Nat
Coe
Artistic director
Nat Coe is a long-time theatre artist who found their voice somewhere between backstage chaos and the quiet moments after a show when something real has landed. Raised in conservative spaces and taught to shrink themselves, Nat turned to theatre as a safe haven—a place to feel big, loud, messy, and seen. What started as a lifeline became a mission: to build spaces where no one has to apologize for taking up space. Throughout the years a passion for creating work that challenges assumptions, builds community, and refuses to play it safe was born. With over a decade of experience in theaters across the country, Nat has received training in theatrical intimacy practices, and has worked as a director, stage manager, performer, and designer committed to telling stories that reflect the complexity and intersectionality of real life.
As a director (13–Greasepaint Youtheatre, and Lost Girl—Chandler High), they’re looking forward to further opportunities to collaborate and expand their skill set! In addition to directing, they’ve supported other recent local productions like Bright Star (MET) , Detroit, and Until the Flood (Stray Cat) in various production roles. As an actor, Nat’s performance experience includes: Malvolio (Twelfth Night), Daisy (Rhinoceros), Mercedes (La Cage aux Folles), Eric (An Inspector Calls), and Mrs. Bumbrake (Peter and the Starcatcher)—and with each role they’ve always strived to root their performances in curiosity, empathy, and with guts.
They pride themselves on being deeply collaborative, fiercely protective of artists, and always down to turn a wild idea into a full production. It’s the people that make the experience and magic that is theatre, and that’s what drives them. Nat founded Rebel Phoenix Theatre Collective to build the kind of company they always hoped existed. One where risk is welcomed, equity is non-negotiable, and every story matters. Rebel Phoenix is their love letter to the weirdos, the survivors, and the ones who were told they were too much; those chose to be even more.
Payten ChristopherMcleod
Assistant Artistic director
Payten Christopher McLeod is an actor in pursuit of a promising and successful career in theatre. Beginning his training at 4 years old with Childsplay, Payten's passion and love for performing has grown as he's garnered more experience with multiple theaters around the Arizona valley for over nearly two decades. Participating in summer programs, graduating from Childsplay's Conservatory Program, and engaging in performance competitions, Payten prides himself on his dedication to his craft, his hard work, and hunger to learn as much as possible in order to become the best all-around performer possible.
A founding member at fifteen years old of Childsplay's youth-led theatre company Youth Ensemble Theatre, Inc. (Y.E.T.i.), Payten is looking forward to using his experience in both marketing and fundraising during this new venture with Rebel Phoenix. Payten remains as always so thankful for the opportunities he's been given thus far, and strives to continue to improve as he embarks on what marks only the beginning of his professional career in theater.
Savannah inez
Board President
Savannah Inez is a Phoenix-based Singer, Actress, Teaching Artist and Aspiring Director. She has taught at Childsplay in various Academy Classes, After-School Programs and Summer Classes. She made her virtual directorial debut during the pandemic with The Virtual Theatre of Arizona directing Here Lies Vivianne Green. Right before the pandemic she was fortunate enough to embark on her first TYA Regional Tour of The Snowy Day with Childsplay. You can catch her next on stage as Stepmother/US Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods (The Phoenix Theatre Company TPTC). And a few other notable theatre credits include Bus Sounds in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (Childsplay), US for Sour Kangaroo/Mrs Mayor & Ensemble Swing in Seussical (TPTC), and Caterpillar in Curiouser & Curiouser Too (TheatreWorks). Outside of the theatre world she is an Insurance Specialist, Business Owner (Savvy’s Essential’s) but most importantly Mother to three amazing children: Aiden, Anthony & Serenity. None of this would be possible without her amazing family, friends & partner’s love and relentless support as she works hard to make her dreams a reality.
As the board president Savannah will bring a queer perspective shaped by a rich history of resilience, creativity, and diverse and unique taste in both culture and conflict resolution. She is beyond thrilled to be a part of this growing theatre as the work we are doing is a vital part to moving our society forward, creating more opportunities within our community and telling the stories that deserved to be told.
Alexandra kallis
Director of operations
Alexandra Kallis passionately applies both her artistic and organizational skills to bring theatre to life. Ali holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. While studying there she was awarded both the “Outstanding Achievement at Technical Production Track” for her Costume Design work on Sweeney Todd, and the “Outstanding Transfer Student Award” in Directing from Playwrights Horizons Theater School.
Much of her life since has been spent raising and homeschooling her two children, including 3 years of full time travel as a family.
Recent theatre credits here in Arizona include Director, Assistant Director, Properties Designer, Costume Designer, and Stage Manager for Mesa Encore Theatre, Actor’s Youth Theatre and Inspire Theatre Company. She will be joining Childsplay Academy as a Teaching Artist this summer.