Our Creative Team

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

MCKENZY HUPKE

McKenzy Hupke (she/her) is proud to be the Artistic Director of Shore Talent! McKenzy graduated Wagner College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts Administration studying Film, TV, and Theatre. She is also a graduate of the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, where she majored in Vocal Performance. Her commitment to the performing arts began as a child in dance, where she competed for 5 years. It then continued throughout her childhood and young adult years through many aspects of theatre and performance. Some of her favorite roles include: THE WIZARD OF OZ (Dorothy), CHILDREN OF EDEN (Eve), SHREK THE MUSICAL (Ensemble), and HAIRSPRAY (Tammy/Ensemble). She is a seasoned stage manager & director and is looking forward to take on the role of Artistic Director with Shore Talent in order to help pursue their mission to be fully open and accepting of everyone inspired to participate in theatre! 

Meet the Team of Our 2025 summer show!

  • Director

    McKenzy Hupke is so excited to be directing her third performance with Shore Talent Productions! Her favorite role was Eve in Children of Eden.

  • Musical Director

    Joe Brausam is excited to work with Shore Talent on this summer's production! Joe is an assistant conductor of the Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra, a music educator, and a frequent freelancer in the pit orchestras for schools and regional and community theatres such as The Algonquin and Phoenix Productions. Joe has served as musical director for Lacey Township High School's 2016 production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, director of Mill Pond Elementary School's Mary Poppins Jr. (2022) and as sound and lighting director for Lacey Township Middle School's Matilda Jr. (2023).

  • Choreographer

    Marie Nicole Bickerton is thrilled to be a part of STP's Little Mermaid Jr. production! Marie is a graduate of High Point University (B.A. in Performance Theatre) and the University of Illinois (Ed.M. Diversity & Equity in Education). She has worked as a Director, Choreographer, and Music Director for professional theaters, universities, and youth training programs all over the country. Marie is a member of Actors' Equity Association and has performed in five continents, but her favorite role to date is that of New Mom. She is so happy to be able to continue doing what she loves close to home. Marie's goal in her work is to make the performing arts a more accessible and inclusive space for all. www.MarieVNicole.com

  • Technical director

    Bill Clanton has a knack for all things technical. Bill has over 30 years experience in radio production, audio engineering, and information technologies. He was past technical director for the Waretown Elementary School Theater Arts group for 10 years and has assisted with and acted in several productions including Oliver, Willy Wonka Jr., Aladdin Jr., Shrek the Musical and more. Currently Bill is the music teacher and choir director at Lighthouse Christian Academy in Manahawkin as well as an independent songwriter and Sync Music Producer. He is also the Owner/President of WBNJ 91.9 FM in Barnegat, NJ. https://wbnj.org

  • Assistant director

    Linda Reynolds is excited for this opportunity. She is a former member of the Our Gang Players and spent over a decade performing in and costuming for over 15 productions. Her first show was in 1992 where she played the role of a member of the Lullaby League in the Wizard of Oz. Her final performance was in 2003 as Mrs. Harcourt in Anything Goes. She has studied ballet, pointe, contemporary, modern, lyrical and jazz dance for over 13 years. She is vocally trained by performers from The Metropolitan Opera Chorus. She studied Interior Design and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2007 from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. She currently resides in Manahawkin and is the Product Manager for the chain of coastal decor stores, The Spotted Whale.

  • Stage Manager

    Donna Sanford is thrilled to join the creative team for Shore Talent Productions’ 2025 summer season as Stage Manager. A distinguished alumna of West Virginia Wesleyan College (BS, Business Management) and Ocean County College (AAS, Interpreting), Donna brings a wealth of expertise and versatility to the stage. Renowned for her work as an Educational and Theatrical Sign Language Interpreter, she seamlessly blends her talents in front of the classroom and on stage, while also leading her own Theatrical Interpreting company. Behind the scenes, Donna’s exceptional organizational skills and calm leadership shine, whether she’s supporting productions as stage crew or orchestrating seamless performances as Stage Manager. Passionate about fostering inclusive and unforgettable theatrical experiences, Donna is a vital asset to Shore Talent Productions.

  • Assistant Stage Manager

    Tammy McComb brings a lifelong passion for the arts and education to the role of assistant stage manager. With early roots in high school theater as part of the tech team and ensemble cast, she has remained connected to the performing arts both vocally and instrumentally as a flutist. Tammy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and a Master of Science in Education. For over 20 years, she has dedicated herself to teaching at the elementary level, where she continues to inspire young minds. Outside the classroom, she volunteers with the teen ministry at Bayside Chapel in Barnegat, NJ, nurturing community among youth. Tammy is excited to contribute her talents and experience to Shore Talent Productions.