Our Staff & Board

HILARY MORTON
Artistic Director

Hilary Morton is a choral educator and performer who began teaching at Shawnee Mission North High School after relocating to Kansas City from Lawrence, Kansas. She previously taught at Lawrence Free State High School and Oregon Trail Junior High in Olathe.

She sang under the direction of Simon Carrington at the University of Kansas, where she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music Education and Theatre/Voice, with a minor in French. She also holds a Master’s in Choral Pedagogy from KU.

Hilary has been involved in theatre in Lawrence for almost 40 years, from sketch comedy productions to Broadway cabaret performances.

When she is not singing or making others sing, she is nestled with her fur babies, watching scary movies whilst baking cookies and crafting specialty cocktails for her loved ones.

Hilary joined the Kansas City Women’s Chorus as Artistic Director and Conductor in fall 2022.

EMILY MARRIN
Executive Director

Emily Marrin joined the Kansas City Women’s Chorus as a singing member in 2013, served as Interim Executive Director in 2016, and was named Executive Director in 2017.

She brings over 25 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and leadership to the chorus. Her career includes coordinating national promotional campaigns for film, television, live entertainment, video games, consumer goods, and major event venues. Emily has overseen regional initiatives across the country and managed nationwide account teams for clients including Lionsgate Entertainment, Fathom Events, and The Metropolitan Opera on Screen.

With a background in Psychology and a talent for connecting with people, Emily brings warmth, insight, and people-centered leadership to her role with the chorus. Her creative vision and strategic expertise help amplify KCWC’s mission of musical excellence, inclusivity, and social advocacy.

RIA THOMAS
Collaborative Pianist

Ria Thomas has served as KCWC’s collaborative pianist since fall 2024, bringing exceptional musical skill and precision to our rehearsals and performances. Her expertise supports the ensemble’s artistic goals and contributes to a cohesive and expressive sound. We’re grateful for her dedication and talent.

DOUGLAS SCHROEDER
Technical Director

Doug Schroeder has been the Technical Director of the Kansas City Women’s Chorus since 2015. Schroeder is a Kansas native and received a B.F.A. in technical theater from Emporia State University.

In addition to working as the technical director for KCWC, Doug also is the production manager for the Kansas City Melting Pot Theater and Manager with the Parks and Recreation Department, City of Kansas City Missouri. Schroeder has over thirty years of design expertise.

He has worked with several theatrical organizations in Kansas City including KCMPT, Theater in the Park and She and Her Productions.

LAURA BURT
Stage Manager

Laura Burt is an actor and stage manager from Kansas City, Missouri. She is honored to be working with the Kansas City Women’s Chorus. She has worked with several theatres in Kansas City including: Olathe Civic Theatre Association, City Theatre of Independence, The Barn Players, Buffalo Room, Fringe Festival, Tradewind Arts, Relevance Productions, KC Melting Pot, and Theatre Lawrence. When she is not working a show, she is a licensed counselor in the Kansas City area specializing in Women’s Issues.