Providing design, technical, and leadership services for the performing arts, events, hospitality, and themed environments.
Derek Jones (he/him)
Lead Designer
Derek’s journey into the arts began as an actor and musician. As his interest in live performance grew, he transitioned into design, collaborating on works for fashion, museum, dance, and theater along the eastern seaboard including New York, Washington D.C., and Virginia.
Derek leads the Panda Roja team with unending creative energy and technical prowess. His experience as a college professor and his passionate attention to detail have positioned Derek as an instrumental manager and mentor. He directs his team to focus on Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration for every project.
Derek grew up in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and moved to DC for almost a decade. After stints in Indiana and Maine, Derek moved to LA to pursue architectural lighting. Since then, he has enjoyed it so much that he has set up roots in LA while still traveling across the country to complete projects. His favorite hobby is traveling the world to ride roller coasters.
Derek received both a BA in Theatre and BS in Physics from The George Washington University and his MFA in Lighting Design from Indiana University.
Jeanne Valleroy (she/her)
Operations Manager
Jeanne fell in love with the arts at young age as an actor and dancer. While in college, she shifted her focus into the design/tech world of theater—particularly stage management. Through her stage management work, she has become more versatile with expanded programing and design knowledge.
Jeanne is very excited to be working with Panda Roja. Her experience as stage manager, programmer, and designer brings a variety of skills to the company and its clients.
Jeanne is a California native growing up in the San Gabriel Valley. Having grown up in the area, she has worked at many theater and art venues across LA and Orange County. Her favorite hobby is creating handmade gifts for friends.
Jeanne received her BA in Technical Theater and Design from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Kat Denning (they/them)
Project Manager
Originally from North Carolina, Kat is a Burbank-based Project Manager, Production Manager, and Stage Manager. They have worked from coast to coast with recent credits including the 91st and 92nd season of the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival (Assistant Production Manager), The Polar Express: Southern California (Assistant Production Manager), The 24 HR Plays Los Angeles (Production Stage Manager), Judson Theater’s 2024 Season (Stage Manager), and LA Opera Connects (Touring Stage Technician). They have spent their professional career refining their management style to create systems that best support the artists in their process. Through recent years, they have merged their management skills with newfound technical experience to craft a well rounded toolkit fit to take on any challenge. They are grateful to be collaborating with the talented team at Panda Roja.
Kat received their BFA in Stage Management from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Ella Fornof (she/her)
Associate Designer
Ella Fornof was born and raised in Washington state and is now based in Los Angeles, CA. She has experience and passion primarily in creative storytelling through theater and live events, but is excited to take on any show headed her way through her programming and electrician skill sets as well. Some of her previous credits include the past two CalArts’ Graduations (Lighting Director/Lighting Designer), the Visions2030 Earth Editions Festival (Lighting Designer), CNP’s World Premiere of Etta and Ella (Ass. Lighting Designer), as well as National Geographic’s booth at D23 (MA Programmer).
Ella’s favorite hobbies include dancing and baking for friends. She is very excited to be working and collaborating with Panda Roja to create beautiful new experiences.
She is currently finishing a BFA in Experience Design and Production with a specialty in Lighting Design from the California Institute of the Arts.
Jennifer Gonzalez (she/her)
Associate Designer
Jennifer Gonzalez is a female latina storyteller, who strives to give people a voice through art. Her journey in theatre began in high school doing a little of everything, but falling in love with stage management. After taking her first lighting design class in undergrad, she decided to change disciplines and take on lighting design. She loves how lighting can tell a story on its own and can be used to spark emotion through the audience.
Jennifer was born in Whittier, CA, but grew up in Bloomington, CA where she is now based. She loves to go to the gym, hiking with her dog and attend concerts/music festivals with her friends.
Jennifer is blessed to have become part of the Panda Roja team and is looking forward to expanding her knowledge.
Jennifer received her MFA in Lighting Design from Texas State University and her BA in Theatre Arts from the University of La Verne.
Anneliese du Boulay (she/her)
Associate Designer
Anneliese comes from a family of theater technicians and artists. Her youth was spent on the sets of Sesame Street and on the paint floor of the Metropolitan Opera House. It seemed only natural that she gravitated towards theater in high school, majoring in Technical Theater. This is where she first found lighting and she hasn’t given it up since. Anneliese’s love only grew throughout college where she discovered how vast the world of lighting really was.
While born and raised in Brooklyn, Anneliese is now based in Los Angeles (mostly to escape the snow). She has experience as a designer, a programmer and an electrician. Anneliese enjoys lighting music in a myriad of ways—music concerts, dance, and musicals included. Her time in LA has expanded her knowledge to include production and stage management, and she is excited to bring her ever expanding skillset to Panda Roja.
Anneliese’s hobbies include long walks on the beach, hunting for the best food truck tacos, annoying her cat and napping.
Anneliese received her BFA in Technical Theater and Design with a specialty in Lighting from Emerson College.
Grey Nicholson (he/him)
Lighting Programmer
Grey is a lighting programmer and electrician based out of Burbank, California. His recent credits include East West Players' Production of Spring Awakening (ALD / Pixel Programmer), Carrie Underwood Reflections Las Vegas Residency (Lighting Director), The Dr. Seuss Experience @ Santa Monica Place (Head Electrician / Programmer), and Dancing with the Stars Live (Lighting Director / Asst. Programmer). Grey is incredibly grateful to be a part of the Panda Roja team and excited for his continued collaboration with this top-notch group of people.
Grey recieved his BFA in Lighting Design and Technology from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Mario enjoys working in the theatre and looks forward to continuing his exploration of the performing arts world in Los Angeles. Everyday he finds something new to learn and contribute back to the team. His favorite hobby is baking and cooking for his friends and family.