Staff Page

Director Maureen Watson – studied theatre at West Chester State University and at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC.  She performed internationally with UWP in between schools She also has a BLS from ASU.  Maureen has been a Resident Artist, Director, Teacher and Actor in the Valley for years, working with Childsplay, Theatre Artists Studio, and others.  Maureen worked as AD in the early 2000s at Greasepaint and returned in 2010.  Greasepaint is home and Maureen tries to direct at least one show each season, most recently Heathers The Musical, NYA Best Director and Peter And The Starcatcher.  In addition, she directs at Brophy College Prep in Phoenix and performs whenever possible at her other theatre home, Theatre Artists Studio.

Savannah Thompson – Savannah Thompson is thrilled to be on staff at Greasepaint Youtheatre, the organization that served as a springboard for her career in the arts! Savannah has performed on Greasepaint’s stage in past productions of Hairspray, Grease, and Nevermore, but she was more involved backstage — working as tech crew, stage managing, serving on GP’s Alumni Board, and directing summer camps. Those experiences over the years ignited her passion for a career in theatre management and operation! She recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Barrett, the Honors College at ASU, with a degree in Arts Administration and a minor in Theatre. During her entire four years of college, she garnered additional professional experience through a wide variety of jobs with local theatres, including Childsplay and Phoenix Theatre. She is now beyond excited and grateful to begin working at Greasepaint, a place that has enriched her life with so many incredible people, opportunities, and memories — her home away from home.

Jim Gradillas – has been teaching /directing youth theatre for 24 years. He has been a professional actor, teacher, director and writer all over Arizona during this time. Jim has won ten AriZoni Awards for Theatre Excellence, which includes three for original writing. He has also won and several National Arts Awards and Child Empowerment Awards.  He was also a teaching artist for Arizona Commission on the Arts. He has directed and taught for Mesa Arts Center, Valley Youth Theatre, Theater Works, East Valley Children’s Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, and has directed and wrote for Scottsdale Christian Academy, Montessori Kingdom of Learning and Mesa Arts Academy. He currently produces, directs and writes for a youth theatre, Acting Zone in Goodyear, AZ. In addition, he is also the Auditorium Manager for the Paradise Valley Unified School District.  Jim directs the Bare Bones Jr program, workshops, main stage shows with Greasepaint Youth Theatre, a place that is near and dear to his heart. Jim lives with his lovely wife, Michelle (and writing partner) and son, Christian in Avondale.