A PLACE CALLED HOME
A Documentary Short Film
“A Place Called Home” is a heartfelt behind-the-scenes documentary capturing the creation of Spookley and the Christmas Kittens, a world-premiere musical produced by Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins, Minnesota.
The film follows a vibrant cast of young performers as they bring this touching holiday story to life—one centered on kindness, belonging, and discovering where you truly fit in. For many of the youth actors, the production becomes a journey of firsts: learning puppetry, building ensemble skills, and stepping into new artistic challenges with courage and curiosity.
Through rehearsals, creative problem-solving, and moments both triumphant and tender, A Place Called Home reveals the dedication and heart behind children’s theatre. More than a look at mounting a musical, it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling—onstage and off..
CREATIVE TEAM
Steve Fischer
Sandy Boren-Barrett
Sandy Boren-Barrett
Steve Fischer, owner Fischeye Films, is an award-winning documentary and non-fiction television series videographer and editor with more than two decades of experience shaping stories for film and television. Known for his strong visual sensibility and narrative storytelling, his work has been recognized with a Peabody Award, multiple Emm
Steve Fischer, owner Fischeye Films, is an award-winning documentary and non-fiction television series videographer and editor with more than two decades of experience shaping stories for film and television. Known for his strong visual sensibility and narrative storytelling, his work has been recognized with a Peabody Award, multiple Emmy Awards, a New York Festivals Award, and the CINE Golden Eagle Award.
Sandy Boren-Barrett
Sandy Boren-Barrett
Sandy Boren-Barrett
Sandy Boren-Barrett has been with Stages Theatre Company (STC) since 1990, allowing her to pursue her passion for theatre production and education, along with community building theatre serving young audiences. During her time in leadership STC has been awarded National recognition with the 2017 Harold Oaks Award for Innovative Contributi
Sandy Boren-Barrett has been with Stages Theatre Company (STC) since 1990, allowing her to pursue her passion for theatre production and education, along with community building theatre serving young audiences. During her time in leadership STC has been awarded National recognition with the 2017 Harold Oaks Award for Innovative Contributions to the Field of Theatre for Young Audiences, as well as the 2018 – 50/50 Applause Award for promoting gender equity with playwrights.
Joe Troiano
Sandy Boren-Barrett
Joe Troiano
Joe Troiano is the author, script writer, lyricist, and producer behind all of the Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Holiday Hill Farm books, movies, songs, and stage shows. Joe is also an accomplished lyricist, having written songs for film, music recordings, television and stage. His credits include Spookley the Square Pumpkin, Calliou, Arthur, Disney’s JoJo Circus and Monster Mash the Movie.
Jeff Zahn
Cody Braudt
Joe Troiano
Jeff Zahn is an award-winning music supervisor/composer. In addition to his work on Spookley the Square Pumpkin, Jeff was the music director and composer for the stage productions of Arthur’s Lucky Pencil, Cassandra’s Angels, Caillou, and Wimzie’s House. He has also produced projects for The Backstreet Boys, Wyclef Jean, Ziggy Marley, Art
Jeff Zahn is an award-winning music supervisor/composer. In addition to his work on Spookley the Square Pumpkin, Jeff was the music director and composer for the stage productions of Arthur’s Lucky Pencil, Cassandra’s Angels, Caillou, and Wimzie’s House. He has also produced projects for The Backstreet Boys, Wyclef Jean, Ziggy Marley, Art Garfunkel, Yo Yo Ma, The San Francisco Opera, Debra Harry and many others. As a musician, Jeff was an original member of the orchestra for Broadway production of Cats and he has performed with major headliners including Burt Bacharach, Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, Sammy Davis Jr, Earth, Wind and Fire, Dionne Warwick, and many other artists. Jeff has also supervised and composed the music for over 50 TV series including Arthur,Caillou: Are You Afraid of the Dark, Madeline,Paddington Bear, Richard Scarry, Wombles,Barney and Sesame Street. His film credits includeArthur, Twinkletoes, Frankenstein Sings; and Spookley the Square Pumpkin.
Cody Braudt
Cody Braudt
Cody Braudt
Cody R. Braudt is a Twin Cities based director, writer, and conceiver of live performance and theatrical events. As a director, his work has been seen at Stages Theatre Company, Walking Shadow Theatre Company, The Riley-Jacques Barn, The Depot Coffee House, The CalArts New Works Festival, The Trailer Trash Project, The CalArts Coffeehouse
Cody R. Braudt is a Twin Cities based director, writer, and conceiver of live performance and theatrical events. As a director, his work has been seen at Stages Theatre Company, Walking Shadow Theatre Company, The Riley-Jacques Barn, The Depot Coffee House, The CalArts New Works Festival, The Trailer Trash Project, The CalArts Coffeehouse Theater, and Acting for Others. Cody also serves as the Director of Brand Experiences for West Coast Dance Explosion, a national touring dance education convention for aspiring dancers.
JC Lippold
Cody Braudt
Cody Braudt
JC Lippold constructs space for others to be curious and courageous in as a nationally renowned teacher of movement and mindset, a community engager and social movement trailblazer, a published writer, researcher and systems changer, a theatre director and gigging rock musician, and as a leadership, change and executive presence coach. JC
JC Lippold constructs space for others to be curious and courageous in as a nationally renowned teacher of movement and mindset, a community engager and social movement trailblazer, a published writer, researcher and systems changer, a theatre director and gigging rock musician, and as a leadership, change and executive presence coach. JC is the Artistic Director of Minnesota’s premier senior rock ensemble Alive & Kickin and is grateful to be working on his 17th Stages Theatre Company Production.