
Board of Directors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
The Board of Directors for Viroqua Community Theater is a dedicated group of individuals committed to fostering the arts in our community. They work tirelessly to guide the organization's mission, overseeing everything from production planning to community outreach. With a shared passion for theater and the arts, they help VCT provide quality performances, educational programs, and opportunities for people of all ages to participate in and enjoy the performing arts. Their leadership and vision are key to VCT’s continued growth and success.

Board of Directors - President
Tanja Birke
Tanja Birke joined the board in 2024 and currently serves as the treasurer. During the day, she works with elders in the community and at night, she will most often be found watching plays, writing plays, rehearsing for plays or talking about plays (or watching football). She recently directed S. Gunter Klaus & the Story Before, and has been involved in productions with VCT, The Viroqua Shakespeare Festival, The Players, and Wisconsin Family Theater. She believes that all things can be healed with a little theater.

Board of Directors - Vice President
Jackie Saner
Jackie, a life long supporter of live theater, has been involved in Viroqua Community Theatre ever since her husband and children decided to audition for VCT‘s first production of South Pacific. She currently sits on the Membership, Reading and Programing Committees. As a retired schoolteacher and a recipient, along with her husband Dean, of the Viroqua Area School’s Performing Arts Booster Foundation’s Friend of the Arts Meritorious Award, Jackie has a passion for supporting and providing theater opportunities for the children and youth in our schools and community.

Board of Directors - Treasurer
Anne Hartberg
Anne found her way to the theater through her four children, who have a passion for being on stage and in the audience. Their enthusiasm inspired Anne to get involved and share in their love of the arts. She has long enjoyed watching live performances and singing show tunes with her family. As a former elementary school teacher, Anne values creativity and community, and volunteering with the theater gives her the chance to help provide meaningful opportunities for actors and audiences of all ages to connect through the magic of live theater.

Board of Directors - Secretary
Ashley Keenan
Ashley joined the Viroqua Community Theater Board in 2023 and serves on the Marketing Committee and the Reading and Programming Committee. Her first adventure with VCT was running the soundboard for The Music Man. Since then, she has contributed in many ways—backstage, side stage, front of house, and on stage. Whether watching, helping, or performing, Ashley finds immense joy in being part of the VCT family. Her all-time favorite musical is *Hairspray*, and her most recent viewing was *The Book of Mormon*.

Board of Directors
Nikki Steele
​Nikki has been serving on the VCT board for the past decade. In addition to her leadership role, she has been choreographing VCT productions since 2010. Making her on stage debut, one of her theatrical dreams came to life when she played Velma Kelly in Chicago. Nikki was born and raised in the Driftless region and resides in the area with her husband, Ivan, their 6 children & 2 dogs. Professionally, Nikki owns two dance studios—5.6.7.8 * DANCE in Viroqua and Steele Motion Dance Academy in Sparta. Her passion for dance and dedication to VCT have made her a beloved figure in the community.

Board of Directors - Member
Katherine Lewiston
Katherine Lewiston is a new transplant to the Viroqua area and is honored to participate in the vibrant arts scene here in the Driftless! She now works in sales at Ethos Green Power, but prior to that she was a performing arts educator with ten years of teaching and conducting experience. She received her BA in Music at St. Olaf College and her MA in Choral Conducting at St. Thomas University. She has spent the past decade living and teaching internationally in Myanmar and Nigeria.

Board of Directors - Member
Nathan Zirk
Nathan Zirk is a passionate performer, writer, and advocate, double majoring in Spanish and Musical Theater at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. With a history of roles in the community theater and a dedication to fostering creativity, he sits on the marketing and reading committees, and loves to help out wherever he can, especially with graphic design and media. Nathan inspires others through his artistry, advocacy, and vibrant contributions to the arts.