Our People

Mr. Albert (he/him/his) relocated from Orlando, Florida to join the Capitol in August 2020. He has over twenty-five years of experience in commercial and non-profit arts & entertainment management with such organizations as Williamstown Theatre Festival, Santa Fe Opera, RSL Theatrical, and Orlando Shakes. His professional experience includes executive director, managing director, general manager, director of finance, and director of guest services. He has also designed lighting, sound, and pyrotechnics, and handled event management for companies such as AFLAC, Synovus, and the Miss Georgia Scholarship Pageant.

Originally from Chicago Heights, Illinois, Mr. Albert attended school at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he studied Theatre. He also holds a Certificate in Business Management for Nonprofits. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Capitol Civic Centre Foundation and the Manitowoc County Expo Center.

Ms. Behnke (she/her/hers) has been with the Capitol since October 2012. Starting as a Box Office staff member, she was promoted to the Box Office Manager position in January 2014. Her responsibilities were further expanded in Fall 2015. Her current duties at the Capitol include oversight of all box office operations, building and event readiness, supervision of custodial staff, and supervision of the house manager position.

Ms. Behnke graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2007 with a BA in Psychology and Human Development and in 2012 with a BA in Arts and Non-Profit Management.

She is a lover of the arts in this community and has participated in many arts organizations over the years including, Peter Quince Performing Company, The Masquers, Lakeshore Wind Ensemble, and the Capitol Civic Centre Community Chorale. Ms. Behnke has taken a break from performing to start a family, but she currently is keeping her love of the arts alive by dancing with MantyDance.

Ms. Chupita (she/her/hers) has been with the Capitol since March 2022. Born and raised in Manitowoc, WI, she has visited and performed at the Capitol multiple times in her life, starting at the age of five. She has a strong leadership and management background, with previous positions in store management and workforce analytics. As House Manager, she maintains the building and event readiness for large and private events to ensure everything is prepared and successful. She also takes pride in her major role as a volunteer coordinator. This includes scheduling, recruiting, communicating, training, and engaging with current and new volunteers.

Ms. Chupita graduated from Lakeshore Technical College in December 2022 with presidential honors in business management and business essentials. In her free time, she enjoys being outside and spending as much time with her family, friends, and her two cats.

Ms. Kirby (she/her/hers) joined the staff in March of 2010, bringing more than 28 years of experience in marketing, communications, and design to the Capitol. She has held senior artist and creative director positions with industry and agency work. Additionally, she served as creative director for award-winning, nationally subscribed magazines. Her work has appeared throughout the country in brand marketing and corporate identity design, collateral and POP marketing, product packaging, and print.

In addition to marketing the Capitol brand, she provides marketing support and advisement to Capitol arts partners and rental presenters. Other duties include directing the marketing budget, coordinating media and Web collateral, establishing and maintaining media relations, and facilitating public relations. In addition to these duties, she designs all collateral for Capitol promotion, scripts all radio and television promotions, and serves as Website administrator.

As a member of Manitowoc Noon Rotary since 2012, Lori is active on the Board of Directors, having served as Club president and on the executive committee. She has been involved with many local and regional organizations and causes, donating design work and marketing consultation throughout her career.

Ms. Krey (she/her/hers) has been with the Capitol for over 24 years. Her responsibilities cover a wide range of basic finance functions, contract administration, membership coordination, Capital Campaign administration, and office management. She also handles hospitality for the national touring groups the Capitol presents.

Ms. Krey is a past board member of the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra. Besides being a very dedicated grandmother, Peggy occasionally takes to the stage, having been a regular in the Lakeshore Passion Play, performed in several Manty Dance Recitals, and is a member of the Capitol Civic Centre Community Chorale, under the direction of Jim and Susie Miller.

Mr. Owens (he/him/his) brings his storied 35-year career to the Capitol Civic Centre. He has served as the technical director/lecturer of theatre at Lawrence University, the technical director at Little Chute High School, and the stage manager for Summerfest and the Production Manager for Unity Christian Music Festival. He was also the sound engineer at Lambeau Field for Green Bay Packer home games for 18 seasons. In addition, he has worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including 21 Pilots, Barry Manilow, Metallica, Bob Dylan, and Maya Angelou. Mr. Owens is a devoted father to his two children, Kieran and Belmar. In his spare time, he is an avid guitarist.