Team

PAIGE HOLLAND HAMP (Producer/Asst Artistic Director)
Paige is the founder of NorthBend Productions which specializes in creating original artistic productions as well as dynamic special events. The past 8 years she has been blessed to work with Broadway and film veterans Terrence Mann, George Merritt, Sharon Lawrence, Lauren Kennedy, Alan Campbell, Tina Fabrique and a host of other talented professional performers. Over the years, Paige has directed, choreographed and performed in many shows, but truly loves producing. She particularly loves working with young people and helping them grow their God given talents. Paige received her B.S. in education from Virginia Tech and her Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. She has over 15 years of executive level experience with particular expertise in special events, marketing and public relations; volunteer recruitment and development; and fundraising and sponsorship development. During her professional career, she has blessed to work with top national and international leaders in the arts, business and politics. Paige is married to Dr. Dirk Hamp and has five beautiful children, Emma, Bianca, Evan, Daniel and Jane. In her abundant spare time she enjoys traveling, camping with her family, the arts of all kinds, and working to support their nonprofit organization Embrace Uganda (www.EmbraceUganda.org).

GEORGE MERRITT (Artistic Director)
Drama Desk nominee, George Merritt, has enjoyed a distinguished career as one of America's finest theatrical baritones. He created the roles of "King Saul" in the world premiere of the concert musical, King David; and the lead role of "John Utterson" in the both the Broadway hit musical and movie, Jekyll & Hyde. Born in Raleigh, George returned to his Southern roots starring as "Jim" in the Tony Award winning musical Big River. Other leading Broadway roles include: Porgy and Bess, Ain't Misbehavin', Once on This Island and Driving Miss Daisy. He has appeared in film, on television and numerous commercials. In addition, Merritt is one of the co-producers and stars of OH! THOSE VOICES! Their concert tour premiered with the Portland Symphony Orchestra and has thrilled audiences across the US. Merritt, a former Professor at Nyack College, previously taught public school music and drama. A graduate of Hartt College, Merritt is a proud veteran of the U.S.A.F. He performed as a featured soloist in the prestigious Singing Sergeants, performing in over 100 cities worldwide. Merritt frequently performs in concerts for organizations which benefit and enrich the lives of children.

BOBBIE MERRITT (Producer/Talent Manager)

For more than 30 years, Bobbie has enjoyed a multi-faceted business career first as an Investment Banker and subsequently as the Chief Executive in several entertainment companies. Mrs. Merritt, who was recognized as one of America’s most entrepreneurial women, had the privilege of producing projects with American legend, Bob Hope, and also spearheaded a company that produced a commemorative sacred record album, distributed during the inaugural visit of Pope John Paul II to the United States. Currently, Merritt spearheads N.Y. based GRAMERCY PARK PRODUCTIONS, INC. which develops and produces entertainment product and coordinates talent selection for major concerts and events. It’s subsidiary, The Entertainment Group, a talent management company, boasts a roster of clients who star in award-winning Broadway shows. It’s Film and T.V. talent work in numerous film and television projects in both New York and Los Angeles.

Christy Oliver (Company Manager)
Christy’s love of the arts coupled with a strong business background ensure NorthBend projects run smoothly. Past work with the David Allen Company, Christina Marble Company and others have given her years of experience in office management, sales, bookkeeping and account management. Christy has also worked as a fashion model and has been featured in print and promotional work for numerous publications. Through years of supporting many charitable organizations, Christy has developed tremendous event planning skills. Her keen sense of style and a commitment to excellence, allow Christy to create beautiful events to support many important causes. She is married to Keith and has two beautiful and talented daughters, Victoria and Alexandra. Christy has a big heart for children and recently traveled to Uganda with a team of 45 youth and adults to serve the orphans in the village of Kaihura. For fun she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and being with family.

JULIE BRADLEY (Musical Director)
A graduate of NC School of the Arts and UNC-CH, Julie has had a long and distinguished career as a musical director, musician and teacher. She spent a fulfilling 20 years as assistant to conductor McCrae Hardy at North Carolina Theatre. Julie currently serves as the orchestra contractor for Broadway Series South in North Carolina. She is also very involved with the North Carolina Opera and numerous regional and community theatres. Her work as orchestrator and arranger includes such clients as Ipo Productions, the Jimmy V Celebrity Classic and Going Barefoot, Inc.

THOMAS MAUNEY (Technical Director)
Thomas holds a BFA from UNC Greensboro and an MFA from the University of Montana, both in design for theatre and has been named in Who's Who in Entertainment. For four seasons, Thomas served as Production Manager and Technical Director at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Thomas has also Design by for the NC Symphony, Carolina Ballet, Miss NC Pageant, Raleigh Little Theatre, Peace College, Applause! and numerous shows at Memorial Auditorium. His corporate event and museum work have taken him across North America and Europe.

ERICA BAVA SUMMERLIN (Choreographer)
An accomplished dancer and choreographer, Erica has been performing for more than 20 years. As a teen, Erica was a member of the prestigious NC Youth Tap Ensemble directed by Gene Medler. She reveled in the opportunity to be taught by Savion Glover, Brenda Buffalino, Diane Walker and many other renowned tappers. Erica was part of The Chicago Human Rhythm Project and JUBA - a special tap documentary that airs on PBS every year. Erica also performed in an "Evening of Tap" at the Town Hall in New York City as well as numerous state and local events in North Carolina. Erica has also been credited with numerous awards for her innovative and cutting-edge choreography.

THORSTEN HAMP (Project Manager, Web Designer, Sound Engineer)
Thorsten has been working in the Defense Industry for 17 years as a Systems/Software Engineer and as a Project Manager for the last 5 years. Thorsten has successfully managed various Information Technology projects for The United States Navy, Air Force and Army. Thorsten has passion for helping to achieve customer success through technology. He owns his own Web Design Company, which develops websites for both non-profit and for-profit organizations. He has experience in Flash, PHP, HTML, XHTML, Content Management System (CMS) powered websites with SQL databases or fully custom HTML website development. All websites are custom creations to meet the customer needs. Some of the sites use e-commerce to allow donations and purchases of products on line. Please visit his showcase site at www.northbendwebservices.com. Thorsten also freelances as Sounds Engineer for numerous events, including church services, concerts and theatrical productions. Some of his venues include “The Plaza Theater”, Orlando and “Night of Joy”, Walt Disney World. Thorsten received his B.S. in Aviation Computer Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and his Masters in Information Systems from the University of Phoenix.