The Appalachian Center for the Arts

The App Family

Shannon Kirkpatrick-Daniels​

Executive Director

Shannon has called Eastern Kentucky home since 2011. Originally from Milwaukee Wisconsin, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Throughout her career she has held many positions in the theatre world including stage management, props design, costume design, performing, teaching, directing, and much more. At its start in 2019, she became the Production Manager for The Appalachian Center for the Arts, allowing her to continue sharing her love and passion for the arts with Eastern Kentucky. “It has been an absolute joy to be a part of the artistic lives of my community. I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue celebrating the creativity of this region.” She offers immense gratitude to her husband, Robert, their son Milo and Scout T. Dog for their unwavering support.

Crockett James Ward, M.F.A.

Welcome the App's new
Director of Education and Outreach!

Crockett is a versatile theatre maker who earned his M.F.A. in Theatre Performance from The University of Southern Mississippi. He has taught classes, workshops, and masterclasses at The University of Southern Mississippi, Belhaven University, The University of Mobile, Coffeyville Community College, Northern Virgina Community College, Avix School for the Arts, a number of high schools in and around the midwest, and for the Mississppi Arts Commission. Most recently, while serving as Theatre Director for USD-445 Coffeyville, Crockett used his talents to assist with the nationally-recognized Neewollah Festival's production of PETER PAN in Fight Direction and as Lighting Designer. He is an Intimacy Director through Theatrical Intimacy Education and holds certifications in Broadsword, Rapier & Dagger, Single Rapier, Small Sword, Quarter Staff, and Unarmed through Dueling Arts International. Also, Crockett is a certified Lessac Practicioner through the Lessac Research Institute. Favorite acting credits include Captian Fitch in the world premiere of Cedar Point's ADVENTURE ISLAND: FORBIDDEN FRONTIER, Thorvald in A DOLL'S HOUSE at The William Inge Center, Roger in THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME at Red Raven Repertory Theater, Charlotte Von Mahlsdorf in I AM MY OWN WIFE at the Woods Theater, Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Hampstead Stage Company, and Thomas Kilbee for Sterling Renaissance Festival.

Jennifer Hart Yonts

Marketing Director and Graphic Design

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and a Master of Arts in Communications and Public Relations. She has been working as a freelance Graphic Designer, Website Designer and Photographer for 20 years. She also loves painting, sketching, and interior design. She is proud to be a part of such an experienced creative team at The APP and is looking forward to working on all of the programs and productions the APP will have in the future.

Malcom Gabrielle Johnson

Sound Design/Engineer

Happy to be returning to theatre after a long hiatus, he started a path as an actor later than most pursuing a BA in musical theatre performance at Northern Kentucky University. Having tried a hand at several aspects of theatre, his sights rested on technical theatre and sound. He looks forward to the great work coming out of the App.

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