ABOUT US
Located in the heart of Livingston, Montana, the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts is dedicated to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and building community through various arts programming, classes, and events, as well as providing space to many small businesses or nonprofits that further our mission.
The renovation and repurposing of the historic East Side School into the Shane Center stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community support. This groundbreaking endeavor brought together the City of Livingston and our nonprofit organization in a unique partnership, showcasing our shared vision for a thriving arts and cultural hub.
Numerous studies highlight the pivotal role of the arts in creating vibrant communities, and the Shane Center has been at the forefront of this movement in Livingston — with over 56,000 visitors and 450 events annually, in addition to 12,000 community theater and education program participants, with an impressive gross economic output of $3.5 million in greater Park County.
With proactive planning, unwavering execution of our mission and values, and the trust and support of our community, the Shane Center has become an invaluable institution. We stand resolute in our commitment to shaping the cultural landscape, nurturing talent, and creating shared experiences that will continue to define the future of Livingston and Park County. Together, we will forge ahead, embracing the exciting possibilities that the future brings.
Meet the Team
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RUSSELL LEWIS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER + ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
A native of Missoula, it wasn’t until Russ moved to Livingston in 2001 to take over responsibilities as Artistic Director that he realized the sun could actually shine during the winter months.
Although still deeply committed to living a life in the arts, Russ takes his greatest pleasure these days from moving rocks out at his “farm in progress.”
Having received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Montana, Russ is continually thrilled and a little perplexed that he spends what seems like the majority of his working hours as a carpenter, welder, or electrician.
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ERIKA ADAMS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Erika first fell in love with theatre at age 12 when she got to play an Indian Warrior Babe in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN at the original Firehouse 5 Playhouse. She would never have dreamed she would be working here at the Shane Center when she “grew up”.
When she’s not busy coordinating events, fundraising, or scheming up marketing content, you may find her rock-hounding on the banks of the Yellowstone, or out somewhere searching for wild mushrooms or huckleberries with her faithful sidekick, Kismet.
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J.S. Brown
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC + MARKETING DIRECTOR
Justin Spencer Brown grew up in Livingston and studied piano with the legendary Urana Clarke. A job as Music Director and Cremona Player for the Illustrious Virginia City Players in 2001 launched him onto a crazy career path, and 100+ shows later he’s still “in the pit” for most Shane Center productions.
Justin has been integral to the success of the Shane Center on many fronts since its inception. In addition to his work at the piano, he performs a variety of marketing duties for the Shane Center.
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Dewey Kemp
PRODUCTION + EDUCATION MANAGER
At the ripe age of five, Dewey began his theatre career in Livingston as the smallest Appleseed in a production of Johnny Appleseed.
After spending a summer working with Russell Lewis and J.S. Brown as an Illustrious Virginia City Player, he packed his bags and went off to tour with the Missoula Children’s Theatre.
3 years, 40 States and 4 Countries later, Dewey is back working with his two cohorts from Virginia City. One can now spot him in the box office, on stage in his bear costume – ukulele in hand, or in one of the schools directing the next generation of actors.
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MATTHEW ROGERS
FACILITY / EVENTS MANAGER
As a theatre mouse, he first crept onto the stage during the Firehouse 5’s production of PIRATES OF PENZANCE as a bumbling policeman. Continuing to bumble on, he grew up in the Young Actor’s Workshops and main stage productions.
Believing in the mission of the company and its positive influence in the community, Matthew could not be happier to be working at The Shane Center.
Matt is a jack of many trades. If you need anything, just give a little whistle.
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ETHAN LEUZINGER
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Ethan became involved with the Firehouse 5 as a young child attending the Young Actors Workshops. By the time he finished high school, he had participated in over 30 productions — enough to make a quilt.
During that time, Ethan studied finance at Ithaca College — but skipped his graduation ceremony, to audition for NEWSIES (it paid off — he got the part).
Instead of pursuing a career in finance, he is thrilled to be making a difference in the community.
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STEPHANIE BURDA
CREATIVE MARKETING MANAGER
After a decade of working in the big city, Steph has returned to the mountains. She continues to live her dream as a creative copywriter for global brands while nurturing the Shane Center's social media and digital marketing presence. She loves theatre, music, and good design.
When she's not working (she's usually working), Steph plays the role of an amateur powerlifter, obsessive home chef, and armchair Bob Dylan expert. She’s currently going through a pressure-canning phase.
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Devon Johnson
EDUCATION OUTREACH DIRECTOR
After a few years away working in the Twin Cities and the Missoula Children's Theatre, Devon is enthused to be back in his hometown laying down some roots. As an enthusiastic scholar in the theatrical arts, Devon obtained his BFA in theatre and acting from Millikin University.
Having grown up through the Young Actor Workshops, to becoming a camp instructor over the past several years, he is honored to give back to the community that led him down this path of performance and service.
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Valerie Kinley
EDUCATION PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR
Valerie is trained in Stanislavski and Chekhov acting techniques, Cecchetti and Fosse dance styles, and is advanced in modern, ballet, jazz, and tap.
Additional teaching and performance strengths include: a single-sword certification from the Society of American Fight Directors, directing and choreography experience, a tour with Missoula Children’s Theatre under her belt, and a few stage makeup special effects up her sleeve.
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CADY EPPERSON
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Cady is originally from a small town in the PNW. Their passion for theatre began in 2016 when cast in the ensemble of Aristocats. Since then, nonstop musical theatre lyrics have been running through their head. In 2021, the wind blew them to the beautiful town of Livingston, and into the doors of the Shane Center.
While Cady enjoys playing on the Dulcie stage, they have found a new passion for being behind-the-scenes work, including stage-managing for the teen theater production of Band Geeks, and working in the office of the Shane handling program advertising.
When they aren’t working or in rehearsal, Cady spends their time crafting, cooking, writing, or tending to their many plants at home. During the hotter months, you can find them living on the river, rock hunting, and soaking up the sun.
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ANDREW REICHERT
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Andrew first found his passion for the arts when he was cast in the Firehouse 5 Production of Oliver! as a bookseller boy, in a smart red jacket. Ever since then, Andrew has found a home amongst the hallowed halls and bright lights of the theatre.
While he’s been a recognizable face both on stage and with his work directing the Teen Theatre’s Production and choreographing shows, he’s excited to take this next step into the arts by joining the Shane Center Staff to continue to hone and refine his craft.
More of a homebody these days Andrew can still be found whistling throughout the hills of Montana, navigating the bends of the Yellowstone River, or recreating the life of the Song and Dance Man.