About Contemporary Classics Theatre
November 2018
Gwinnett Classic Theatre (GCT) is founded by Emily McClain and Robbie Summerour. The company is impacted by COVID and resignations, and nearly folds.
January 2022
GCT Board Member Susanna Wilson takes over as Artistic Director, and rebrands as Contemporary Classics Theatre, ushering the company into a new phase of life.
June 2025
Susanna departs Georgia to start her MFA in Shakespeare & Performance, and Cait Cortelyou is brought onboard as the newest Artistic Director of CCT.
Richard II
directed by Allen Cox, April 18 - May 3, 2026 performed at the Peachtree Corners Forum, the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Amphitheater, and the Rhodes Jordan Park
Our Story
We strive to connect contemporary artists and audiences to classical plays with profound themes, reclaiming the stories of the past to inform the present and shape the future. We are committed to diversifying the classic theatre repertoire by re-imagining classic plays—and contemporary plays based on classics—through a diverse, contemporary lens. There are very few opportunities for women and people of color in traditionally-cast classic theatre. Contemporary Classics Theatre grew out of that need.
Artistic Team
Cait Cortelyou
Artistic Director
Cait is honored to collaborate with this talented team to create thought-provoking and inspiring productions that celebrate the timeless power of classic theatre. Directing credits with Contemporary Classics Theatre include THE VERGE by Susan Glaspell, and one of the world's first productions of Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT to feature a transgender actor in the leading role of Viola. Cait has been seen on HBO, CBS, and Amazon Prime, but her roots are in classical theatre. By the age of 16, Cait had already performed in eight full-length Shakespeare plays, and went on to earn her BA in Theater from Barnard College of Columbia University in partnership with the Juilliard School. She is an alum of The O’Neill’s conservatory program, with training from Colman Domingo and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Cait is the founder and facilitator of The Collective at the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre, where she is also proud to be a teaching artist.
Allen Cox
Managing Director
Allen is delighted to continue his journey with Contemporary Classics Theatre as Managing Director. He has been working as an actor, singer, dancer, guitar player, fight choreographer, and whatever else is needed for over 25 years. Allen earned his BA in Theatre from Harding University and has spent time on stages in Nashville, TN, Seattle, WA, and Atlanta, GA. He has been very active with CCT, being seen in MACBETH, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, A KARAOKE RIOT, Mae West’s THE DRAG, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, and most recently in TWELFTH NIGHT. Allen has also been involved with Lionheart Theatre, Merely Players, and Horizon Theatre to name a few. The mission of CCT is close to his heart and he hopes to continue providing inspiring and challenging theatre for years to come.
Lisa Pham
Community Director
Lisa is a dynamic arts leader, marketing strategist, and lifelong musician dedicated to building vibrant creative communities. With over a decade of experience spanning digital marketing, nonprofit leadership, and music education, she brings a unique blend of strategic vision and artistry to her work. She is the Board Chair of Catching Mangoes Dance, and a Board Member of Orvieto Musica, supporting mission-driven organizations at the intersection of innovation, education, and the arts. A classically trained cellist, Lisa holds degrees in Music from Augusta University and the University of North Georgia. Her background includes leadership roles at Augusta Ballet and teaching faculty at Augusta University, Imagine Arts, and The Studios Brookhaven.
Board of Directors
Claire Kennedy
Board President
Claire Kennedy is ecstatically honored to serve as Board President for Contemporary Classics Theatre! She holds an MFA from the Academy for Classical Acting at Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, DC, and has spent over 20 years as a professional storyteller—working as an actor, writer, producer, and former Producing Artistic Director of her own classics-based theatre company. She has performed on stages and screens across the country and is deeply passionate about nurturing artistic community and innovative theatre. When not creating, Claire works as an artistic holistic coach and space-holder, helping others reconnect with and remember their authentic selves, asking: What if there’s nothing to fix? What if you’re already whole? She believes in the enduring power of classic stories to illuminate the human experience and foster connection, and is delighted to support CCT’s mission. She hopes you will, too! “Support live theatre, it changes lives!” @oneclassyclaire
Mark Kinsey Stephenson
Board Vice President
Mark Kinsey Stephenson relocated to Atlanta from Los Angeles and is delighted to be part of the Big Peach’s vibrant arts community. An actor, director, and writer with more than 60 stage and screen credits, Mark has appeared in critically acclaimed, award-winning productions across theatre and film. Genre audiences may recognize him for his portrayal of Randolph Carter in the cult-classic THE UNNAMEABLE films inspired by the work of H. P. Lovecraft. In addition to his work as a performer, Mark has served on multiple nonprofit boards and committees, bringing strategic insight and a deep commitment to community engagement. He is also the co-founder and COO of The Excellence Agency, where he helps clients embrace their excellence through thoughtful public relations and brand strategy. Most recently, Mark was honored with the 2025 Moving Arts “Arts Hero Award” for his lasting impact on Los Angeles theatre and contributions beyond the stage.
Deja Holmes
Board Secretary
Founder of DDH Creates, Deja Holmes is an Atlanta-based author, actor, and educator with a passion for bringing stories to life on stage, on the page, and in the classroom. With a background in Theater and Communications from Georgia Southern University, she has been fortunate to work with organizations such as the Alliance Theatre, Artz for the Harp, and Here We Grow, where she helps nurture creativity and confidence in students of all ages.
Steven Medina
Board HR Officer
Steven Medina is humbled to serve on the board of Contemporary Classics Theatre as its HR Officer. An actor since middle school, he made his debut with CCT as Banquo/Siward in the company’s 2023 production of MACBETH. Since then, he has supported CCT’s mission of delivering high-quality, free theatre to the public through its annual Shakespeare in the Park series, which has featured MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, TWELFTH NIGHT, and RICHARD II. Drawing on his professional HR experience with a leading national billboard company, Steven assists CCT with essential paperwork, compliance with local and state laws, and conflict management. He is thrilled to help CCT reach new and dazzling heights, and he hopes you’ll join us on our journey! Thank you for supporting the arts!
Susanna Wilson
Board Member Emeritus
Susanna (she/her) is a professional actor, director, adapter, producer, and teaching artist. As a director and producer, she has been instrumental in bringing more than thirty works to the stage for multiple companies in the Pacific Northwest, including Book-It, Seattle Public, ArtsWest, Theater Schmeater, and Seattle Shakespeare Company, to name a few. In 2003, Susanna took a directing gig with a theatre on Seattle’s Eastside, SecondStory Repertory. Four years later, she was named Artistic Director and held the position until 2010. A lifelong learner, Susanna completed a master’s degree in “Theatre Practice” at the University of Exeter in 2018, which included a residency at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. As part of her Masters work, she adapted and directed an all-female MEASURE FOR MEASURE and taught First Folio text technique. After graduation, Susanna moved to Gwinnett County, Georgia, where she edited and directed a modern-dress KING LEAR for Contemporary Classics Theatre (CCT) in 2019, an Appalachian ROMEO AND JULIET in 2022 (for CAPS, a division of Suwanee Performing Arts), and CCT’s MACBETH in 2023. TWELFTH NIGHT marked Susanna’s fifteenth year of Shakespeare in the Park(s). Susanna is currently earning her MFA in Shakespeare & Performance from Mary Baldwin University in partnership with the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA.