BRECKENRIDGE BACKSTAGE THEATRE ANNOUNCES
NEW DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION, JOHN O’CONNOR

Breckenridge Backstage Theatre Announces New Director of Production John O’Connor 

Local Breckenridge Arts Leader hired at BBT

BRECKENRIDGE, CO (June 16, 2026) – After a national search, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre is pleased to announce that John O’ Connor will be the company’s new Director of Production. Joining BBT under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone, O’Connor, an acclaimed producer, director of production, cinematographer, and technical production leader, began his role in Breckenridge, CO on May 1, 2026.

“I’m excited to join Breckenridge Backstage Theatre because this community shaped who I am, and it means a great deal to bring my professional experience back home to serve local arts, artists, and audiences. BBT has a unique role in Summit County as a place where live performance, creative collaboration, education, and community connection come together,” O’Connor shared. “I’m looking forward to supporting that mission by helping strengthen the production side of the organization, supporting artists and crews, and contributing to a theater that gives residents, students, visitors, and working creatives a meaningful place to gather, create, and experience live storytelling.”

A Breckenridge native, O’Connor has spent more than 15 years as a producer, director of production, cinematographer, and technical production leader across film, live events, theater, branded content, and studio operations. Born and raised in Summit County and a graduate of Summit High School, John brings both a deep local connection and a broad professional background to Breckenridge Backstage Theatre. His work includes field producing and cinematography for People Magazine and Entertainment Weekly, with credits spanning major entertainment coverage, celebrity interviews, editorial shoots, and large-scale media events including Star Wars Celebration, D23, and Comic-Con. He has also led technical and creative teams across theater, studio, livestream, commercial, concert, and mixed-media productions, with experience in lighting, sound, video systems, stage operations, crew management, budgeting, scheduling, and production logistics. John is excited to bring his hands-on production background, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to live performance back to the Summit County arts community through his upcoming work with Breckenridge Backstage Theatre and the arts community.

Producing Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone shared, “I could not be more excited to have someone of John’s caliber joining our team. His hometown heart, enormous professional experience, and vast skill set make him the perfect person to support our next phase of planned growth. John will be focused on bringing his vision to the design and technical aspects of productions and events, facility oversights, and maintaining safety and excellence in all our endeavors.”

BBT’s continues its 51st season with summer productions of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and an annual gala on Thurs, July 30th. BBT’s mission is to enrich, educate and entertain Summit County residents and visitors of all ages through high quality-professional theatre, community theatre, and learning through the arts for generations to come.

About John O’Connor
John O’Connor is a producer, director of production, cinematographer, and technical production leader with more than 15 years of experience across film, live events, theater, branded content, and studio operations. Born and raised in Summit County and a graduate of Summit High School, John brings both a deep local connection and a broad professional background to Breckenridge Backstage Theatre. His work includes field producing and cinematography for People Magazine and Entertainment Weekly, with credits spanning major entertainment coverage, celebrity interviews, editorial shoots, and large-scale media events including Star Wars Celebration, D23, and Comic-Con. He has also led technical and creative teams across theater, studio, livestream, commercial, concert, and mixed-media productions, with experience in lighting, sound, video systems, stage operations, crew management, budgeting, scheduling, and production logistics. John is excited to bring his hands-on production background, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to live performance back to the Summit County arts community through his upcoming work with Breckenridge Backstage Theatre and the arts community.

BRECKENRIDGE BACKSTAGE THEATRE ANNOUNCES
NEW PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
JACQUELINE STONE

Longtime Chicago Arts Leader comes to Breckenridge

BRECKENRIDGE, CO (July 5, 2022) – After a national search conducted in partnership with Neufeld Management Group, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre is pleased to announce that Jacqueline Stone will be the company’s next Producing Artistic Director. Stone, an acclaimed director, educator, and performer will begin her role in Breckenridge, CO on July 18, 2022.

“I am honored by the opportunity to lead Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, a theatre that celebrates innovative professional productions for all ages, encourages creativity in youth, and grows with the needs of both esteemed artists and community members,” Stone shared. “With a strong foundation and impressive 46-year history BBT is poised for intentional program growth led by the talents of staff, board, and the fine artists of Colorado. My passion is to serve patrons high quality, professional, immersive, and intimate live performances, strong and thoughtful educational programs, and playful, memorable moments that families will talk about long after the curtain comes down.”

A Chicago-based theater artist, Stone spent the last ten years in the role of Artistic Director at the award winning TUTA Theatre in Chicago, delivering bold international productions and actor training in process-based classes. Highlights at TUTA include directing the Off-Broadway and Chicago premieres of Adam Rapp’s The Edge of Our Bodies, the world premiere of Hedda Gabler (also adaptor), and U.S. premieres of The Anyway Cabaret and The Silent Language. She appeared in over twelve TUTA productions including the critically acclaimed Uncle Vanya, The Wedding, and Baal. From 2016-2020, Stone served as Artistic Director of Emerald City Theatre Company, Chicago’s largest professional theatre for young audiences. While at ECT, she directed two world premieres, 3 Chicago premieres, and many other beloved stories. Stone is a well-known Arts Education leader and taught acting and improvisation at The Second City – Chicago for ten years and Columbia College for five years. She spent twelve years as ECT’s Education Director, building and fostering acting programs for young artists ages 3.5 – 15 years old. She is proud to be the co-founder of Sirens, the longest running all-female improv performance ensemble in the country celebrating 23 years of delivering “comedy for the NPR set”.

Board President Jim Anderson shared, “We are thrilled to have Jacqueline join BBT and lead our theatre through our next phase of professional growth. After reopening last summer, we wanted to do more than just restart the theatre. We wanted to build on prior strengths, expand our successful youth programs and provide a strong positive outlet in theatre for school aged students and educators. To accomplish our mission and future goals, we needed a nationally recognized leader with a passion for theatre and all it can offer.”

Anderson continued, “After a competitive national search, we are delighted that Jacqueline has accepted the role of Producing Artistic Director and will begin her role in Breckenridge on July 18, 2022. She is a strong dynamic leader, and someone who listens and incorporates input from others. Her background in theatre is impressive, as are her credentials with adult and youth programs. We look forward to experiencing the inspired direction she will leads us in and seeing how her appointment will advance the joy of live theatre within our community.”

Jacqueline joins Creative Producer Branden Smith as they embark on BBT’s 46th season, planning an upcoming slate of innovative productions, classes, camps, and community events. BBT plans to celebrate Stone’s arrival with a Backstage to the Future celebration on Thursday, August 11th at The Breckenridge Theater. Attendees will get the opportunity to meet Jacqueline, listen to an unveiling of future plans, and support youth and family programs. BBT’s mission is to enrich, educate and entertain Summit County residents and visitors of all ages through high quality-professional theatre, community theatre, and meaningful learning through the arts.

About Jacqueline Stone

Jacqueline Stone is an Artistic Director, Director, and Arts Educator from Chicago. She spent the last ten years serving as Artistic Director at the acclaimed TUTA Theatre in Chicago, delivering bold international productions and professional actor training programs. Highlights at TUTA include directing the world premiere of Hedda Gabler (as well as adapting), Off-Broadway (59E59 Theaters) and Chicago premieres of Adam Rapp’s The Edge of Our Bodies, world premiere of The Anyway Cabaret, and U.S. premiere of The Silent Language. She’s performed in over twelve highly regarded productions including smash hit productions of Uncle Vanya, The Wedding, Baal, and Alice. From 2016-2020 Stone served as the Artistic Director of Emerald City Theatre Company, Chicago’s largest professional theatre for young audiences. Highlights include Chicago premieres of Fantastic Mr. Fox, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and The Snowy Day, world premieres of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Peter Rabbit, and Mother Goose’s Garden, and Junie B. Jones and Ramona Quimby. Other select directing credits include The Second City, Broadway in Chicago, Piven Theatre, Strawdog Theatre, Chicago Immersive, Chicago Dramatists, Mudlark Theater, and Akvavit Theatre. Stone is the co-founder of Sirens, the longest running all-female improv ensemble in the country. She has created and performed in over two hundred original shows with them around the country.

Jacqueline has taught acting and improvisation at The Second City – Chicago for ten years and Columbia College Chicago for five years. She served as Education Director of Emerald City Theatre for twelve years, building and fostering new acting programs for thousands of young people across Chicago. Other select teaching credits include The Faculty of Dramatic Arts (Belgrade, Serbia), University of Chicago, Duke University, UCLA, Miami Improv Festival, and Chicago Improv Festival.

About Breckenridge Backstage Theatre

Breckenridge Backstage Theatre (BBT) is the oldest year-round theatre company on the western slope. In 1976, the theatre incorporated as Summit County's first non-profit, with a desire to bring live performance to the community. The artistic vision has continued to evolve and over the years has been awarded with numerous Colorado Theatre Guild and True West Awards. In 2010, BBT received the prestigious Colorado Theatre Guild - Outstanding Regional Theatre Award. In 2012, the Breckenridge Town Council approved a $2.55 million renovation of the Breckenridge Theater. Construction on the building began in Spring 2015 and completed in June 2016. Today it serves as the company’s main performance space in addition to use of the 750 seat Riverwalk Theatre space as needed. In 2022, the company led a national search for new leadership and recently appointed Chicago veteran arts leader Jacqueline Stone as Producing Artistic Director, tasked with leading the next phase of organizational growth and strategy. Annually the theatre produces 5-6 main stage productions, one community production, one youth production, and a full set of classes and summer camps for ages 3 – 21.