OUR STORY

Billy McGuigan
Owner/Creative Director

Billy McGuigan is the owner and creative director of Rave On Productions. Rave On Productions started in 2003 to house Billy’s touring shows including Yesterday and Today and Rave On!. Rave On Productions has grown to be recognized as one of the top agencies for mid-level touring in the United States and has expanded its roster to include artists that perform throughout North America. In 2020, Rave On Productions worked to expand its reach and now owns and operates the McGuigan Arts Academy and The Omaha Series, a season of shows presented in different venues around the Omaha-Metro designed to provide audiences with a unique experience.

“I was selected as an artistically ‘gifted’ kid in middle school and was able to study impovisational acting, movie editing and stage acting with professionally trained teachers and artists. It changed my life. Seeing that the arts ARE a profession and it CAN be done as a job opened my eyes to world that seemed unimaginable.”

KIMBERLY FAITH HICKMAN
Artistic & education director

Kimberly Faith Hickman joined Rave On Productions in 2021 as their first Artistic & Education Director. Kimberly is a theatre producer, director and choreographer whose credits include Broadway, Off Broadway, national tours and regional theatre productions across the country. Kimberly most recently served as Artistic Director for the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP). In her nearly five years there, she directed 19 productions and launched initiatives such as the OCP Directing Fellowship, sensory-friendly productions in collaboration with the Autism Action Partnership, and performances translated into Spanish in real-time.

”I was introduced to theatre at the age of 3. My parents took me to see a production of Annie and I was hooked. Later in my career I was inspired to work in theatre education because of Ron Anderson, the founder of the Springer Theatre Academy in Columbus, GA. He taught me everything that I know about working with students. He taught me that every student regardless of age, skill level or experience, has talent and skill.”

Kate Whitecotton
Chief executive officer

Kate’s career with Rave On Productions started in 2007 when she joined Billy McGuigan in Omaha, Nebraska to stage manage the premiere of Yesterday and Today. Shortly after the premiere, the company set out on their first national tour where Kate quickly worked her way up to be the Tour and Production Manager and Director of Bookings. In 2016 Kate moved into her current role of CEO and has helped to grow Rave On Productions into a nationally recognized production company. Kate’s newest and favorite project with Rave On Productions has been launching The Omaha Series and facilitating outreach opportunities at the McGuigan Arts Academy.

“My involvement in theatre didn’t begin until high school when I volunteered to Stage Manager our production of Newsies. I loved everything about the experience. What stuck with me the most is how open and accepting everyone was. I had found a place where you could come as you are without judgement and have a supportive community around you as you expressed your creativity. I hope to help provide an opportunity where everyone can have that experience.”