Staff Directory

Richard Bates

Associate Director

Richard Bates is a native New Orleanian (Franklin High School) who spent most of the 90’shomesick in grunge-less New York, Paris, and London. With Young Audiences since November of 1999, he is currently putting NYU English and French degrees to good use as Associate Director, shuffling budgets, project outlines, and special requests for maximum impact in compliance with Intergalactic Arkestral auditing requirements. His favorite part of the job is holding the paper trail at bay long enough to actually see or speak with any of our phenomenal teaching artists, all who have made great personal sacrifices to develop and share their inclusive, transformative gifts with children and with the community at large. Richard is also a thankful son, mischievous brother, fortunate friend, lucky husband, bewitched father, aspiring rock star (hear him with the hons), and vehement enthusiast of the serial comma.

Jon Cosper

Director of Afterschool and Summer Programs

Jon was born and raised in the 9th ward of New Orleans and was a graduate of Edna Karr High School. Jon joined the Young Audiences team in May of 2011 shortly after getting his degree in Business Management and Legal Studies from Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business.  As the Director of After School and Summer Programs, Jon relishes every free moment he gets. In those moments, he loves to spend time with his Boo and his Fantasy Football teams.

Andrew Freeman

Director of Development and Communications

Andrew joined Young Audiences as an intern in 2006. While completing his degree in Finance and Art History from Tulane University he served as Young Audiences' IT department, delivery man, and office manager before graduating in 2009 and being brought on full-time as the organization's first Director of Communications and Special Projects. In this capacity Andrew works to increase Young Audiences' visibility in the community and online. When he is not sitting in meetings, you can find him making groceries at the Rouses in the CBD or roaming in his natural habitat of the Bywater.

Jenny James

Program Director

Jenny joined the Young Audiences team in January 2007 as a physical education specialist in an after-school program, but surprisingly found that her English Degree better prepared her to supervise the implementation of Young Audience's arts-integrated literacy program, Arts for Learning Lessons.  She quickly moved into the role of Program Director.  When she is not at the office or a school, she spends her time practicing her Italian, teaching her four-year-old daughter to read, and taking dangerous items away from her toddler son.

Rickie Nutik

Executive Director

Rickie, a graduate of McGill University in Montreal, has been Executive Director of Young Audiences of Louisiana for 22 years.  During her tenure the organization has expanded its mission to focus on arts, education, and youth development. Prior to joining Young Audiences, she taught drama and language arts to high school students. When Rickie is not visiting schools or writing grants she can be found jogging in Audubon Park or having early morning coffee breaks with friends.

Suzannah Powell

Program Manager

As a Nashville native, Suzannah grew up in a family of musicians. After high school she left the south for a five year adventure in Los Angeles, earning her English Degree from UCLA and working freelance in the entertainment industry. She has returned to her southern roots here in New Orleans, translating her entertainment business experience to the educational realm. As Program Manager, she acts as agent and coordinator for all acts on the Young Audiences Performance Roster. Suzannah hopes to provide steady work for local artists, and educational entertainment for students, all while staying happy, sane, and perpetually wooed by the city she now calls home.

Roscoe Reddix

Director of Arts Integration

Roscoe Reddix Jr. is a teaching artist, storyteller, dancer, and Young Audiences' Director ofArts Integration.  He is a native New Orleanian and a proud graduate of Howard University; BFA, Theater Arts, ’92.  (Go Bisons!)  He also performs with several dance and theater companies in the city. When he’s not reviewing lesson plans, teaching class, or assisting other teaching artists you’ll probably find him in rehearsal for something...(Whew!)

Myra Faye Turner

After-School and Summer Program Associate

After an eight year absence from the workforce, during which time she concentrated on raising her son and her blossoming freelance writing career, Myra decided it was time to get a "real" job. After a brief stint at the Louisiana Children's Museum and Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR), she joined Young Audiences in January 2010. Myra is responsible for registration and data management of all students enrolled in the afterschool program. Originally from Mobile, Alabama (Roll Tide!), in her spare time she enjoys rereading all 823 pages of Stephen King's The Stand, while simultaneously beating her son in chess.

Arielle Wiltz

Marketing Associate and Office Manager

Arielle was born and raised on the Westbank of New Orleans and was a graduate of St. Mary's Dominican High School. After graduating with a B.A. in Graphic Design from Loyola University New Orleans, Arielle joined the Young Audiences team in December 2012 as Office Manager and quickly added Marketing Associate to her title. In this position, Arielle designs marketing material for Young Audiences and brands the Young Audiences Charter School while doing day to day administrative duties. When she is not working with Young Audiences, she is doing freelance design work, taking Brazilian Samba dance classes, or exploring New Orleans with friends.