Thomas Jefferson High School
4001 West 102nd Street
Bloomington, Minnesota 55437
JeffersonTheatre Company
About Us

  • 140 student performers, musicians, stage and technical crew and parent volunteers participate annually.

  • Past four-show seasons include special performances for older citizens and elementary/middle school students.

  • More than 3,000 elementary school students attended December 2009 performances of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

  • Celebrating a 42-year tradition of high school performances.

  • Performances in high school auditorium - 4001 West 102nd Street in Bloomington, MN.  (SW corner of intersection of France Avenue & 102nd Street).
2011-2012 Directors

Laura Schmit earned her degree in theatre from the University of Minnesota. While in law school and private practice, Laura was involved in Twin Cities community theatre. As a civic arts leader, she has directed shows for and with young people for over 13 years. She has been affiliated with JTC since 2006.

Russ Purdy has served Bloomington Schools for 13 years as the Youth and Family Coordinator and JTC director. He earned his B.A. in theatre/
communications and Masters Degree in Education from Hamline University. Russ has worked with a number of Twin Cities theatre groups inlcuding The Children's Theatre, Theatre in the Round, History Theatre, and Pillsbury Play House.  A highlight was being part of a North American (U.S. and Canada) tour of Little Women.

Stephanie Harmon has been working in theatre for more than 20 years as a freelance performer, choreographer, performance director, costumer, and stage manager.  She has trained locally and in New York, working with dancers from Lane Alexander to Diane Walker.  Her work has been seen at local theatres, as well as dance projects such as Choreomania and Choreographer's evening, and nationally and internationally with VEE Corporation.

Jeff Kelly is in his 23rd year as JHS's vocal music director.  He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Luther College and his Masters Degree in Education from St. Mary’s University.  Mr. Kelly serves as music department chair and musical director for JTC's annual musicals theatre productions.



2011-2012 Captains:
Michael Long - michael.long1028@gmail.com
Nicole Mellin - nicole.mellin@q.com
Sophie Panetti - sophiepanetti@hotmail.com
Noah Nieting - nmnieting@gmail.com
Grant Simonson – gcloud@aol.com

JTC Board Contacts:
Booster Club President – Pam Nieting nietboys@gmail.com
Booster Club Secretary – Dean Sherman dean.sherman@target.com
Booster Club at large – Mike Mellin  mike.mellin@q.com
Director - Laura Schmit (612) 270-9106  ngmschmit@aol.com
Director - Russ Purdy (651) 983-3164 Rpurdy@bloomington.k12.mn.us
Musical Director - Jeff Kelly (952)806-7755  Jkelly@bloomington.k12.mn.us
Assistant Principal - Deb Holman (952)806-7630  DHolman@bloomington.k12.mn.us

JTC Web Page - jeffersontheatrecompany.org
JTC communications contact – Joan Sherman jtc_communications@comcast.net
JTC webmaster – Tina Sasseville  tinaandjon@aol.com