The Barn Theatre, Willmar Minnesota

Christine Chernis Brandt has over twenty years experience in non profit management and the production of events and the performing arts. The main focus of her career has been in all areas of event and theatrical producing, management, marketing, grant writing, fund raising, theatre and arts education.

She is originally from Rochester, New York where she grew up with a fine appreciation for the arts as result of attending performances at the Eastman School of Music. Her family provided her with an education in dance, music and theatre at an early age as well as many trips to New York City where she became enchanted with theatre as a result of attending Broadway plays.

Brandt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from California State University, Los Angeles, while serving as Theatre Manager for the school. There she discovered that she enjoyed management of the arts. That led her to earning a Master’s degree in Arts Administration at the University of California, Los Angeles.

She has worked with a variety of arts organizations including PCPA Theatrefest on the central coast of California, The Michigan Festival in East Lansing, MI and the Struthers Library Theatre in Warren, PA. She has taught arts and non profit administration at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY and Salem State College in Salem, MA.

While living in Sedona, AZ, Brandt worked on the SummerArts 2000 performing arts festival that was presented at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ and wrote grants for and served as volunteer for the Sedona Cultural Park and the Sedona Film Festival. She served as chairperson for the Sedona Centennial in 2002 and produced the town’s 100 year birthday party.

Brandt has functioned as a non profit consultant, served on several boards and has worked free lance as a marketer and grant writer. Recently, she served the community of Prescott, AZ on the marketing committee for the United Way of Yavapai County, was on the boards of directors for Prescott Fine Arts Association (the local community theater) and Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council. She taught a grant writing class for ‘Grants to You’ at the Northern Arizona University facility at Yavapai College.

She has been recently hired by the Board of Directors of The Barn Theater in Willmar, MN to serve as the organization’s first executive director and has relocated from the Prescott, AZ area.

The Barn Theatre Welcomes Charlie Olson as it's new Box Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator!

Many will remember Charlie from last year's production of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS when she played the overbearing mother of Prince Dauntless, Queen Agravaine. She performed as Clara in DON'T HUG ME this past December opposite Barn favorite, Tim Ostby.

Charlie has a wide and varied background in theatre and the performing arts. She has produced, directed and served as a technical expert in many productions. She has a vibrant musical background and has taught both vocal and instrumental music.

Charlie holds an A.A. Theatre/Music Degree. From Willmar Community College. She has done other course work at several schools and universities where she has been involved with theatrical productions..

On a personal note, Charlie is married to Todd Olson. The couple has three boys and one daughter.

She is on hand to welcome you to the theatre and take care of all of your ticketing needs along with our fine crew of Box Office Volunteers weekdays from 1 – 5 pm.