J.J. Rupe - Performing Arts Music Director
J.J. Rupe makes his return to PCC after nearly 6 years in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. He was born in Iowa, and raised in Nebraska before moving to Hutchinson, KS in 1987. He graduated from Hutchinson High in 1991, and Hutchinson Community College in 1993. He went on to Fort Hays State University, earning a B.A. in Music with a minor in Communications. He obtained his Masters in Music Education from Wichita State University. JJ previously taught music at PCC from 2007-2017. He is married to his best friend Tina, and has two boys, D.J. and Alex. J.J. Has performed for over 40 years in various capacities, serving as principal percussion in the Hays and Hutchinson symphonies, as well as performing in inaugural choral festivals in Siena and Florence, Italy.
Misty Beck – Performing Arts Director
Misty is in her 25th year at PCC and her 13th year as Director of Theatre. Previously, she held the titles of Coordinator of Media Service and Director of Student Activities while working as an assistant in the performing arts department. She is a graduate of Pratt Community College and an alumna of the department as well. She completed her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees at Pittsburg State University. Misty knew at an early age that she enjoyed directing and has been singing for as long as she can remember. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and singing with both the praise band at her church and the community praise band “On the Hill”.
Jeremy Patterson – Technical Director
Jeremy attended Pratt Community College as a member of the theatre department and has really never left. His broad knowledge of and ability to fix just about EVERYTHING makes him a valuable asset to our program. Jeremy’s day job is working in the community as a copier technician, but his evenings are filled with the sounds of table saws and sanders as he supervises the technical workshop aspect of our programs. Jeremy is also known in our program as the ultimate understudy often finding his way into the productions in cameo roles and filling in for sick cast members, etc. He is very versatile!
Leah Patterson – Assistant Tech Director/Scenic Design
Leah has been involved with the performing arts department for many years. She is our scenic design director and head painter. A gifted artist, Leah has been making magic happen with our sets for many years. During the day, Leah can be found working in Office of the Vice President for Student Services as the administrative assistant. Leah assists in the supervision of the technical production classes and serves as our house manager as well.
Melissa Jacobs – Choreographer
Melissa Jacobs returns as the Choreographer for this year's stage productions. With more than 40 years of dance experience and more than 20 musical choreography experience, She bring her love of dance to the stage. It's often been said, "Melissa can teach anyone to dance!" As her day job, she teaches gifted education and middle school science at Skyline. She has enjoyed sharing the stage with so many friends and family through the years -- including her husband, Josh and children, Olivia and Thatcher.
Pamela Roe – Concert Choir Accompanist
Pamela Roe is in her fourth year as accompanist for the concert choir. She has been accompanying since she was in the fourth grade and absolutely loves making music with the choir. In addition to spending her Monday evenings in Pratt, Pam is the accompanist for Chaparral High School choirs and musicals. Pam lives in Kingman with her husband, Seth. The Roe's have four grown children who are all talented performers.
