Meet Lisa White | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa White and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We were employees of the theatre company that occupied our space. In November 2022, the owner informed us that she was not interested in continuing to run the theater, as she had other interests that were more in her wheelhouse. She offered to let us take over the business as owners. The three of us, Adam, Alex, and Lisa didn’t take long to decide to say yes. We all have theatre backgrounds and couldn’t imagine a life without working in the industry. We have an incredible base of students and families and certainly felt a strong loyalty to them as well and wanted to continue the work we had started. Our music director and theater admin Cody, was on board as well so we took the leap!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We are a children’s theatre that focuses on education in all aspects including, acting, vocal technique, set
design and building, and lighting design.
Owned by three remarkable individuals.
Adam Kuhn, the technical wizard of Roaming Gnome, isn’t just your average director. With an illustrious
career that’s seen him light up the Olympics in Greece, tour with Cheryl Crow, and design dazzling lights
for Broadway’s “The Producers,” his resume is nothing short of spectacular. But that’s just the beginning.
He’s also a masterful artist and carpenter, crafting every enchanting set that graces their stage.
Adam Kuhn is originally from Wisconsin, but has lived in Chicago, New York City, and now Colorado. He
has lived in Colorado for 5 years. He is married with 2 daughters, one in high school and one in middle
school.
Meet Alex Oliver-Bastos, her passion for the stage ignited at a tender age of ten, and she majored in
theater at Trinity University in Texas. As the artistic director, Alex guides the theater’s creative vision,
curating an unforgettable lineup of shows each season. But that’s not all; her remarkable skills extend to
the world of costumes, where she works her magic as a gifted seamstress. Alex Oliver-Bastos is from
Texas and has lived in Colorado for 2 years. She and her wife Sarah do not have any children yet.
Lisa White, the Executive Director, is a true theater veteran. With over 30 years in education, specializing
in neurodivergent students, she brings an exceptional touch to Roaming Gnome’s educational mission.
As a costume enthusiast, Lisa has sewn her way into the hearts of many, creating exquisite costumes for
the youth shows. Lisa White is from Peoria, IL and moved to Colorado with her husband Kurt 2 and a half
years ago. They have 3 grown boys who still live in Illinois.
Roaming Gnome Theatre is all about education and empowerment. From acting to vocal technique, set
design to lighting, they’re dedicated to nurturing young talents in every aspect of theater. This dedication
doesn’t end with their owners – Cody Jacobs, the vocal instructor and music director, adds to their
exceptional team. His mission? To create not just great singers but healthy, skilled vocalists who use their
gifts wisely.
But what truly sets Roaming Gnome Theatre apart is its unwavering commitment to being an open and
safe space for everyone. This includes neurodivergent individuals, those who may be shy or anxious, and
members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Inclusivity is at the core of their mission.
Throughout the year, Roaming Gnome offers students a wealth of opportunities to explore acting, singing,
dancing, set design, and more. Their diverse range of summer camps extends far beyond the boundaries
of traditional theater. Roaming Gnome Theatre isn’t just a theater; it’s a sanctuary of art, creativity, and
inclusivity. With a dedicated team that’s bound by their passion for education and the arts, they are not
just a theater but a beacon of inspiration and growth.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We all have the full support of our families. Alex, Adam, and Lisa are all married and have had unwavering support from their spouses. We would not be where we are without the loyalty and support of the families we serve as well. They have stepped up in many ways to help us create a safe space for educational theatre. The community of Central Park, including the businesses near us, has also been a great source of encouragement and assistance as we navigate the uncharted territory of starting a business and a non-profit.

Website: https://roaminggnometheatre.com
Instagram: @roaminggnometheatre
Other: https://linktr.ee/roaminggnometheatre





Image Credits
Photo credit Bryce Sullivan
