John J. Wooten
Executive Director Theatre Management & Programming
John supervises theatre management and programming operations at Kean, providing oversight for the professional performing arts programs on campus as well as helping to produce major campus events, including Commencement. John is also the Producing Artistic Director of Premiere Stages at Kean, where he has developed and directed numerous critically-acclaimed and award-winning productions of new plays, many of which were subsequently published and produced in New York and elsewhere.
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 (Samuel French), The Role of Della (Playscripts, Inc.), and Kiss the Bride (Dramatic Publishing Company). Awards for his work with Kean include a 2014 NJ Family & Children’s Services’ Champion for Children Award, the 2015 Award of Excellence from the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and the 2017 NJ Cultural Access Leadership Award. John is also the Board Chair for the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
Photo credit: Kevin Lazo
Steve Cochran
Manager of Kean Stage
Steve comes to Kean Stage after 18 years working with TheatreWorks USA, bringing theater to young audiences across North America in his capacity as Tour Manager and Marketing Director. An eclectic career in theater has found him as an actor, company manager and stage manager on national and international theatrical tours. His first job as an Actor’s Equity member and probably his most memorable, Wile E. Coyote in the international touring production of Bugs Bunny Meets the Superheroes with Madison Square Garden Productions. He is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and William Paterson University in NJ.
Photo credit: Kevin Lazo
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.
Photo credit: Kevin Lazo
Jennifer Clapp
Box Office & Front of House Supervisor
Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Kean University, where she volunteered with many charitable organizations, including Sigma Beta Chi. Jennifer started working for the University during her time as a student. Upon graduation in 2005, she continued to work for Kean Stage. She was soon promoted as Front House and Box Office Supervisor, responsible for overseeing patron services, events happening on Kean Stage venues, and ticketing operations.
Photo credit: Kevin Lazo
Patrick McMullen
Production Supervisor
Pat comes to Kean University 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, Ace Frehley, The Wailers, Ralphie May, and Trevor Noah. Pat is a graduate of Stockton University and holds a B.A. in Theatre Production/Design.
Photo credit: Kevin Lazo
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.
Photo credit: Kevin Lazo
Yadira Hernández
Marketing Associate
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.
Photo credit: Kevin Lazo