In 2024 Teddy and the founding board started the La Crosse Film Academy to bring film education, advocacy and production to the coulee region. They quickly realised that there was a need for those elements to be applied to all types of art so they expanded to become the RAD, which now include film, fine arts, and music. As Executive Director, Teddy is excited to bring together his extensive background as an artist and with nonprofit leadership & management. His degrees include; BFA Musical Theatre performance (AMDA, NYC), Film Production & Screenwriting (The New School, NYC), MFA in Directing & Nonprofit Management (UMemphis, TN).

Prior to starting the RAD, Teddy was a college professor for over a decade teaching numerous performance & nonprofit classes, as well as directing and producing various theatrical productions. His teaching credits include; Viterbo University (La Crosse, WI), City College (San Diego, CA), Southwestern College (Chula Vista, CA), and chair of MPC’s Theatre & Film Department (Monterey, CA).  In addition, Teddy has an extensive background working with nonprofit organizations in a variety of positions including Executive Director of Voices of the South (Memphis, TN), Donor Relations Manager (San Diego REP, CA), Marketing and Development Manager (Words Alive, CA)

As an artist, Teddy started off as a performer with credits that include; numerous regional theatre productions, Off-Broadway, Cruise Ships, Commercials, Industrials, TV & Film including Law & Order: SVU, One Life to Life, Spielberg’s Lincoln, and many others. He’s been a proud an AEA and SAG-AFTRA Member for over 20 years.  In addition, Teddy has served as writer, director, producer in various live performance and performance art pieces as well using a variety of film and multimedia techniques to create immersive events and innovative storytelling using technology.

Teddy brings to the helm of the RAD a perfect balance between artistic and management skills coupled with having the experience of working for creative organizations across many states, regions, and with different cultural backgrounds.  It is under his leadership that he is striving to make the RAD a special hub for artist and creatives of all kinds to gather, to work ,and to play!

Aidan is a senior at UW-L pursuing a degree in communication with a media studies emphasis. Aidan has a strong interest in film and other forms of artistic expression. This help fuels his work as he oversees marketing campaigns and runs the social media accounts for both the RAD and La Crosse Film Academy. Whether it’s filming videos for “RAD Reveals” or “Film Academy: On the Street” he loves being a part of projects that emphasize creativity and community. 

Mahlivanh - an actor, writer, and artist from right here in La Crosse, Wisconsin! A proud Viterbo University grad with a BFA in Acting, she’s performed in countless theater and on-camera productions. Most recently, she helped direct the powerful climate action film Ecosystem LaCrosse: The Life of a Community.