Our Story.
Since 1914, Willcox has looked to the Theater for entertainment and culture. Today´s Willcox Historic Theater restored the 1937 movie theater inside and out in authentic Art Deco style, with today’s latest in comfort and digital technology, showing first run films seven days a week.
Willcox Theater and Arts “Studio 128” and “Palace”, located in adjacent historic buildings, provide live stage programming, arts workshops, STEAM and digital arts programs. Serving all ages and interests, Willcox Theater and Arts provides everyone with opportunities to enjoy the arts, and to create, learn, and display accomplishments, while helping to keep the Railroad Avenue Historic District a vibrant downtown in Willcox.
Staff
Gayle Berry
Executive Director
Gayle is a retired senior executive. She has served on boards at Southwest Behavioral Counseling and Northern Cochise Community Hospital and is a founding director of Willcox Theater and Arts. She also volunteered at TAG, an arts and humanities program for teens in Willcox.
Gary Clement
Director of Operations
Gary´s degree is in Theater and he has experience in the hospitality industry and also headed the City of Willcox Teen Program, TAG. In addition to programming movies, Gary books WTA´s Guest Artists, Stage to Cinema and History Lecture Series. He is our resident film expert.
Brittany Rhodes
Visual Artist
Brittany is WTA´s lead visual artist, teaching art in a variety of media at WTA´s Palace of Art and Theater. They are currently a student at Eastern Arizona college studying to become an art major. They have a passion for teaching art and helping others and enjoy music, art, videogames, and caring for animals.
Peter Spitzer
Program Specialist
Peter specializes in video, photography, and marketing while dabbling in drone operation. He is an avid enjoyer of film, games, and sports, with a culinary background. He hopes to one day run his own film festival.
Mary Peterson
Community Communications Specialist
Mary brings years of non-profit experience to help with marketing and fundraising projects. She enjoys the brainstorming process that happens with the creative souls at WTA. She has deep roots in Willcox and loves community organizing projects.
Theodore
Theater Bear
Theodore the Theater Bear arrived at WTA pretty early and got right to work after earning his name at a community contest! He works in concessions, marketing, and has even starred in his own movie. Theodore is passionate about his sense of style and especially enjoys all the other volunteers and team members he works with.
Jacob Kauffman
Chief Lab Tech
Jacob is the Smartmaker Lab Technician for WTA, he loves computers, gadgets, and technology in general. As the host of Smartmaker Lab, Jacob is in charge of creating, coding, and testing projects before sharing them with others. He enjoys music, sports, and trying his hand at culinary arts.
Chloe Espinoza
Program Assistant
Chloe sets up for our events and does logistics. She enjoys music, drawing and painting. She learned to play instruments from orchestra to band and still practices music. She´s an upcoming tattoo artist who does tattoos in her free time.
Cindy Rae
Volunteer
Cindy Rae has worked and lived in Willcox for over 50 years. She has made an impact on the Willcox Community through volunteer work at various local events, and now by volunteering at Willcox Theater and Arts. She enjoys playing music, reading, and serving the community! Board
Board President
Eddie Browning
Eddie Browning was born in the saddle and operates a family cow/calf operation. He was Economic Development Director for Willcox, headed Arizona´s Rural Development Office, and was branch manager for Western Bank. He is the driving force behind the Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame, dedicated to preserving ranching heritage.
Vice President
Joel Todd
Mr. Todd has been an educator for 30 years. He has been a teacher, coach, high school principal, and since 2008, the superintendent of Cochise Technology District. He grew up on ranches in Montana and Arizona and enjoys living in the country. He and his wife, Jenisa, have four children who keep them very busy and entertained.
Secretary
Jocelyn Allred
Jocelyn Allred is a primary school teacher at Willcox Elementary School. She is very involved in her church and the schools her children attend. Most of her focus over the past seventeen years has been on raising her five children with her husband, Justin. Jocelyn received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1997.
Member
Ron Berry
Ron Berry is a retired aerospace engineer, having held positions with Garrett Turbine Engine Co., Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and Morton-Thiokol, among others. He holds several patents and serves as the Theater´s and the Board´s technical resource and facility engineer. He holds a Master´s Degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
Member
Casey Dennis
Casey Dennis grew up on a cattle ranch, served as a flight nurse in Viet Nam, and studied anthropology at the University of Arizona. She is a retired Lt Colonel, taught anthropology and directed the Elderhostel program at Yavapai College and has a stained and fused glass studio in Willcox.
Member
Patina Thompson
Patina Thompson is a Cochise County native with a bachelor´s degree in Wildlife, Watershed and Rangeland Resources from the University of Arizona. She works in the agriculture insurance field and volunteers for many community organizations that benefit youth and agriculture. She is a hunter, photographer and conservationist in southeastern Arizona.
Treasurer
Shelley Thompson
Shelley Thompson has more than 37 years of experience in the financial services industry and became the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Cochise Credit Union in 1997. Shelley is married to her husband of 39 years, Billy. They have one son, Blaine, and one daughter Danelle, who have blessed them with four beautiful granddaughters.
