At Mesa High School, theatre is more than a class — it’s a family, a creative home, and a place where students are challenged to grow as artists, leaders, collaborators, and human beings.

Under the direction of award-winning director Jere Van Patten, the Jackrabbit Theatre Company is recognized for producing bold, high-quality theatrical experiences that combine professional-level expectations with a deep commitment to student growth, creativity, and community.

From full-scale musicals and plays to black box productions, competitions, leadership opportunities, and statewide recognition, JTC gives students the opportunity to create meaningful work while building confidence, discipline, friendships, and unforgettable memories along the way.

Whether you’re stepping onto a stage for the very first time or pursuing theatre at an advanced level, there is a place for you here.

This is a program built on passion, artistry, collaboration, and heart.

Welcome to JTC.
Welcome home.

Welcome to JTC

The Jackrabbit Theatre Company is Mesa High School’s student-led theatre program based in Mesa, Arizona. Built on collaboration, creativity, leadership, and artistry, JTC provides students with opportunities to perform, design, lead, create, and grow both onstage and behind the scenes.

Led by a student officer council alongside artistic director and sponsor Jere Van Patten, our program is committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-achieving environment where students are challenged to pursue excellence while building meaningful friendships and unforgettable experiences.

Each season, JTC produces multiple full-scale productions including mainstage plays and musicals as well as black box productions that allow students to explore a wide range of theatrical styles and storytelling experiences. Recent productions have included A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Footloose, Into the Woods, and more.

Whether your passion is acting, technical theatre, stage management, costumes, lighting, sound, scenic design, publicity, leadership, or simply finding a creative place to belong — there is a place for you here.

Our motto guides everything we do:

Discipline in the WORK.
Excellence in the ART.
Achievement in the PERFORMANCE.

JTC is always excited to welcome new members, families, and community supporters into our theatre family. Students interested in joining are encouraged to attend a meeting, audition, volunteer, or simply introduce themselves. Parents and community members can support the program through our JTC Boosters organization and production volunteer opportunities.

It takes a village to build great theatre — and we’re grateful for ours.

Meet the Team

  • Jere Van Patten

    ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & THEATRE TEACHER

    Jere Van Patten, is an award-winning actor, director, educator, and founder of The Actor’s Ink Studio. With over two decades of professional experience and a passion for student success, Mr. V. brings real-world theatre training straight to the classroom.

    He’s performed and directed with some of the Valley’s top theatres, including The Phoenix Theatre Company, Southwest Shakespeare, Hale Centre Theatre, and more. With degrees in Theatre, Education, and Directing, Mr. V. knows what it takes to thrive both onstage and off.

    Whether you’re brand new to theatre or ready to take your craft to the next level, Mesa High Theatre is the place to be! Expect high-energy classes, a welcoming community, and powerful performance opportunities. Under Mr. V.’s direction, you’ll grow in confidence, creativity, and collaboration — and have a ton of fun doing it!

  • Gigi Garcia

    JTC PRESIDENT

    Gigi is a senior at Mesa High School with a strong background in dance, specializing in ballet and contemporary styles. She has performed in numerous dance productions, with one of her most recent roles being the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Adventures of Frosty’s Missing Hat.

    Gigi is excited to become more involved in the Mesa High drama program as the JTC President and looks forward to helping lead and support the company throughout the year. She is incredibly grateful for the encouragement and support of her family, friends, and instructors, who have helped inspire her passion for the performing arts.

  • Jordyn Yerkes

    JTC VICE PRESIDENT

    Jordyn is a senior at Mesa High School and has been a dedicated member of JTC throughout all four years of high school. Her most recent roles include Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Phyllis in Play On!, and Paula Thompson in Murders in the Heir.

    Outside of theatre, Jordyn is a horror movie enthusiast who loves spending time talking and laughing with friends whenever she’s not involved in theatre-related activities. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist. Jordyn is incredibly excited and honored to serve as your 2026–2027 JTC Vice President!

  • Alayna Becerra

    JTC SECRETARY

    Alayna Becerra is a sophomore at Mesa High School and is entering her second year as a member of the JTC Council. She has had a passion for theatre for the past five years and loves every opportunity to perform, learn, and grow as an actress. One of Alayna’s favorite things about theatre is its ability to bring meaningful stories and characters to life while creating powerful connections with audiences through performance.

    In the future, Alayna hopes to move to New York City to pursue her dream of performing on the Broadway stage. Being part of JTC has helped her become more confident, responsible, and connected with others who share her love for theatre. She would like to thank God for all she has accomplished, as well as her family for their constant love, encouragement, and support as she continues to follow her dreams.

  • Joseph Crandall

    JTC TREASURER

    Joseph is a senior at Mesa High School and proudly serves as the JTC Treasurer. His passion for theatre began at just eight years old when he joined the Mesa Community College Magic of Musical Theatre Workshops. Since then, his love for performing has only continued to grow.

    With his mom serving as both his biggest supporter and pianist, Joseph has developed into a talented and passionate performer. He hopes to inspire others to join theatre, discover their creativity, and experience the same joy and sense of community that theatre has brought into his life.

  • ABBY GOHMAN

    JTC HISTORIAN

    Abby is a junior at Mesa High School and is returning for another year serving as JTC’s Historian. She has been involved in high school theatre for the past three years and loves every opportunity to perform on stage. In the future, Abby hopes to pursue a career as an on-screen actress.

    One of her favorite things about theatre is the friendships, memories, and sense of community it creates. Abby also happens to love ducks… because honestly, who doesn’t?! Be sure to follow the drama program on Instagram at @mhsdramaprogram!

  • PAIGE CRANDELL

    JTC TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

    Paige Crandell is a junior at Mesa High School and is proud to serve as the JTC Technical Director. She has contributed to numerous school events and has dedicated countless hours to the theatre program. During the production of Footloose, she spent many hours of her free time serving as the sound board operator and assistant stage manager. In addition to her passion for technical theatre, Paige also enjoys singing and acting.

    She looks forward to bringing her positive attitude, bright smile, and strong technical skills to support the theatre program and help make its productions successful.

  • TRE TAYLOR

    JTC JUNIOR CLASS REPRESENTATIVE

    Arthur “Tre” Taylor is the Junior Class Representative for JTC at Mesa High School. His most recent performances include Flute/Thisbe in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Jeter in Footloose. In addition to performing on stage, Tre also loves helping with set design and construction and is CTE certified.

    One of his favorite theatre memories was playing the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland during junior high. Tre would like to thank all of the seniors who have graduated and helped guide him throughout his theatre journey, his mom for always supporting his passions, and his director for the honest and constructive criticism that has helped shape him into the person and performer he is today.

  • DAKOTA KAISER

    JTC SOPHOMORE CLASS REPRESENTATIVE

    Dakota is a sophomore at Mesa High School and is excited to serve as the Sophomore Class Representative for JTC this year. She is passionate about helping students feel heard, involved, and connected, and she looks forward to making this season fun, welcoming, and memorable for everyone. Whether supporting events, encouraging her peers, or helping bring the JTC community together, Dakota is excited to be part of the leadership team this year.