Jennifer Clapp

Box Office & Front of House Supervisor

Jennifer has served as Kean University’s Box Office and Front of House supervisor since 2007. She oversees 300 events annually for Kean Stage, Premiere Stages, and Kean Academic and Student events. She finds joy in engaging with patrons, leading student staff throughout their time at Kean, and supporting events hosted by the University. Jennifer is a Kean Alumni who graduated with a bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.

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Pat McMullen

Production Supervisor

Pat joined Kean Stage in March of 2019 after having worked in
production and event management at SUNY Purchase, Berkshire
Theatre Group, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Atlantic City Ballet, and
Ocean City Theatre Company. Some of the artists that he has
worked with include Arlo Guthrie, Art Garfunkel, The B52’s, Rick
Springfield, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Branford
Marsalis, The Wailers, Norm Lewis, Ralphie May, and Trevor
Noah. Pat is a graduate of Stockton University and holds a B.A. in Theatre Production/Design.

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Paddy Shaw

Associate Production Supervisor

Paddy has worked with Kean Stage since 2003. He has been very involved in the artistic aspects of production, primarily in lighting design, but has enjoyed carpentry, costume design, scenic design, scenic painting, and prop construction. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and a Masters of Arts from Seton Hall University.

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Yadira Hernández

Yadira has been part of the Kean Stage and Premiere Stages family since her undergraduate years at Kean University. She holds a BA in Art History and various certificates in graphic design and front-end development. Her love for the arts propelled her to experience myriad fields, from being an usher, a box office clerk and coordinator to an Exhibitions Associate at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Now you can find her coding and designing to bring the performing arts’ magic to the small screens.

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Emily Bonaria

Emily has been with Kean Stage since 2022. Throughout her career, she has worked in many aspects of theatre including costuming, scenic painting, stage crew, social media management, and now, administration. When not at Kean, Emily performs as a professional actress around NJ and the surrounding states. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Muhlenberg College.