WEST Membership

Photo Courtesy Rock Springs High School

WEST Board

President: Mary McGillivray (Hot Springs County School District)
Mary McGillivray is the Elementary Music Teacher for Hot Springs County School District in Thermopolis, Wyoming, where she also has the privilege of being the Drama Team Coach. Born and raised in Sheridan, Wyoming, the arts have always played a very important role in Mary's life. After graduating high school, Mary attended Casper College and then moved on to Black Hills State University, where she received a Bachelors in Vocal Music Performance, a Bachelors in Music Education, and a minor in Speech Communications: Theatre Emphasis. In 2015, Mary received her Masters in Music Education from the University of Wyoming. During her time at Casper College and Black Hills State University Mary was constantly involved in theatre. While attending college, Mary worked for summer theatre programs in numerous roles and technical positions and as a historical re-enactor, portraying Calamity Jane in Deadwood, South Dakota for a summer in the street performances. Mary was also nominated for an Irene Ryan Award for her performance in Lucky Duck at Black Hills State University.

Vice-President: Emily Beitel (Rock Springs High School)
Growing in the tiny town of Encampment, WY, Emily was first bitten by the acting bug when she was in the 6th grade and started performing in summer melodramas with her dad and continued to do so throughout high school. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming in 2008, then spent a brief stint teaching in Southern Illinois. It wasn’t long, though, before the mountains and beauty of Wyoming called her back home, and she taught English and Theatre for three years at a middle school in Green River, Wyoming. Seeking a change, she moved up to teaching high school at Rock Springs, where she currently teaches English, and coaches theatre in Green River. She has two wonderful cats named Tom and Huck that are the loves of her life, and she looks forward to serving on the WEST Board and helping young people across the state experience and grow from the magic of theatre.

Secretary: Mason Neiman (Sundance High School)
Originally from the bustling metropolis of Hulett, Wyoming, Mason Neiman reached his theatrical pinnacle in high school, when he played Harold Hill in Music Man. After high school, Mason traveled the world, teaching English, doing community development, and building orphanages. In 2004, he settled down with his lovely bride in central Pennsylvania and in 2009 earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in English literature and one in philosophy, followed by a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in 2010. He and his family then moved to Sundance, WY where he teaches 8th, 9th, and 11th grade English, creative writing and drama. He also serves as the SHS cross country coach. He currently serves as the vice president of the W.E.S.T. board and loves how Wyoming’s brilliant students rock at theatre.

Treasurer: Christina Niemann Zarr (Cheyenne East High School)
After 29 years of teaching, directing and acting in Colorado, Texas, North Carolina and Idaho Christina was offered the theatre position at Cheyenne East High in 2013. WEST, the scholarship opportunities and strong higher ed recruiting connections for theatre students was one of the deciding factors for Christina when choosing to make the move to Wyoming. Christina accepted the theatre arts teaching position at Cheyenne East High School in large part due to this organization and is grateful for the opportunity to serve in a capacity that is close to her heart. “Attention students: You can pay for college doing what you love! Your theatre talent and skill set are honored in Wyoming. Please audition for scholarships at state competition in your senior year.”

Scholarship Chair: Christina Niemann Zarr (Cheyenne East High School)

Member at Large: Dustin Hebert (Kelly Walsh High School)
Dustin Hebert, theatre teacher at Kelly Walsh High School, is coming to us from Denver, Colorado. After he received his undergrad in musical theatre performance he received his equity credits in Utah and moved to Denver to continue his career. After performing in the regional premiere of Spamalot, he began teaching English in the public sector. He moved to Casper three years ago and is enjoying his second year as theatre director.

Non-Voting Member: Terrin Musbach
Terrin Musbach is currently serving as an Instructional Coach in Crescent City, CA. She is a native of Green River and University of Wyoming Alumni. In 2008, she received her undergraduate degree in English/Theater Secondary Education. In 2016, she received her MA in Curriculum and Instruction and her certification in ESL Education. Terrin is looking forward to continuing to assist the WEST board as the non-voting member and continuing to advocate for theatre and the arts in the state of Wyoming and around the country.

ITTS Liason: Zachary Schneider (Natrona High School)
Zach Schneider is the theatre director for Natrona County High School and has been a member of the Casper theatre community for over 20 years. Graduating from Natrona in 1994, Zach earned his A.A. from Casper College as a performance major, has a B.A. in Communication and a B.A. in Language Arts Secondary Education from the University of Wyoming, and was granted his M.A. in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado. As past president of the WEST Board of Directors, current troupe director of International Thespian Society Troupe No. 1, and the director of Wyoming Thespians, he is committed and passionate about educational theatre and expanding opportunities for Wyoming students on and off stage.

Click below to access past WEST Membership meeting minutes: