Catie Marlett-Dreher

She/Her
Elective Teacher

Catie grew up in theatre, quite literally. Since her dad worked here at Civic, she got to spend a lot of time here and it shaped who she is more than anything else has. When she was younger, she performed in many shows, but in her late teens she fell in love with technical theatre and that has been her path ever since. She has designed lights for over 250 productions in the West Michigan area, including shows for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Actors’ Theatre, Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids, Heritage Theatre Group, Circle Theatre, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University, not to mention several high schools. She received her B.S. in Theatre from Aquinas College, and teaches Aquinas’ Intro to Theatrical Design course.  There are many things she loves about teaching at Civic, but the main thing is how seriously everyone here takes education. They have an amazing facility and she’s glad that our students can benefit from an education that will translate to the professional world of theatre.

What inspires you?
The artists and aspiring artists I work with every day, both at Civic and at every theatre, high school and college with whom I collaborate.

Who is your favorite fictional character?
Impossible! I have hundreds! But at this moment I will say….. Doctor Who, an alien who thinks that humans are indescribably beautiful and inherently good, even if we sometimes do terrible things.

What was your favorite after school snack growing up?
Toast with dijon mustard and melted monterey jack cheese