Staff & Board Profiles

Connar Klock is a queer, Michigan rooted director, producer, facilitator, and advocate, whose work puts new plays, queer and working class perspectives, and humanist values at the center.  In 14 years of theatre involvement, Connar has worked on over 60 shows, directed for 9 companies and 12 new play festivals. Recent credits include: ‘Art’ by Yasmina Reza at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre (Director) and Before the Shooting by Denise Miller at Queer Theatre Kalamazoo (Co-Creator) a one-act choreopoem exploring the effects of parents, white privilege, toxic masculinity, and gender roles on gun violence.

They are the Drop-In Center Facilitator at one of Michigan’s largest LGBTQIA+ resource centers, OutFront Kalamazoo, and currently serves on committees for Theatre Kalamazoo (Member, Finance), Farmers Alley Theatre (Play Selection), Kalamazoo Non-Profit Advocacy Coalition (Board Member, Tenant Relations), Kalamazoo County Opioid Coalition (Member, Harm Reduction), Bronson Cancer Care Equity Council (Member), and Ludington Area Pride (Board Member).

Connar holds a BFA in Theatre Performance (Acting, ‘18) from Western Michigan University where they contribute as a Cultural Competency Consultant in the School of Theatre and Dance.

They currently serve as the Artistic Director of Queer Theatre Kalamazoo.

"C" Heaps is a theatre artist and scholar who has worked on dozens of productions in every role possible, specializing in directing and translation/playwriting. Before moving to the Midwest, "C" helmed FACE Theatre Company as Artistic Director and New Play Project as Executive Director, both in Provo, Utah.

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They received their PhD in Theatre History, Theory, and Literature from Indiana University in 2019 before teaching at Kalamazoo College for several years. Their research specialties include postcolonialism, cognitive linguistics, translation theory and practice, virtual performance, and gender studies.

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After serving as a board member since 2019, "C" has moved into the position of Managing Director for Queer Theatre Kalamazoo. They are also currently an independent researcher.

Currently residing in Kalamazoo, MI, Jonas has graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts for the study of theatrical production and design. There, he worked on shows such as The Haunting of Hill House (master electrician) and Western's immersive The Great Gatsby (lighting designer). Jonas has also worked with other theatres in Southwest Kalamazoo such as Queer Theatre Kalamazoo (Let's Have a Satanic Orgy!; lighting designer) and Three Rivers Community Players (Heathers: The Musical; ensemble). Jonas hopes to bring color, wonder, and whimsy to QTK's productions. When not working in theatres, Jonas can be found with his cat, playing video games, or crocheting. 

Raquel Hellenga, MA, brings a lifetime of performing arts passion and nearly two decades of living, working, and relating, in Kalamazoo to the QTK Board. A lifelong resident of Southwest Michigan, she grew up steeped in performing arts culture as a competitive dancer, acting in upwards of 20 local theatre productions, along with vocal, piano, and pageantry experiences.

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She received a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Communication from WMU where she participated in the Women’s and Grand Choruses. She has taught communication courses at various colleges and universities in Michigan for over ten years and utilized her deep knowledge of the Kalamazoo community across many roles and industries over the years. She also is very involved in chronic illness advocacy as a nearly-life-long Rheumatoid Arthritis patient and uses this experience to help make the arts more accessible.

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Being a proud, long-time member of Kalamazoo’s queer community, alongside her passion for the local performing arts scene, helps Raquel bring a focused and impactful voice to QTK’s board. She is currently also active with The Kalamazoo Civic, Crawlspace Eviction, and BSD Dance Studio.

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Katelyn Vasicek is a dedicated health care provider serving the Kalamazoo area. She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s in Biomedical Science and a minor in Chemistry. Thereafter, she earned her Master's in Physician Assistant Studies. Practicing since 2016, Katelyn has honed her skills in hospital medicine, surgery, and urgent care. 

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Katelyn brings a compassionate understanding and support of the queer community, influenced by her cherished relationships with members who are close friends and family. In her leisure, Katelyn enjoys running, playing piano, experimenting with culinary delights, and exploring new destinations through travel.