A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail

Steve Cisneros (Producing Artistic Director) created Phantom Projects Theatre Group at the age of 17 and has overseen the daily operations of the troupe ever since. Guiding the organization to national acclaim, Phantom has performed at theatres all over the country and had two national tours that, unfortunately, came to a halt with the Covid closures. Phantom Pro-jects is a resident presenting group at the 1,251-seat La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts producing the annual Theatre for a Teen Audience Series. The troupe has been covered by every major TV station (including stations in France and Russia!) and newspaper thanks to the unique focus on arts education and accessibility. In 2021, The City of La Habra selected Phantom as the new managers and operators of the historic La Habra Depot Theatre. After 6 months of renovations, the troupe opened The Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot. In 2024, La Habra and Phantom Projects agreed to extend their agreement until at least 2031.

Jennifer Kornswiet (Choreographer) is an award-winning choreographer and dance teacher from Orange County, California, and is thrilled to be back at The Phantom Projects after Be More Chill with this wonderful production. She made her Off-Broadway debut choreographing Waiting In The Wings: The Musical at The Theatre at St. Clement’s in New York City in Spring 2023, and won the BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Award for Best Original Choreography for her work. Jen also won the 2024 Orange County Theatre Guild Award for Outstanding Choreography for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at The Wayward Artist. She has choreographed a variety of musical theatre productions including Cabaret, Six, Newsies, Legally Blonde, The Addams Family, Elf, Mary Poppins, Wonderland, and Into The Woods. Jen holds dual Bachelor of Arts Degrees from The Ohio State University in Film Studies and Strategic Communications, and was one of the emerging choreographers selected to be part of the 2019 Broadway Choreography Intensive through Dance Lab New York. She is currently choreographing multiple shows throughout Orange County, and is a dancer/performer in Disneyland parades. Thank you to mom, family, and friends for your unwavering support, and to this amazing cast for all of their hard work. 

Catherine Oregon (Assistant Director and Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to join the team of A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail! A Hispanic-American actress and director born and raised in Los Angeles, Catherine began her journey in community theatre, where she developed her craft. She has performed in over 30 productions, both locally and professionally. Catherine has successfully transitioned to film and television, bringing her theatrical experience to the screen. Based in LA, she is passionate about representing diverse stories in the entertainment industry and continues to captivate audiences with her performances and direction.

Julianna Rossi (Production Stage Manager) is excited to be working on Winnie The Pooh: A Christmas Tail! Julianna has starred onstage in Phantom Projects’ #TheSocialMediaPlay (2023/2024) but mostly works backstage, stage managing shows such as Number the Stars (2023), The Giver (2024), Sweeney Todd (2024), Matilda JR (2024), Avenue Q (2024), The Diary of Anne Frank (2025), & James and The Giant Peach (2025). She also made her assistant directing debut at La Mirada Theatre with Phantom Projects’ Through These Eyes (2025). Julianna looks to continue her career in theatre and thanks her grandfather and family for the inspiration to do so! Julianna hopes to continue working with the amazing Phantom Projects team!

Gabrielle Maldonado (Music Director) is a versatile musician, working as both a performer and music director in the Southern California musical theatre scene. Gabrielle has been involved in numerous successful productions which include “American Idiot” at the Chance Theater (keyboard/conductor), “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812” at Cypress College (keyboard/conductor) and TNH’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” (Silly Girl/Female Swing) where the cast received an NAACP award for their incredible display of diverse casting and its importance. Gabrielle is also the lyricist for an original production “Arena: a House Music-al,” having premiered at the Renberg theatre in Hollywood. She was also awarded twice for best Music Direction and best Orchestra by Broadway World 2023 for her work in Cypress College’s production of, “Carrie.” Recently she showcased her talents as she took the role of Beggar Woman in Phantom Project’s production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleetstreet” and in Southgate’s production of “Once.” Gabrielle continues to make a significant impact in the musical theater world with her unwavering dedication to empowering artists to tell stories through musicality and working as one while maintaining a love of performing.

Zoe Wilber (Costume Design, Props Master) graduated from Chapman University in 2021 with a BFA in Theatre Performance. She is grateful for the opportunities to design for Phantom Projects Theatre productions since Fall 2022. She has been the general manger for Phantom Projects since Fall 2023! Thank you to this cast for all of their enthusiasm and collaboration, and thank you to Eddie for all of his love and support. Happy holidays!  

Jacob Antisdel (Audio Engineer) is super excited to be working on his first Christmas show with Phantom Projects! Jacob has been working with Phantom since February 2025. He graduated this year from Cal State Dominguez hills with a BA in Audio Engineering. Jacob is thankful with the opportunity to work with such incredible talent and creatives for “A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail” and hopes you enjoy the show! He would like to thank his family and his girlfriend Jennifer for their continued support.