Renegade Fringe Festival Committee
Shannon Bowen
Shannon Bowen is a multifaceted theatre artist—performer, director, and designer—driven by a deep belief in the power of the arts to build community. As a mother, she is committed to expanding access and opportunity for all children to experience the joy of the performing arts. Raised in New Mexico, she now proudly calls Lansing her adopted home.
Ben Cassidy
Ben Cassidy is a Lansing native and theatre artist passionate about thought provoking, immersive, and unconventional arts experiences. He serves as the Experience Design Lead for the AI team at MSU Federal Credit Union and is an active leader in the Lansing theatre community, including his role as Board President for Peppermint Creek Theatre Company (PCTC). A Renegade devotee since first participating in 2011, Ben is a strong supporter and promoter of spaces where artists can take risks, experiment, and connect with audiences in meaningful and unexpected ways.
Melissa Kaplan
Melissa Kaplan is a producer, community builder, and podcaster (Galaxy Forum and Inside LCC on LCC Connect). She serves as Arts Outreach and Academic Coordinator at Lansing Community College where she creates multidisciplinary collaborations exploring a wide range of themes such as climate change, mental health, and environmental justice, through stage production, spoken and written word, forums, and film. She seeks joy in nature, music, with dear friends and family, and in her joyous relationship with husband, Andy Callis.
Sally Hecksel
Sally Hecksel is a Lansing native who is an actor, intimacy coordinator, director and board member (PCTC). She is passionate about accessibility in community theatre, cooking, furniture restoration/home improvement and trying out different hobbies to see what will stick. She has been involved in communal performing arts for the past 13 years and is beyond grateful to have the opportunity to bring Renegade back to Lansing's vibrant artistic community.
Chad Swan-Badgero
Chad Swan-Badgero is a Michigan-based arts leader and advocate dedicated to fostering meaningful community engagement through theatre. He is the Founder and Artistic Director for Peppermint Creek Theatre Company (PCTC) where he champions productions that spark dialogue, elevate diverse voices, and explore pressing social issues. Chad serves as the Art Education Program Manager for the Michigan Arts & Culture Council (MACC), the state’s key conduit for arts and cultural information, grant funding and more. Chad is most proud of being the father of his six year old son, Sawyer.