Our Staff
The staff at the Highlander Auditorium is dedicated to providing quality service to our guests, clients, and performing groups. We pride ourselves on delivering the outstanding service you have come to expect. Our team is comprised of working professionals in all areas of the Entertainment industry. We have a part time staff of over 20 professionals that help produce all the art that is presented at the Highlander Auditorium. Below we invite you to get to know our Management and Resident Departments a little better.
Visit our History Page for more information about our facility.
Bill J. Cox, MFA - Manager
Mr. Cox has twenty five years of successful hands-on experience in all aspects of theatrical production and live entertainment management, including: Stage lighting and system design, rigging, scenic design and construction and special event projects. He has worked in Educational, Regional, and Community Theatre as well as Special Event Industrials. He has served as technical director to the Southern California Education Theatre Association and as the technical director to the Educational Theatre Associations -California State Thespians. Mr. Cox is experienced in project planning for permanent and temporary installations of rigging, lighting and live sound reinforcement systems having extensively worked in over 100 public assembly facilities and non-traditional venues, with involvement in over 3000 theatrical events, many across the continental United States. Mr. Cox is a graduate of Brooklyn College with a Masters in Performing Arts Administration and completed studies at IAAM's School for Public Assembly Facility Management.
Scott Peterson Technical Director
Scott Peterson is the Technical Director for the Highlander Auditorium, where he has been lurking in the dark backstage since December of 1991. He is responsible for maintaining the technical systems in the Auditorium.
Scott also coordinates physical plant improvements and new equipment.
In the last 6 years Scott has survived 3 major renovation projects at The Highlander Auditorium, including Air Conditioning, Fire Alarms, Asbestos abatement, Ceiling replacement, new audio, speaker and control wiring installation, new seating, new lighting system, a new stage floor, handicapped access renovations and a lobby renovation.
Scott's real job is as a General Foreman stage technician at Disneyland. He has been there since 1995.
He has literally done it all. From running a followspot on Fantasmic, controlling the audio and lighting for parades, and even catching Tinkerbell. Scott was also on the Technical Design and Installation team for the Hyperion Theater at Disney's California Adventure from 1998 thru opening in 2001. He worked on shows there until early 2005.
Scott spent most of 2005 living and working in Hong Kong, supervising the technical systems for the Parkwide Audio, Lighting and Control systems for Hong Kong Disneyland. This culminated 3 years of design work where Scott worked for Walt Disney Imagineering.
Scott attended Citrus College for 2 years, and DeVry University for 1 year.
Scott still enjoys working at the Highlander Auditorium because It's become a part of me... It's pretty much a second home
Eric Mensen BA - Production Manager
Eric Mensen is the Production Manager for the Highlander Auditorium. His responsibilities include producing all of our clients events here at the Highlander. In addition to supervising, Eric maintains and schedules our 30 member part time staff. Eric prides himself on his professionalism and organizational skills. Prior to becoming the Production Manager in 2007, Eric was a stage manager for the Highlander Auditorium for the past 5+ years. Eric is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University with a B.A. in Technical Theatre & Design. Eric is also a freelance audio engineer and technician who works at many local venues including Cal Poly University Theatre, Mt. San Antonio College, and the Lewis Family Playhouse.
Jamie Brown Resident House Manager
Justin Wardell Resident Lighting Designer
Justin Wardell has been Resident Lighting Designer at the Highlander Auditorium for over 15 years. He started his professional career in technical theater after graduating high school and has continued to provide lighting support for many events over the years. As a working professional, he has applied his lighting skills in theatre, film, television, live concert, and performance art. Working with highly skilled technical staff, Justin has helped to improve and modernize Highlander Auditorium's lighting and electrical infrastructure. In addition to maintaining a versatile lighting plot with state of the art technology, he has been involved in many workshops and special events that train new lighting staff and high school interns. For the past 10 years, he was the stage technology instructor and Technical Director at Diamond Bar high school. Justin is currently the Assistant Technical Director at the El Capitan theatre in Hollywood.
Justin Sykes House Sound Engineer
With over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Justin Sykes possesses the core fundamentals of the Highlander Auditorium. With an extensive background in Audio and Video, Justin has worked with many large artist including; Patty LeBell, Kenny Loggins, Hewey Lewis & The News, and many more. With a degree in technical theater, Justin has spent many hours backstage and behind an audio console. With his expertise with large scale audio systems and operation, Justin has worked for many large companies in the southern California area, including Disney Entertainment Productions, Videocam Inc. including consulting for Guitar Centers Stores Pro-Audio sales team, local churches, night clubs and many more. Justin has worked for the Highlander Auditorium for the last 10 years and has seen many changes with the facility and systems. This facility jump-started Justin's career to now what is a long list of professional associations that will last a lifetime.
Jessa Orr Resident Scenic Artist
Jessa Orr has been with the Highlander Auditorium for 14 years and has been the Resident Scenic Artist for most of that time. Jessa works as a freelance theatrical designer and scenic artist all over California and currently works for the Buena Vista Pictures Special Events Art Department and teaches Stage Technology at Claremont High School. No matter where she's working or who she's working with, the Highlander Auditorium will always be home, and it's staff will always be family.
David Hutchins Master Carpenter
Anthony Baker Head Usher
Anthony has been part of the Highlander Auditorium since his Freshman year in high school. He started on the stage and now has moved to the Front of House staff. Currently employed with Walt Disney World Wide Services, Anthony works as a Travel Agent, concierge, and guest behavioral researcher. Constantly expanding his guest service experience, he helps to incorporate his knowledge here at the Highlander Auditorium. Anthony being one of our head ushers brings knowledge of his theatre background, his experience of hospitality and continues to help improve the Usher program.
The Highlander Auditorium · 909.985.9462 · 909.982.2320 FAX Mailing: 390 N. Euclid Ave. Upland CA, 91786
Stage Door: 850 N. San Antonio Ave. Upland CA, 91786