OUR STELLAR TEAM
Teamwork makes the dream work.
OUR TEAM
Fire Ball Masquerade would not happen without the dedicated efforts of our amazing team. Feel free to give 'em a high five when you see them milling about!
Jesse Russell
Co-Founder and Co-Producer
Jesse Russell is the co-founder and co-producer of the Fire Ball Masquerade. He is the former founder and co-editor of Dane101.com, a grassroots local media site that served Madison, Wis. for nine years and that served as the spawning ground of the Fire Ball. During that time he also created and ran several other events, including Geekesque Burlesque, Madison's biggest non-city sponsored Halloween party, the geek culture focused MadPubQuiz of Awesomeness, and the city-wide Forward Music Festival. Jesse moved to the Bay Area in 2013 but continues to produce Madison events from afar. Jesse currently works in Marketing for Merlin Entertainments' San Francisco attractions Madame Tussauds and the San Francisco Dungeon.
Emily Mills
Co-Founder and Co-Producer
Emily Mills is the co-founder and co-producer of the Fire Ball Masquerade. She is the former co-editor of Dane101.com, a grassroots local media site that served Madison, WI for 9 years and that served as the spawning ground of the Fire Ball. During that time she and Dane101 also created and ran several other events, including Geekesque Burlesque. Emily currently serves as the Editor of Our Lives, Madison's "LGBT & XYZ" magazine, and is the drummer/singer for feminist queercore band Damsel Trash.
Sarah Luedtke
Production Director and Stage Manager
Luedtke was brought on to Stage Manage Geekesque Burlesque in the second year and they liked her so much they decided to keep her. When Fire Ball first began she was humbled to be asked to be their Stage Manager and has been Stage Managing Fire Ball ever since, recently being given the title of Production Director. Luedtke has been involved in all aspects of theatre for over 20 years and will Stage Manage this show until the end of time. Fire Ball for LIFE!
Michael Donnelly
Co-Producer
Coming soon!
Tamale Sepp
Co-Producer and Loyal Host
Tamale is a stand up comedian and interdisciplinary performer who splits her time between Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. She also travels internationally with her fierce eyebrows. Voted runner-up for Chicago’s Best Stand Up Comedian for The Reader, Tamale is a regular at The Laugh Factory, Zanies Comedy Clubs, and countless local and national showcases. She’s been featured in numerous national Comedy festivals, including Gilda's Laughfest in Grand Rapids, Chicago Women’s Funny Festival, Chicago Improv Festival, Sketchfest, and the Cleveland Comedy Festival. Tamale has also been featured internationally, performing at comedy clubs like The Pint and the Comedy Cellar in Dublin, Ireland, and in festivals like the Dublin Lesbian Arts Festival, where she was the International Guest of Honor. More at www.TamaleRocks.com!
@TamaleRocks on: Twitter Instagram Tumblr
Coffee Stain Creative
Web and Logo Design
We’re a Chicago, IL based digital agency, artistically curating pixels for your maximum impact. All of our websites are coded with precision, just for you, and made for any device. We specialize in WordPress and custom sites and offer branding packages in which we will work with you to hone your vision. We also drink coffee. A LOT of coffee. #MUGLIFE Your vision is unique. Your business is special. Your website and digital products will differentiate you from others. As an agency, we strive to make that happen. Our team of highly caffeinated digital artists work together to create products that reflect your particular needs. We take pride in our work, ensuring the quality of your online presence.