Arts for Autism_Creative Team

Jacque produced her first one woman show at the age of 14 at the San Luis Obispo Little Theater in California. Since then, she has become a sought-after event producer not only on Broadway but also around the country. She has a knack for knowing what an audience will love and brings a feeling of joy and celebration to every project. Jacque is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory cum laude and Idyllwild Arts Academy. She has performed around the country and in New York City at venues such as Town Hall, Alice Tully Hall, The Irish Repertory Theater, The York Theater, 54 Below, Green Room 42, and more.

A true maven, Jacque’s connection to the Broadway community is reflected in the extensive list of Broadway talent who have participated in her events such as Tony Award winners Kelli O’Hara and Stephanie J. Block, Tony nominees Christopher Jackson, Denée Benton, Elizabeth Stanley and Max von Essen, as well as Broadway stars Teal Wicks, Nikki Renée Daniels, Abby Mueller, and John Michael Dias.

Jacque is a self-starter and truly believes anything is possible with the right people in the room. Many have inquired how her annual Broadway benefit concert, Arts for Autism, ended up at the Gershwin Theater. Jacque’s reply: “I called them. You never know until you ask.”

Michael is the owner and founder of Educational Travel Adventures and co-producer of Arts for Autism. Born and raised in the New York area, Michael graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in computer science and shortly after found his way into the student travel industry. Decades later, he leads one of the country's most successful student tour operators with a team of more than 25 professionals sending tens of thousands of young people across the globe each year. Among those are many in the performing arts that travel and perform.

Michael also chairs the board of trustees for the nonprofit Emergency Housing and Advocacy Program in Monmouth County, NJ. The organization provides emergency winter shelter and advocacy for the homeless in western Monmouth with a mission to assist, empower and educate the most vulnerable to ensure their ability to live independently with self-determination.

With a passion for the arts, education and service to others, the Arts for Autism project is very dear to him. When Michael is not working he spends time with family including his wife and two sons. Much to his surprise, he has also recently dabbled in farming while nurturing the interests of one of his sons. You will likely find him collecting eggs now in his free time!

Paul Staroba is originally from Santa Rosa, California in the heart of the wine country in the Sonoma Valley. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, he took a leap of faith and moved to New York City to pursue a career in professional theatre.

Paul most recently was the Associate Conductor of Company starring Katrina Lenk and Patti Lupone on Broadway. His Broadway conducting credits include: A Christmas Carol, My Fair Lady, War Paint, A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder, Next to Normal, A Little Night Music, and Grey Gardens. Off-Broadway, he has conducted for The Mad Ones, Dear Evan Hansen, Far From Heaven, Carrie, The Blue Flower, Take Me Along, Happiness, and Saved. Some of his favorite regional engagements include The Flamingo Kid (Hartford Stage), Big Fish (Chicago Pre-Broadway), and I Am Anne Hutchinson/I Am Harvey Milk (Strathmore). Paul has also performed for four seasons with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Orchestra; been featured in concert with Kristin Chenoweth, Patti LuPone, Laura Benanti, Lea Salonga, and Sierra Boggess; and performed in the pit of over 25 Broadway Shows.

Keiji is a professional music director, pianist, arranger, composer and teacher throughout New York City and Westchester. In addition to his work on RENT at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, he has vocal coached and music directed for Pace University, Ars Nova, the Lucy Moses School at the Kaufman Center, Crestwood Music Education Center, PlayGroup Theater, Brooklyn Friends School, and the Beacon School. A graduate of Yale University where he music directed such groups as the Whiffenpoofs, Keiji also continues to lead a cappella ensembles, including the semi-professional Lost Keys of New York.

Keiji is also an avid vocal arranger, his pieces having been performed throughout the world and on such TV shows as Glee! His recently published Book of Rounds--21 epiphanal pieces written in conjunction with songwriters Julie Flanders and Emil Adler--is scheduled to be performed in its entirely by Chorus Austin in November 2016.

Natalie Malotke is a director, choreographer, creative event producer and teaching artist. Credits include: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Choreo Team on Broadway and National Tour), Bygone Love for China Broadway Entertainment, Candide at Carnegie Hall, I Married an Angel at City Center, and Joy: The Musical all alongside Joshua Bergasse. Mystic Pizza at La Mirada Theatre with Casey Hushion, Little Dancer at Lincoln Center with Susan Stroman, and Really Rosie at City Center with Leigh Silverman. Regional directing and choreography credits at The New London Barn Playhouse, The Engeman, Wagon Wheel, Pittsburgh Music Theatre, Northern Stage, and the national tour of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!. Resident director and choreographer for Nickelodeon Experience Design events worldwide and Creative Director for the CoComelon Party Time National Tour. Industrial and corporate events for Bloomberg Philanthropies, Hermès, Target, and The Robin Hood Foundation. TV: Choreography: SNL with Jason Sudeikis and Billie Eilish; PBS, A Capitol Fourth. Faculty at Penn State University and Broadway Dance Center.

www.nataliemalotke.com // IG: @nataliemalotke

Meet the Creative Team

Jacque Carnahan | Artistic Director

Michael Holzer | Producer

Paul Staroba | Musical Director

Keiji Ishiguri | Musical Arrangements & Orchestrations

Natalie Malotke | Director