About South Valley Performing Arts
Welcome to South Valley Performing Arts
South Valley Performing Arts (SVPA) is seeking funding to support a dynamic series of musical productions aimed at fostering artistic expression, community engagement, and youth empowerment in the Southwest Salt Lake Valley. As a community-driven theater organization, our mission is to inspire, educate, and provide high-quality performing arts experiences for children, teens, and adults.
This initiative will feature three annual productions: a holiday family tradition production in December 2025, a Broadway-style musical added in October 2026, and a youth production added in the spring of 2027. Each production will involve a diverse cast from local communities, guided by professional artistic staff, and staged with high-caliber sets, costumes, and lighting. Through these performances, we aim to create meaningful cultural connections, enhance arts education, and provide a platform for aspiring performers while giving back to local charities.
Funding will be used to cover critical production costs, including venue rentals, set design, costumes, technical equipment, and artist stipends. Additionally, surplus proceeds will benefit local charitable organizations such as the Jordan Education Foundation and high school charity drives.
By supporting this initiative, we will strengthen the artistic landscape of the region, build a sustainable model for community arts engagement, and enrich the lives of audiences and performers alike. We invite Herriman City to join us by leading other cities in making the performing arts more accessible and impactful for all.
Our goal is to create a powerful cultural experience that not only entertains but also offers a transformative experience for all involved- including the communities in the South Salt Lake Valley. We aim to produce a high-quality, professional show that is accessible to all, promoting the arts and providing young and adult performers with a platform to showcase their talents while giving back to the community and local charities.
Our Staff
Carrie Mercer Co-Executive Director
Carrie Mercer has been a passionate force in the performing arts for over 35 years. With extensive experience as a performer, choreographer, director, and educator, Carrie brings a rich background and deep love for musical theater to every production she touches. She has performed in countless musicals, was a member of competitive dance t
Carrie Mercer has been a passionate force in the performing arts for over 35 years. With extensive experience as a performer, choreographer, director, and educator, Carrie brings a rich background and deep love for musical theater to every production she touches. She has performed in countless musicals, was a member of competitive dance teams and the BYU Ballroom Dance Company, and served as a cheerleader and dance company member during her youth.
For the past 17 years, Carrie has taught private voice lessons and choreographed for various performing groups. She has worked as both Music Director and Director for children's and teen productions with Herriman City and previously volunteered as Co-Chair of Children’s Theater and Producer for both youth and teen shows through the nonprofit Friends of Herriman.
Carrie is a current member of the Salt Lake County Arts and Culture Board, a Co-Founder of South Valley Performing Arts (SVPA), and a Co-Director of the Rising Stars Theater Academy. She studied Vocal Performance at the University of Utah and holds a degree in Child Development from Brigham Young University.
Fluent in Spanish, Carrie served a mission in Madrid, Spain, where she created and directed youth choirs that performed for thousands. She continues to incorporate her bilingual skills into her work with youth in the arts.
Carrie is a dedicated advocate for the performing arts in the Southwest Valley. As a wife and mother of five, she deeply values community and believes in the power of the arts to foster confidence, connection, and personal growth in young people. Her greatest joy is watching young performers flourish—not just in talent, but in self-worth—and she is thrilled to see the vision of a united, thriving arts community in the Southwest Valley come to life.
Bethany Hall Co-Executive Director
Bethany is passionate about music, theater, teaching children, and her family: husband Tim and their 5 children. An avid performer, she has been seen performing lead roles on stages across Utah and the U.S. She was a National Anthem singer for the Utah Jazz for several years, as well as a Performing Missionary in Nauvoo, IL for the LDS
Bethany is passionate about music, theater, teaching children, and her family: husband Tim and their 5 children. An avid performer, she has been seen performing lead roles on stages across Utah and the U.S. She was a National Anthem singer for the Utah Jazz for several years, as well as a Performing Missionary in Nauvoo, IL for the LDS church. As a graduate of BYU, Bethany received a Bachelors degree in Child Psychology with a minor in Music, studying vocal performance. When she is not on stage, she loves teaching and working with children. She has been teaching private voice lessons for 20 years, directed many children and youth performing choirs, and taught music at Riverton Elementary school. For 14 years, she has served on the Herriman City Arts Council as the Youth Theater Specialist while also acting as the Founder and Producer of the Herriman Children and Youth Theater Productions as well as Producer and Music Director of the Herriman Children’s Theater Workshops. Bethany served as an original board member for the nonprofit organization, Friends of Herriman, for 2 years. As co-founder of South Valley Performing Arts nonprofit group, she is thrilled to help provide more opportunities in the performing arts through professional and educational theater productions and programs for all ages.
Andrea Taylor
Kristin Montgomery
Andrea Taylor’s love for musical theater began in the 5th grade and has only grown stronger with time. Since that first moment on stage, she has participated in dozens of productions, including standout roles such as Rose in The Secret Garden and Lucie Manette in A Tale of Two Cities. Her performance background is rooted in classical trai
Andrea Taylor’s love for musical theater began in the 5th grade and has only grown stronger with time. Since that first moment on stage, she has participated in dozens of productions, including standout roles such as Rose in The Secret Garden and Lucie Manette in A Tale of Two Cities. Her performance background is rooted in classical training, with 10 years of ballet at Clytie Adams School of Ballet and additional training in tap during college, where she discovered a new passion for rhythm and movement.
Andrea holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University and has worked as both a kindergarten and preschool teacher. She currently teaches ballet and tap at C&C Ballet Academy, where she combines her love of dance with her deep understanding of child development. Andrea has a remarkable gift for empowering children through the arts and is passionate about helping young performers build confidence, skill, and joy in their creative expression.
For over five years, Andrea was a key part of the production staff for Herriman Children’s Theater, serving as Choreographer, Music Director, and Assistant Director. A talented vocalist and musician, she has performed a cappella with the vocal group Herriman Harmonyx and now performs as a jazz singer with the Riverton Jazz Band. Her musical background also includes piano and years of choral singing in high school, college, and as an adult.
Andrea is married and the proud mother of four wonderful children. Her greatest joy comes from working with kids and watching them light up with success—whether on stage or in the classroom. With a unique blend of performance expertise and early education experience, Andrea brings both heart and talent to every project she touches.
Candice Mitchell
Kristin Montgomery
Kristin Montgomery
Candice Mitchell is a creative visionary with a passion for storytelling, design, and youth development. From her early career as a character animator in the video game industry to her current work as a director, educator, and mentor, Candice brings a powerful blend of artistic talent and strategic execution to every project she leads.
A M
Candice Mitchell is a creative visionary with a passion for storytelling, design, and youth development. From her early career as a character animator in the video game industry to her current work as a director, educator, and mentor, Candice brings a powerful blend of artistic talent and strategic execution to every project she leads.
A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Utah State University, Candice holds a BFA in Graphic Design and Computer Animation with a concentration in Theater. She spent many years in the professional world as an Art Director and Creative Executive, where she developed a strong foundation in visual communication, team leadership, and creative project management.
Candice’s heart lies in community work—particularly in empowering young people through the arts. She has directed and assistant-directed numerous youth theater productions throughout the Southwest Valley and currently serves as a mentor to youth cast members at Hale Center Theater. She is also a proud board member of Early Light Academy in South Jordan, where she lives with her family.
As a wife, mother, and business owner, Candice continues to integrate her artistic background with a deep commitment to education, aesthetics, and community building. Her thoughtful approach to youth theater ensures that each production is not only visually stunning but also meaningful and transformative for the young performers involved.
Kristin Montgomery
Kristin Montgomery
Kristin Montgomery
Kristin Montgomery brings over 25 years of experience in musical theater, with a strong background in stage management, directing, and live production. Her professional work includes serving as a stage manager for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, where she contributed to world-class performances on an international stage.
Kristin has remaine
Kristin Montgomery brings over 25 years of experience in musical theater, with a strong background in stage management, directing, and live production. Her professional work includes serving as a stage manager for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, where she contributed to world-class performances on an international stage.
Kristin has remained a dedicated and active member of the arts community, working in a variety of roles including director, stage manager, and production coordinator for youth and community theater. Her expertise in backstage operations and her calm, capable leadership ensure that each production runs smoothly from curtain up to final bow.
With a deep love for storytelling and teamwork, Kristin is passionate about creating meaningful theatrical experiences and supporting performers and creative teams alike.
Cassie Lombardi
Cassie Lombardi
Cassie Lombardi
Cassie Lombardi’s love for music and theater began in her Ohio living room, singing along to musicals and performing with jazz choirs. That early passion grew into a lifelong dedication to the arts and education. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both Elementary Education and Vocal Performance from Otterbein College, and began her career te
Cassie Lombardi’s love for music and theater began in her Ohio living room, singing along to musicals and performing with jazz choirs. That early passion grew into a lifelong dedication to the arts and education. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both Elementary Education and Vocal Performance from Otterbein College, and began her career teaching in Columbus-area schools before relocating to Utah with her husband and their growing family of five children.
In Utah, Cassie continued performing with the Utah Chamber Artists and soon became deeply involved in youth arts education. As her children discovered their own love of theater and music, Cassie followed suit—teaching music in elementary schools, serving as musical director for Herriman Arts children’s productions, and later directing and stage managing youth shows with the Friends of Herriman.
Over the past decade, she has also worked closely with the middle school Shakespeare program at Mountain West Montessori Academy and currently serves as Theater Production Coordinator at Providence Hall High School. Her experience, warmth, and passion make her a vital part of every production she supports.
Cassie loves working with children and teens, and finds great joy in helping young performers gain confidence, grow their talents, and find their voice on stage. She is thrilled to continue bringing the magic of theater and music to the community through South Valley Performing Arts.
Our Board
Dave Pack Chair
Mike Haynes Fundraising Development Chair
Robyn Bishop Vice Chair
David F. Pack, Ph.D., is an avid supporter of the arts. David has chaired boards of directors at Empress Theatre and Oquirrh Hills Performing Arts Alliance, is president of Babcock Performing Readers and serves on Hale Centre Theatre Sandy’s board of directors, most notably on the Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach Committee. He is a mem
David F. Pack, Ph.D., is an avid supporter of the arts. David has chaired boards of directors at Empress Theatre and Oquirrh Hills Performing Arts Alliance, is president of Babcock Performing Readers and serves on Hale Centre Theatre Sandy’s board of directors, most notably on the Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach Committee. He is a member of the Utah Shakespeare Festival Guild.
Other non-profit board service includes past chairman of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, rank advancement chairperson for Boy Scouts of America, national ambassador for both the United States Professional Tennis Association and the United States Tennis Association, as well as president of Alpine Acres Homeowners Association. David served as Community Council member and PT(S)A president at his children’s elementary, middle and high schools 15 consecutive years.
In civic service, David is past chairman of Board of Adjustment, Design Review Committee, Economic Development Subcommittee and Planning Commission, and is a former elected City Council Member for West Jordan, the third largest city in Utah. He helped establish the city’s Diversity Committee, as well as the construction of the city’s Community Arts Center.
David has been appointed two terms by Salt Lake County Council to serve on the Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) board of directors, with duties include receiving and vetting applications and allocating grants to various non-profit entities in multi-million dollar disbursement budgets.
David helped fund and found Mount Liberty College, a private liberal arts college headquartered in Utah, and serves on Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management Romney Institute of Public Policy and Ethics Advisory Board.
He is a founding member and managing partner of Octappella; a state, national and international award-winning a cappella vocal band. David has acted in, produced and directed hundreds of plays and musicals, has numerous radio, television, voice-over, photography and motion picture film credits. He is a volunteer solo a cappella performer of the United States and Canada national anthems multiple times yearly for various professional sports teams, government events, educational entities and military tributes.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s office recommended David for service on Utah’s State Board of Education, Athletic Licensure Board and Electrical Professional Licensing Board. David is a Presidential Call to Service award recipient for volunteerism during the tenure of United States presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
David has been recognized by the Utah Best of State organization with dozens of awards for outstanding educational volunteerism, higher education instruction, sports coaching, civic service, acting/arts performance, vocal group, a cappella group and other accolades.
David earned General Studies credits from University of Utah and Fine Arts credits from Southern Utah University. He received five Associate degrees in Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, General Studies Arts and General Studies Science from Salt Lake Community College; a Bachelor degree in Communications and Public Relations from Weber State University; a Master degree in Public Administration from Brigham Young University; and a Doctorate degree in Business Administration from California Coast University.
His public-sector post-doctoral certificates include Leadership, Negotiation and High-quality Decision Analysis from Stanford University, and Non-profit Board Governance, Management and Performance Measurement from Harvard Business School, receiving full scholarships for his work-service study.
Additional post-doctoral certificates include Business Plan Formulation, Assessment and Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Impressionist Art History from Oxford University in Cambridge, and Performing Arts Industry Essentials from New York University.
Robyn Bishop Vice Chair
Mike Haynes Fundraising Development Chair
Robyn Bishop Vice Chair
Robyn Bishop has been involved in speech and drama since she was a child. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master of Arts Degree in Speech and Theatre. She taught high school theatre for 20 years and has directed over 100 plays and musicals. She has been a school principal and district administrator. She is currently a teacher specialist in t
Robyn Bishop has been involved in speech and drama since she was a child. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master of Arts Degree in Speech and Theatre. She taught high school theatre for 20 years and has directed over 100 plays and musicals. She has been a school principal and district administrator. She is currently a teacher specialist in theatre for Jordan School District.
Her honors include Utah Arts Teacher of the Year, Utah Theatre Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and Utah Innovative Principal of the Year. Robyn has directed productions at Brigham Young University, Murray City, Draper Historic Theatre, Sandy City and Herriman City.
Mike Haynes Fundraising Development Chair
Mike Haynes Fundraising Development Chair
Kelly Simonsen Education and Training Development Chair
Mike Haynes
Mike Haynes has been an entrepreneur and investor who loves business, education, and community. Mike currently works as the Executive Director of the Jordan Education Foundation. The foundation consists of a 30-member volunteer board of directors from within the community who provide service opportunities and fundraising activi
Mike Haynes
Mike Haynes has been an entrepreneur and investor who loves business, education, and community. Mike currently works as the Executive Director of the Jordan Education Foundation. The foundation consists of a 30-member volunteer board of directors from within the community who provide service opportunities and fundraising activities as well as soliciting donations from individuals and businesses to support students in need, teachers and their classroom needs, scholarships for underserved students, afterschool programs for at-risk students and much more throughout the Jordan School District.
Mike has a passion for helping others and serving in the community. He has served as a board member on the Utah State Board of Education, a National Association of State Boards of Education Committee Member, a South Jordan City Planning Commissioner, a South Jordan City Architectural Review Committee member, Jordan Education Foundation President and Board Member, Utah Valley University School of Education Advisory Board member, Junior Achievement of Utah Board Member, Bingham High School Lacrosse Board Member, Bingham High School Grad-Night Committee Vice-Chair, Utah Mother's Association Selection Committee, Utah Council for Crime Prevention
"D.A.R.E." Board Member, Resilient Utah Advisory Board Member and "Uplift Families" Education Committee Member.
Mike Haynes and his wife Melinda have lived in South Jordan City for almost 15 years.
Together they are the parents of three married children who all attended Jordan School District schools and have since graduated from the University of Utah, BYU, and Utah Valley University, respectfully.
Besides serving in the community, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, time in the great Utah Outdoors, and his 20-plus years as a competitive Powerlifter.
Kelly Simonsen Education and Training Development Chair
Kelly Simonsen Education and Training Development Chair
Kelly Simonsen Education and Training Development Chair
Kelly Simonsen brings a deep love for the arts and a strong background in education to her role as a board member for South Valley Performing Arts. She currently serves as principal of Advantage Arts Academy, a K–6 charter school where creativity and the arts are integrated into everyday learning. Since joining the school in 2020, Kelly h
Kelly Simonsen brings a deep love for the arts and a strong background in education to her role as a board member for South Valley Performing Arts. She currently serves as principal of Advantage Arts Academy, a K–6 charter school where creativity and the arts are integrated into everyday learning. Since joining the school in 2020, Kelly has led with passion, fostering a culture that celebrates individual expression and artistic exploration.
Kelly holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University and a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction. Her career spans teaching upper elementary grades in both Texas and Utah, along with experience as a team lead, curriculum designer, instructional coach, and mentor.
A lifelong supporter of the arts, Kelly’s own educational journey included years of music, visual arts, and performance experiences. While at BYU, she participated in an Art History study abroad program, which cemented her belief in the transformative power of the arts. Her leadership at Advantage Arts Academy reflects this conviction, as she works to inspire young learners to embrace creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
Kelly is honored to support South Valley Performing Arts in its mission to bring high-quality theater education and performance opportunities to youth in the community.
Bonnie Whitlock Programming & Artistic Chair
Kelly Simonsen Education and Training Development Chair
Bonnie Whitlock Programming & Artistic Chair
Bonnie has long graced the musical theater scene in Utah. She studied at both the University of Utah and BYU. She has been an active part of the Hale Center Theater community playing many roles in their productions and teaching their Master Classes. She was a Sales Executive and Account Manager at 3M Health Information Systems. She currently performs at The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater.
James Crane Community Engagement Chair
Kelly Simonsen Education and Training Development Chair
Bonnie Whitlock Programming & Artistic Chair
Mike Haynes
Mike Haynes has been an entrepreneur and investor who loves business, education, and community. Mike currently works as the Executive Director of the Jordan Education Foundation. The foundation consists of a 30-member volunteer board of directors from within the community who provide service opportunities and fundraising activi
Mike Haynes
Mike Haynes has been an entrepreneur and investor who loves business, education, and community. Mike currently works as the Executive Director of the Jordan Education Foundation. The foundation consists of a 30-member volunteer board of directors from within the community who provide service opportunities and fundraising activities as well as soliciting donations from individuals and businesses to support students in need, teachers and their classroom needs, scholarships for underserved students, afterschool programs for at-risk students and much more throughout the Jordan School District.
Mike has a passion for helping others and serving in the community. He has served as a board member on the Utah State Board of Education, a National Association of State Boards of Education Committee Member, a South Jordan City Planning Commissioner, a South Jordan City Architectural Review Committee member, Jordan Education Foundation President and Board Member, Utah Valley University School of Education Advisory Board member, Junior Achievement of Utah Board Member, Bingham High School Lacrosse Board Member, Bingham High School Grad-Night Committee Vice-Chair, Utah Mother's Association Selection Committee, Utah Council for Crime Prevention
"D.A.R.E." Board Member, Resilient Utah Advisory Board Member and "Uplift Families" Education Committee Member.
Mike Haynes and his wife Melinda have lived in South Jordan City for almost 15 years.
Together they are the parents of three married children who all attended Jordan School District schools and have since graduated from the University of Utah, BYU, and Utah Valley University, respectfully.
Besides serving in the community, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, time in the great Utah Outdoors, and his 20-plus years as a competitive Powerlifter.
Angela Reyes Cultural Outreach Chair
Angela Reyes Cultural Outreach Chair
Angela Reyes Cultural Outreach Chair
Ángela Reyes was born in Colombia and immigrated to the United States of America in the year 2000. Ángela has been performing since she was 8 years old and toured the country with a Salsa Band and her father's trio at the young age of 15. Angela is the Co-Founder and Director at King’s Studio Multicultural Studio.
Our Partners
