Zachary’s love of theatre, design, art, and collaboration were all forged while growing up in Northwest Indiana, where he spent his spare time painting, paintballing, and plotting his escape. After attending Columbia College Chicago, he freelanced as a scenic designer in Chicago where he received his first Jeff Nomination for Best Scenic Design in a Musical 2014. Shortly after that he created and founded the Ensemble Theatre Company and went on to produce one of the most successful community theatre productions in Northwest Indiana, The New Mel Brooks Musical YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. His company has received over 20 nominations and has won more than half including “Best Musical of the Year 2015-2016”, “Best Scenic Design of the Year”, and “Best Choreographer”. While managing ETC as the Artistic Director/Executive Producer, Gipson was invited to direct, design, and choreograph Purdue Northwest’s 2016-2017 season. After a rewarding run at PNW he transferred over to Culver Academies in December of 2017 where he designs safe atmospheres for creatives to explore the art and craft of theatre.

Derek Jensen was born and raised in Bremen, Indiana, and has a degree in English Literature from Purdue University. He became a professional writer in the corporate world and, in his retirement, serves on four non-profit boards, including the Wild Rose Moon. He participated in the 2024 spring and summer productions of The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood under Zachary Gipson. He's active in the Moon's Moonitics improv group and is the announcer for the Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour on WVPE and WNIT-TV.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story can make all the difference. Use the “Contact” tab above to inquire about becoming an Ensemble Member with Attic Theatrics.