our team
Meet our staff
BRYAN SNODGRASS (he/hIM)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bryan (he/him) is the Executive Director and co-founder of Conundrum Theatre Company. He previously worked at the Burbank Community YMCA for 19 years, most recently serving as their Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He also serves on Burbank’s Board of Library Trustees and is on the membership committee for the Theatre Producers of Southern California. He started acting when he was in kindergarten, playing the Prince in a school production of Cinderella. The stage has been his passion ever since. Bryan received his BA in Theatre Directing from the University of Northern Colorado. He has been a part of numerous productions, both on and off stage. He has been part of Conundrum’s productions of Rent (Mark Cohen), Cabaret (Emcee), Fun Home (Bruce), Into the Woods (Baker), and more. Some other acting credits include Louis (Angels in America), Wright (Our American Tragedy), Pippin (Charlemagne), You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), Fuddy Meers (Kenny), and The Sound of Music (Max). He has also directed Seussical, A Company of Wayward Saints, Bringing It All Back Home, Love Letters, and The Sound Of Music.
fiona burrows (they/she)
Marketing and administration Manager
Fiona is a marketer, theatre administrator, director, actor, and educator based in Los Angeles. They are passionate about creating opportunities for all to enjoy and practice art! They've worked in non-profit performing arts marketing for almost a decade at organizations such as Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 42nd Street Moon, and numerous theatre company executive boards.
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Fiona has a B.A. in Theatre Studies and a B.A. in Communication Studies from Chapman University. Directing credits include the sold out run of "Urinetown" (Conundrum, nominated for BroadwayWorld Best Direction of a Musical), “Horse Girls” (Chapman University), and “Romeo & Juliet” (Guerilla Shakespeare). Assistant directing credits include the world-premiere of "Crevasse" (Son Of Semele x Victory Theatre Center) and “Native Gardens” (Chapman University). Selected acting credits include “She Kills Monsters” (Tilly, Long Beach Playhouse), “Fancy Nancy” (Rhonda, Chance Theater), “Standing Proud: A Collection Of Our Asian Voices” (Co. writer/actor, Chapman University), and "Into The Woods" (The Witch, The Peter Pan Foundation).
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Fiona believes that the arts have the power to create change, empower individuals, and grow community. They are excited to help Conundrum develop an environment for artists to thrive. www.fiona-burrows.com
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meet the board
SHAWN RIOS (TheY/ThEm)
President
Shawn is a life-long lover of the stage. From the first time they saw "The Lion King" at the Pantages, they were hooked to the spectacle and artistry of live theater. Their life shifted when they made their stage debut with Conundrum in our production of "Rent". Finding a group of like-minded, passionate artists encouraged Shawn to continue working with Conundrum in many capacities. From acting, to costuming, to directing in our New Works Festival, Shawn has loved every moment of learning and creating with our loving and supportive community of artists.
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In their daily life as a project manager for LA County Public Works, Shawn has seen the importance of creative outlets, and exuberantly invites other working professionals to join in free expressions of themselves with Conundrum.
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STEPHeN FRANCISCO (he/him)
treasurer
More information coming soon!
Nikki Yates (she/her)
Secretary and dei chair
Nikki is a PhD candidate studying educational psychology at the University of Southern California. Her parents like to say she could sing before she could talk, which makes sense, given her love of performing. When she's not working on a research project or tearing up a karaoke bar (pre-COVID, of course), she enjoys playing with her dog, running while listening to podcasts, and baking overly complicated pastries.
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Jess Jani (she/her)
Marketing Chair
Jess Jani has been surrounded by performers her whole life, which only solidified her passion for the theatre. Her journey with Conundrum began as an actor, gracing the stage in roles such as Medium Alison in "Fun Home" and Cinderella in "Into The Woods." Most recently, she made her directorial debut with Conundrum’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. Beyond her theatrical pursuits, Jess works at AV Squad, a company specializing in crafting movie trailers, demonstrating her commitment to storytelling in various forms.
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As a member of the Conundrum Theatre Company's board, Jess Jani's vision is to foster an inclusive, accessible, and thriving theater community on the West Coast. Her gratitude towards Conundrum for rekindling her passion for the stage knows no bounds, and she looks forward to the endless opportunities they provide for everyone in the community to explore their artistic boundaries.
Jordan Kaiser (she/her)
Communications chair
Jordan Kaiser has always been an avid supporter of local theatre. Her love of the arts began at an early age - she was an Assistant Director at her local community theatre as a teenager, and president of Chapman University's musical theatre organization while studying there.
In her time on the board of Conundrum, she has directed our sold out run of RENT, assistant directed our run of Cabaret, and overseen production on many of our shows.
Pursuing her other passion for film, Jordan currently works as a film publicist at Sony Pictures. She loves that Conundrum provides a creative outlet for artists who work full-time in other industries.
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