WHO WE ARE

Mission Statement

Wise Woman Musical Theatre Group (WWMTG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization wishing to support highly educational and entertaining musical productions of merit for theatre developed by women age 50 and above. These musicals may be both historical and timely in today’s world. WWMTG is dedicated to helping these talented women reach their goals through such activities as fundraising and/or producing/co-producing their musicals.

We believe that older women* age 50 and above are a vital, contributing part of our society and the theatre community and should be given the opportunity to continue creating and/or producing works of merit.

So that is why we are here. With WWMTG support, what was once just a creative dream can be transformed into a reality!

*Even though WWMTG is primarily dedicated to helping women 50 and above, we are also open to all gender identities.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: James H. Forsell, Ph.D.

Jim was a professional student for many years, receiving 2 B.S. degrees from Michigan Technological University, an M.S. and a dual Ph.D. from Michigan State University.  As a well-known pioneer in the medical field of tissue banking, he served as President of the AATB (American Association of Tissue Banks) and was on their Board for 10 years.  The AATB has recently given Dr. Forsell emeritus status.  For 16 years, he was Vice President of Tissue Banks international, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Before that, for 9 years, Dr. Forsell led the Tissue Banking program of the Northern California Transplant Bank located at the California Pacific Medical Center.  In 2022, he served as the Covid Compliance Officer for the staged reading of E=MC2.  Having been a thespian himself in high school, he has been a lifetime supporter of the arts, especially theatre.

Secretary: Nancy Sievert

Nancy has extensive experience in both the worlds of business and the creative arts. She received her certification in Computer Information Systems from Cal State LA and holds an MA in theatre from the University of Connecticut. Her 35-year work experience included positions in business management, television production, benefits administration and systems analysis. As a database consultant, she provided on-site services for companies in multiple industries including healthcare, insurance, banking, higher education and manufacturing. Nancy has also been involved as a performing artist with a number of theatres including The Megaw Theatre and a variety of singing groups with styles ranging from classical to jazz. She recently retired from her second career as an elementary school teacher.

Treasurer: Jennifer Cannon, MD

Dr. Jennifer Cannon is a Pediatric Hospital Medicine physician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, and lifelong musician with passion for musical theatre. 

With honors, Cannon earned her B.S. in Finance and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Arizona.  An accomplished soprano and classically trained pianist, her musical experience ranges from studio recordings to musical theatre and highly selective mixed-voice choirs.    

Fueled by an award-winning passion for mentoring the next generation of physicians at CHLA, Dr. Cannon brings expertise as a clinician educator, with additional certifications in medical education. 

Blending her strong background in finance with lifelong love of the performing arts, Jennifer is dedicated to serving the Treasurer role on the board of Wise Woman Musical Theatre Group — ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

 Dr. Cannon is thrilled to support WWMTG’s mission to empower women in musical theatre — helping creative dreams take center stage while maintaining a strong and sustainable foundation behind the scenes.

Board Member: Elaine Moe

Elaine “E.E.” Moe’s career spans 55+years in the arts, education, corporate and entertainment industries. Critical honors for decades – producing, directing, acting, arts management, civic and cultural engagement – reflect her lifelong dedication advocating, mentoring and engaging new works while inspiring artists’ parity in theatre & film through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in all mediums. She has served as a guest artist & academic professional at numerous colleges & universities. Her board member and collaborative artist credits include: Worldwide Women’s Film Fest; The Bridge Initiative Women in Theatre; BLKBOXPHX & Davisson Ent. (former Resident Director); SDC/AEA Liaison Staged Reading Director E=MC2 (LA). Arts advocacy honors include: Kennedy Center ACTF Gold Medallion of Excellence; MCCCD Arts Education Foundation Award; National Society of Arts & Letters Arts Education Mentorship; AriZoni Award-Director – Calendar Girls for The Phoenix Theatre Co.; The Bridge Initiative Women in Theatre Leader of the Year. “E.E.” received her BFA Production with Distinction, MA Graduate Teaching Assistantship Acting, Directing & Arts Mgmt from the University of Arizona . Co-Founder: The MEGAW Theatre/Actors Studio, Inc. CA/AZ (1973-current). www.MegawTheatreInc.com
PROUD Member: SDC, AEA, SAG-AFTRA