Paula Danner and Alan Knoll Named Artistic Associates

2025 Season Casting Team Announced

Audition Dates will be Announced Soon!

Lyceum Theatre Executive Director Steve Bertani has appointed Paula Danner and Alan Knoll as Artistic Associates. Danner, a long-time member of the Lyceum staff, will continue to serve as Company Manager while taking on the additional title of Senior Artistic Associate. Knoll, a seasoned Lyceum actor and director, joins the team in the new role of Artistic Associate.

Bertani emphasized the importance of making these appointments during The Lyceum’s search for a new Artistic Director, stating: “During this time of transition, it is important to have artistic supporting roles in place to work on casting for the 2025 season. Both Paula and Alan not only bring professional expertise and artistic insight but also a deep understanding of our processes and casting needs, developed over years with The Lyceum. These new roles will enable the theatre to maintain its artistic momentum and ensure continuity and quality in its productions,” said Bertani.

Paula Danner brings experience and a dynamic artistic background to her expanded role as Senior Artistic Associate at The Lyceum. Having worked closely with former Artistic Director Quin Gresham for several years, Danner has played a key role in the theatre’s audition and casting processes. This year, she was instrumental in the hiring of New York Casting Director Karie Koppel, further strengthening The Lyceum’s artistic collaborations.

Danner’s career includes an impressive range of performance and dance credentials. She toured nationally with the 2nd and 4th productions of CATS, fronted the Sunset Strip rock band Mystery City, and performed as part of the country music trio Three of Hearts, which opened for Carley Carter. Her talents as a dancer have been showcased in music videos and as a member of the New Orleans Dance Theatre.

At The Lyceum, Danner has made significant contributions both on and off the stage. In addition to her ongoing role as Company Manager, she has appeared in numerous productions, along with her behind-the-scenes work as choreographer for 1776 and Sherwood and as associate choreographer for Shrek The Musical.

Danner’s multifaceted experience in performance, choreography, and casting has been instrumental in supporting The Lyceum’s artistic endeavors. Her deep understanding of the theatre’s operations and creative vision makes her an invaluable asset as the organization navigates this transitional period.

Alan Knoll’s appointment as Artistic Associate at The Lyceum is a significant addition to the theatre’s creative leadership, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the institution. Having collaborated with The Lyceum for over 15 years, Knoll’s involvement in more than twenty productions speaks to his enduring commitment and passion for the theatre. His wide-ranging career includes notable tenures at respected venues such as the The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Ballet Conservatory of St. Louis, Nebraska Repertory Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Old Creamery Theatre, and Ozark Actors Theatre.

A seasoned actor and director, Knoll has received multiple accolades throughout his career, including Kevin Kline Award and Theatre Circle Award nominations, as well as the St. Louis Judy Award for Best Actor for his role in Infected at Upstream Theatre. His impressive resume also includes winning the Riverfront Times Best Actor Award for his portrayal in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and recognition for his one-person show This Wonderful Life.

Knoll made his directorial debut at The Lyceum in 2023 with Laughter on the 23rd Floor and serves as Assistant Director for the theatre’s 10th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol. Looking to 2025, Knoll’s role expands as he becomes the resident director, taking on three key productions: Rounding Third, Arsenic and Old Lace, and A Christmas Carol.

With his vast artistic expertise and long history with the company, Knoll is poised to be a vital part of The Lyceum’s growth and success in the years to come.

The Lyceum is also pleased to announce New York Casting Director Karie Koppel of Koppel Casting as part of the casting team for next season.

Karie’s Off-Broadway casting credits include Deadly Stages, ‘Til Death, Queens Girl in the World, Eve Ensler’s Fruit Trilogy, The Gentleman Caller, The Boy Who Danced On Air, Mother of Invention, and the upcoming Maybe Tomorrow and Still.

Her regional casting credits span a wide range of prestigious theatres, including the Denver Center Theatre, Geva Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, Cape Playhouse, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Trinity Rep, Arena Stage, The Magic Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Northern Stage, Arizona Theatre Company, Syracuse Stage, Bucks County Playhouse, and Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Karie’s impressive portfolio also includes National Tours such as Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and Middletown, as well as feature films like “The Empath,” “The House of Usher,” and “The Visit.” Her upcoming projects include “Smashing,” and she has contributed to PBS productions including “Walter Winchell,” “The Vote,” “Charles M. Russell,” and “Across the Pacific.”

In addition to her own casting firm, Karie serves as the Director of Casting for the award winning GFour Productions, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in the industry.

To round out the casting team, Bertani is thrilled to add Sam Hay as Casting Consultant for the 2025 auditions. “As the director of Disney’s Frozen next season, and with his extensive experience and long-standing relationship with The Lyceum, Sam is the perfect fit for this important role,” said Bertani.”

Sam has been an integral part of The Lyceum for over 10 seasons, directing and choreographing numerous productions, including Escape to Margaritaville, The Addams Family, A Grand Night for Singing, The Little Mermaid, All Shook Up, and Footloose. His work has also been seen across the country at esteemed theaters, such as The Geva Theatre Center and The Phoenix Theatre Company, where he received both Zoni and Broadway World Awards for Best Choreography. Additionally, Sam’s talent has graced stages at the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University, Temple University, Grandstreet Theatre, and more.

Sam also served as the Senior Rehearsal Director for Step One Dance Company, produced by RWS Global. Most recently, he directed the world premiere of Pageant Pending at Princeton University. Sam is also a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, further underscoring his professional dedication and expertise.

“Together, these individuals bring the experience and artistic talents necessary to find the best artists to help us create an amazing 2025 season,” said Bertani.

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre will announce their 2025 season audition schedule January 15th on LyceumTheatre.org. Auditions will take place both at The Lyceum and in New York.

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