Orlando Repertory Theatre Staff
.jpg)
Gene Columbus, Executive Director
407-896-7365 ext. 217, gcolumbus@orlandorep.com
Gene Columbus joined the Orlando Repertory Theatre early in 2008 after 38 years with the Walt Disney Company in various roles within the Entertainment Division. In addition he has been an Adjunct Professor at the UCF Conservatory Theatre for more than ten years; he is the author of soon to be released book “Careers in Special Events” (John Wiley & Son, 2010).
Mr. Columbus began his career performing in Motion Pictures such as FUNNY GIRL, DR. DOOLITTLE and others. He appeared on numerous Television shows including THE LUCY SHOW, THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW, and THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE. With Musical Theatre as his favorite, he appeared in a number of shows such as WEST SIDE STORY, GUYS & DOLLS, OKLAHOMA to name a few.
.
As a committed community volunteer he has received many awards and acknowledgements including The United Arts of Central Florida “2002 Volunteer of the Year” – the Edgewood Children’s Ranch “The Dream Maker Award” in 2003 for his more than twenty-five years producing events that raised millions of dollars. In 2004 he was honored with the “Jack Holloway Star of Gratitude” from UCP Child Development Centers and in 2005 Event Solutions inducted him into the “Special Events Hall of Fame.”
Gene has been married to dance instructor, Becky for nearly 40 years and has two sons who both in the performing arts. His son Robert is a musician at Walt Disney World and owns and operates a recording studio. His youngest son, Nigel was on the national tour of SPAMALOT as the understudy to “Lancelot” and ensemble swing and now lives in Los Angeles. Gene has had an exciting career and a very blessed life and is honored to serve as Executive Director for the Orlando Repertory Theatre.
Jeffrey M. Revels, Artistic Director
407-896-7365 ext. 216, jrevels@orlandorep.com
Jeff has directed many productions here including Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business; How I Became A Pirate; The Berenstain Bears On Stage; The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood; Blue’s Clues Live; The Emperor’s New Clothes; All Shook Up; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Jeff received the “Distinguished Career in Theatre for Youth” from the Florida Theatre Conference and has been recognized by United Arts as “Arts Educator of the Year” numerous times. He is a graduate of Winthrop University and serves on many arts committees and adjudicates performances regionally and nationally. Jeff is an active member of Theatre for Young Audiences/USA, Americans for the Arts, American Association of Theatre Education, First Presbyterian Church Orlando, and a graduate of Leadership Orlando.
Nao Tsurumaki, General Manager
407-896-7365 ext. 227, nao@orlandorep.com
Nao Tsurumaki is General Manager of Orlando Repertory Theatre, where he previously served as Company Manager. His professional career began in stage management at Seaside Music Theater, working on productions of Ragtime, Once on this Island, A Tale of Two Cities, The Gondoliers, as well as the workshop production of Robin Hood: A New Musical, a new original work by Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan. Before joining Orlando Repertory Theatre, he learned his management craft at Disney Theatrical Productions on Broadway (The Lion King), Summer Play Festival (Arielle Tepper Productions), and from numerous general managers and company managers who inspired him to do what he does today.
This is Chris’ first season here at The REP! After receiving a BFA degree in theater from UCF, Chris went on to graduate school at the Yale School of Drama where he received a Master of Fine Arts degree in technical design and production. After Yale, Chris worked at Hudson Scenic Studio in New York building automation systems for Broadway and building the 2009 Times Square Ball. Chris, his wife Katie, and their one year old son, Michael, are very excited to be back in Orlando.
Lilly Hastings, Technical Director
Lilly is glad to be a member of The REP's production staff and is excited to be able to bring new and creative children's theatre to Orlando. She received her BFA in Technincal Theatre and Design from UCF. She has worked at The Utah Shakespeare Festival and Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo, NY, before returning to Orlando. Lilly has been with The REP since the fall of 2008.
Roger Scott, Assistant Technical Director
407-896-7365 ext. 221, rscott@orlandorep.com
Roger came to The REP after working for Cirque du Soleil for five years. He has worked in theatre for over 25 years. Roger sees his work at The REP as a fabulous opportunity for serving the greater good, which he considers art to be. He thanks his fellow colleagues and most importantly you, for making his life so sweet. Without you, we wouldn't be possible.
Felicia is a graduate of Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre. She was the Master Electrician at Greenbrier Valley Theatre in Lewisburg, WV for the 2009 summer season. She has also worked at Seaside Music Theatre in Daytona Beach for the 2007 summer season. She is looking forward to spending the 2009-2010 season here at Orlando Repertory Theatre.
Carrie Kasten, Internship Coordinator & Stage Management
Carrie is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a BFA degree in Stage Management. She has been working at the Orlando Repertory Theatre since 2005 where she has stage managed Crazy For You; Salt & Pepper; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Go, Dog. Go!; Seussical the Musical; All Shook Up; I Never Saw Another Butterfly and more. Carrie also enjoys working with The REP’s very talented interns as the Internship Coordinator.
Grayson Tate, Costume Shop Manager
Grayson graduated from Auburn University with her Bachelors in Science in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production Management. She completed a costume shop internship at The REP in 2009 and is excited to be back as the Costume Shop Manager. She helped build costumes for Junie B. Jones and A Little Monkey Business, If You Give A Pig A Party, The Hundred Dresses, and Holes. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”—Henry David Thoreau
Gary Cadwallader, Education Director
407-896-7365 ext. 201, garyc@orlandorep.com
Gary Cadwallader is an actor, director and Education Director at Orlando Repertory Theatre. At The Rep Gary has directed Thoroughly Modern Millie, If You Give a Pig a Party, The Neverending Story, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Go, Dog. Go!, and Footloose. In twenty years at Seaside Music Theater in Daytona Beach, Gary directed Little Shop of Horrors and A Year with Frog and Toad, and performed many roles, including Phil Davis in White Christmas, Cosmo in Singin’ In The Rain, John Adams in 1776 and Luther Billis in South Pacific, among many others. Other directing credits include The Tempest, …Shakespeare [abridged], The Spitfire Grill, and Perfect/Change, at The Limelight Theater in St. Augustine, Tapestry: The Songs of Carol King at Playhouse by the Beach, Marivaux's The Triumph of Love and A Midsummer Night's Dream at Orlando's Civic Theater; In The Rec Room at Atlantic Center For The Arts, and The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV, Part 1 at the Atlantic Shakespeare Festival. As an actor, Gary played Hornbeck in Inherit The Wind at Northern Stage in Vermont; Kabuki Medea, M. Butterfly, and The Great Gatsby at Chicago's Wisdom Bridge Theater, the Emcee in the national tour of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and roles in A League of Their Own, The New Untouchables and Forensics (pilot). He can currently be seen in national commercials for Marriott Fairfield Inns, Gillette Body Wash (with Tiger Woods), EA Sports (with Tiger Woods) and Publix. Gary has an MFA in acting from Western Illinois University, a BA in theatre from St. Edward's University in Austin, TX, and is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.
Diane Messina, Community Engagement Coordinator
407-896-7365 ext. 202, dianem@orlandorep.com
Diane Messina holds her Bachelors of Arts from the University of Maryland and her Master of Education from Trinity College, Washington, DC. She has more than 35 years of experience in Arts in Education having worked closely with such organizations as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Arts Council, Endowment for the Arts, and Folger Shakespeare Theatre, Washington, DC. She helped design and facilitate MATI - Maryland Arts Teacher Institute which trains educators in arts/academics curriculum infusion. Diane currently serves as an Educational Consultant for The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Program "On Location: Spotlight on Your Community" Project. Along with her responsibilities as Community Engagement Coordinator for the REP, Diane is also an Entertainment Manager at the Walt Disney World MGM Studios.
Stacie Perez, Education & Field Trip Manager
407-896-7365 ext. 203, staciep@orlandorep.com
Stacie I. Perez holds a BA from Stetson University; she also studied abroad to do undergraduate work at the University of Madrid. During her time at Stetson, she received vocal training and performed at different concerts with The Choral Union Choir. Prior to her studies at Stetson University, Stacie sang with The Camerata Choir of Orlando and participated in a European tour with The Camerata in 1999. In 2001, Stacie participated and sang in her second European tour with the Cypress Creek Musical Theatre Program. Stacie has experience working with non-profit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and the American Cancer Society; she enjoys working with children and has experience working as a teacher.
Lacey Cole, Field Trip Assistant
Lacey is a new Florida resident, having recently moved to the area from Illinois. She is a graduate of the Theatre department at Northwestern University and most recently worked with kids at a foreign language learning center for children in Chicago. Lacey is excited to combine her love for theatre and children here at The REP!
Emily Pinyot, Education Assistant
407-896-7365 ext. 219, education@orlandorep.com
Emily recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Stetson University. She interned at The REP in the summer of 2009 and is thrilled to be back as Education Assistant. A native of Central Florida, Emily has been attending performances at The REP for years; she is excited to now be working for the organization which played a huge role in igniting her passion for the performing arts. Prior to interning at The REP, Emily interned in the Development department of the Museum of Florida Art in DeLand, FL. Emily was also an active participant in Stetson University’s School of Music throughout her college education, performing both in the Women’s Chorale and Choral Union.
Mary Elizabeth Bice, House Manager & Events Associate / Volunteer Coordinator
407-896-7365 ext. 225, mebice@orlandorep.com
Mary Elizabeth Bice holds an M.A. in Arts Management from
Montclair State University (‘08) and a BA in Stage Management (‘06) from Kent
State University. Ms. Bice’s most recent house managing experience was for
Broadway’s St. James, August Wilson, Eugene O’Neill, and Al Hirschfeld
Theatres. Other theatrical positions include Box Office Assistant Manager and
Manager at Porthouse Theatre for 2006 and 2007 seasons, and Ticketing Services
Specialist at New York City’s New Victory Theatre.
Mareeko Finney, Box Office Assistant
407-896-7365 ext. 229, mareekof@orlandorep.com
Mareeko is an AEA member and former University of Central Florida (UCF) BFA Musical Theatre major. While attending UCF, she participated in such shows as Ain't Misbehavin' (Nell), A Raisin In the Sun (Lena Younger), You Can't Take It With You (Rheba), Butterfinger's Angel (Tree), and Anything Goes (Passenger), just to name a few. She has also participated in several People's Theatre productions: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Ma Rainey), Once on This Island (Asaka), and Spunk (Blues Speak Woman). Her most recent performances were Universal Studios Blues Brothers Review (Mable), and The Festival of The Lion King Show (Zawadi), at Disney's Animal Kingdom. She also performed in such venues as the Disney Institute, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Seaside Music Theatre, and Holy Land. She is happy to join the REP family as the Box Office and House Management Assistant. She has prior experience with both positions, working in the Box Office and House Management at UCF, and Box Office at the Seaside Musical Theatre Company.
Judy Wilcox, Box Office Assistant
407-896-7365 ext. 229, jwilcox@orlandorep.com
After a 20-year career in Human Resources at San Diego-based biotech corporations, Judy transitioned into part-time work in Recreation Services within the public sector, as well as booking performances for classical pianists and local Blues bands. This Southern California native relocated to Orlando in the Summer of 2007, partly for its active Arts community. Being an avid patron of Central Florida's live theatre, she considers the REP's box office an ideal working environment.
Lauren Nelson, Development Director
407-896-7365 ext. 224, lnelson@orlandorep.com
Lauren Nelson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications from Elon University (NC). Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Lauren moved to Orlando in January of 2003 where she became involved in Central Florida's nonprofit industry first working for Best Buddies International and then spending three years with the American Cancer Society. Lauren has led thousands of volunteers in successful fundraising campaigns and special events; and has worked with many well-known companies in Central Florida through corporate sponsorships and partnerships. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Grant Professionals Network, Orlando Jaycees and is also the immediate past President of the Downtown Orlando Toastmasters chapter. Lauren is currently attending the University of Central Florida to complete a master's degree in Nonprofit Management.
Jennifer Guhl, Marketing Manager
407-896-7365 ext. 228, jguhl@orlandorep.com
Jennifer Guhl graduated Cum Laude from Marymount Manhattan College (NY) with a
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts. While in school, she completed
internships with Boneau Bryan-Brown and Marie Claire Magazine and was an
executive board member of Lambda Pi Eta, Communication Arts Honor Society. While
studying abroad at the University of Bristol (UK) she participated in their
theater, film and art history programs.
Born and raised in New Jersey,
she was the head Theatre Director for the Allegra School of Music's Summer
Theatre Program and directed such productions as Little Shop of Horrors,
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Into the Woods. Jennifer
first discovered the arts as a child and now hopes to work with programs, such
as The REP, that support the next generation of theatre professionals and
lovers.
Prior to becoming Marketing Manager, Jennifer worked for the REP as an intern in the
Marketing Department and as a Public Relations Account Coordinator for Wellons
Communications in Altamonte Springs.
Brian Diaz, Administrative Assistant
Brian graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Business Administration in the spring of 2008. His first experience working in theatre was as an intern at The REP and he is thrilled to be back as a staff member. Brian assists the General Manager and Artistic Director with various projects and handles Season Auditions.
Jenna Homrich-Micocci, Office Manager
Jenna holds a BA in Commercial Music from Florida State University, with a minor in Business and a certificate in Ethnomusicology. While in school, she completed internships with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings in Washington DC, 501(c)(3) organization Rossier Productions in Tallahassee, and studied abroad in Valencia, Spain. Prior to 2002, Jenna learned accounting skills from her family CPA firm, participated in several choral groups and ensembles, and worked backstage for theatre productions at school. She enjoys working with the staff at The REP, and hopes to continue developing her skills in non-profit and arts administration. Jenna is currently attending the University of Central Florida to complete a master's degree in Nonprofit Management, with certification in Public Administration.
Sarah Mock, Box Office Manager
Sarah comes to The REP from Fort Myers, Florida where she managed the box office at the Florida Repertory Theatre and Southwest Florida Symphony. She is thrilled to be joining the Orlando Repertory theatre’s wonderful staff and believes strongly in The REP’s vision of providing quality theatre to families as well as advocating reading and the arts in Orlando’s youth culture. Sarah holds a B.A. in English Literature and is pursuing a Graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling.
David Batan, Box Office Assistant
While still attending New York University, Dave first started working in professional theatre at The Courtyard Theatre in Greenwich Village, run by Tony Award-winning producer John Glines. He then put his Catholic school education to good use by becoming “Brother Dave” and handling the box office/house management duties for the Little Sisters of Hoboken during their original run of Nunsense. Dave returned to theatre work in 2002, serving as the Managing Associate for four years at the venerable Cherry Lane Theatre, the nation’s oldest, continuously running Off-Broadway theatre -- long a training ground for nascent playwrights and avant-garde productions. Now back in Florida, Dave is happy to be part of The REP family doing his share to bring live theatre to a new generation of young patrons.