About our Staff and Guest Designers

Teddy Eck - New Chairman of the MPC Theatre Arts Department

In 1954, Morgan Stock became the first Chair of the MPC Theatre Department, followed by Peter DeBono and Gary Bolen. These men created a program and productions that reached deep within the community and that have served as the cornerstone of our theatrical community for decades. As the fourth Chair in the Theatre Department’s history, I am knowingly stepping into the very large shoes of the leadership that has come before me. My job is to galvanize our department and community as we embrace opportunities for growth, while redefining how we excel at providing our students with a professional theatre experience and education. Monterey Peninsula College and the Monterey community have a rich history of presenting quality, engaging theatre. I am honored to be joining that tradition here at MPC and look forward to embracing our patrons and community as we move forward.  Thank you for this opportunity and for your dedication and passion in supporting our Theatre Department. I look forward to our journey together.

Kurt Schweickhardt - Instructor

Kurt got his B.A. in Acting and Directing from Cal State Hayward (now East Bay), and his M.F.A in Acting from the University of Minnesota.  After grad school he worked as an actor and acting instructor/coach in the Twin Cities.  He performed on most of the professional stages there, including The Guthrie, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, The Jungle, Park Square and others.  He has performed in movies and on TV as well, including featured roles in Amerika, Fargo, and Factotum.  He is a member of Actors Equity Association and is part of the Financial Core of SAG-AFTRA.  He taught a variety of Theatre courses at Normandale Community College in the Twin Cities for 34 years.  He returned home to CA in the Fall of 2017.

Henry studied theatre at Loyola Marymount University, receiving his B.A. in Theatre in 1984. He was a company member of The Western Stage  for several years, performing and working in the Production Office as  assistant to the Company Manager. He taught and performed at Staff Players Repertory Theatre and Children's Experimental Theatre in Carmel, and was Box Office Manager at Pacific Repertory Theatre from 1995 to1999, in addition to stage-managing and performing at other theatres around the Peninsula, including MPC. In 2000 Henry began working in the MPC Theatre Box office, and continued acting in various MPC productions. He became Box Office manager in 2007.

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Fax 831-372-1982

Eric graduated from MPC's Technical Theatre program, and then began his career here at MPC as a scene shop assistant. From Monterey he traveled to Las Vegas to work at the MGM Grand, among other venues, before landing a gig with Cirque du Soleil. With the Cirque he helped install and run Alegria in Biloxi, Mississippi. Eric returned to MPC to work as a carpenter, and then became the Master Carpenter in 2008. He has designed several sets, including Hansel and Gretel, Company, and Christmas Carol, among others.

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MPC Theatre Department Emeritus Staff

Gary Bolen, Chairman Emeritus - Theatre Arts Department

Mr. Beck began his theater career as a student at MPC, then transferred to San Francisco State where he received a double degree in Theater and Industrial Arts education. Dan was uniquely qualified for his role here as Technical Director for over 40 years. He was in charge of every technical aspect of the Main Stage and Studio Theatres. He also taught Theater Workshop and Lighting classes, and designed scenery and lighting. Dan over saw the 2013 renovation of the theatre, keeping his eye on the "experts" to make sure they got it right. Sweet Charity (2016) marked Dan's final show as Technical Director, and he retired on July 31, 2015. Department Chairman Gary Bolen has stated that "You cannot replace someone like Dan Beck, you can only hire a replacement for the position," to ensure that the legacy known as "BekTek" carries on.

Sky Rappoport has worked in Performing Arts administration for over 20 years. He became the MPC Theatre Company Box Office Manager and Special Projects consultant in 1989. In 2007 Sky became MPC Theatre Manager. Sky served in that position thorough June 30, 2014, at which time the position was dissolved due to state budget cuts and staff layoffs that drastically affected the MPC Theatre Department and MPC Theatre Company. Mr. Rappoport holds a Bachelors of Science degree in International Business from CSU Monterey Bay, where he was a founding ‘pioneer’ student, and served as the founding president for the CSUMB Alumni Association, also serving on the CSU state wide Alumni Council representing CSU Monterey Bay.  In addition to his past work with MPC, he is a general partner in Box Office Guys, a full service box office consulting and service business specializing in New Concepts Software and Boca Systems; He is a licensed California Tax Practitioner and maintains an accounting and tax practice, specializing in small business and non profits; Sky remains active on the Advisory Board of the MPC Theatre Company Trust.

       831-646-4213
Fax: 831-372-1982