Leadership

Dane CT Leasure

EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/FOUNDER
HE/HIM/HIS

Dane CT Leasure is the founder and Executive Artistic Director of Rubber City Theatre. Primarily a director, Dane has directed productions ranging from A Midsummer Night's Dream to Pippin. In recent years, Dane has turned to new works, particularly musicals in development. He is an associate lecturer in Theatre Arts at the University of Akron. He holds a M.Litt and MFA from Mary Baldwin University in Shakespeare and Performance and is pursuing his Ph.D. in Theatre from Bowling Green State University. Dane is a proud member of Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. ​

Artistic and Production

Kendra Strickland
Costume Department Head
She/Her/Hers

For the last 18 years Kendra has been a Costume Production Assistant and the Wardrobe Supervisor for The University of Akron’s theatre, dance, opera, and Dance Institute productions. Her outside costume designs include CLUE, ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, DREAM GIRLS, SWEENY TODD, and THE 39 STEPS. She is a proud Union member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stagehand Employees (IATSE). She’s been working as a stagehand/dresser for the last 10 years for Locals 48, 27, and 883, and is currently serving her second term as an Executive Board Member. ​

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​Eugene Rogers
Lighting and Sound Department Head
He/Him/His

Eugene has been a Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Light Board Operator, and Sound Board Operator for both amusement parks and University theatres. He earned a BA in Art (Studio Emphasis) from the University of Akron, followed by a Certificate in Entertainment Arts and Technology - Sound, and a second BA in Theatre Studies from Kent State University. Eugene has been a proud member of the IATSE Local #48 since 2012.

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Rob Leeper
Scenic Department Head
He/Him/His 

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Sydney Sheets
Properties Supervisor/Scenic Charge 
She/Her/Hers

​Sydney Sheets is an Ohio-based scenic artist who specializes in scenic painting, scenic dressing and props. With a bachelor's degree in Theatre Studies & Production from Kent State University, she has a variety of knowledge and talent within the world of technical theatre. After working for years in the theatre industry of Cincinnati, Sydney is now thrilled to share her love of the arts with the Akron community.

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Patrick Lee Johnson*
​​Resident AEA Stage Manager 
He/Him/His
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Patrick is Rubber City Theatre's Resident Equity Stage Manager. He has held this position since 2021. Previously, he served as a Stage Management Apprentice at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia for their 2019-2020 mainstage season. Other stage management credits include Porthouse Theatre (SM/ASM) and Theatre Workshop of Nantucket (ASM). Patrick holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Stage Management from Kent State University. He would like to thank Dane and RCT for giving him this opportunity and his family and friends for their constant support. www.patrickleejohnson.com

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Julia Fisher
​RESIDENT INTIMACY DIRECTOR
SHE/HER/HERS

​Julia Fisher is an intimacy director, playwright, actor, and director, and her work has been seen in professional theatres throughout Northeast Ohio. She has trained with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, Theatrical Intimacy Education, Movement and Combat Education, Cleveland Play House, and the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium. She is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America.
www.juliachristinefisher.com

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Education and Youth Theatre

Sarah Bailey
​DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION/YOUTH THEATRE PRODUCER
SHE/HER/HERS
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Sarah Bailey is a professional voice instructor, director, acting teacher and choreographer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in voice performance from Ohio Northern University and her master’s degree in music performance and pedagogy from the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. Sarah has been working in educational theatre for well over a decade. ​

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Administration 

Joe Soriano
Director of Audience and Artistic Administration 
He/Him/His
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Joe Soriano graduated from Kent State University in Theatre and Hospitality Management in 2016. Joe has been a director, actor, stage manager, combat choreographer, and much more in theatrical career. He has worked with Rubber City Theatre both on stage and off since 2015. Joe also has several years of experience from working in the hotel industry. 

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Cennidie Hall
Audience Engagement and Digital Communication Specialist
She/Her/Hers
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Cennidie received her degree in Theatre with a Discipline in Stage Management from The University of Akron in the Spring of 2021. Cennidie is pursuing her master's in Arts Administration from UA to learn how to better serve and engage audience members. Throughout  undergrad, Cennidie stage managed numerous productions, acted as a director, built and designed costumes, and performed as an actress. Additionally, Cennidie was the Production Assistant for Rubber City Theatre's 2020 Production of A Christmas Carol and Akron Civic's All City Musical: West Side Story in 2020. ​

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RCT is excited to be collaborating with AMP Strategy for Marketing and Advertising. 
www.ampstrategy.com ​

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Board of Directors 

Danielle Gruhler
Sarah Heid (Secretary) 
Pam Horning (Treasurer)
​Sharon Jackson (President)
Ken Klika 
Dane CT Leasure (Founder, Ex-Offico) 
Eric Mansfield
​Casey Robinson  
​Erika Rylow
Chris Simmons (Vice-President)
Donald Snyder 
Jared Sparks
Natalie Zenczak

As of 7/10/22.
Interested in Serving on the Board? Please email Dane CT Leasure: dane@rubbercitytheatre.com.

Artistic Committee

2022 Committee Members Coming Soon. 

Professional Affiliations 

Rubber City Theatre operates under a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) contract.

Rubber City Theatre's Scenic and Costume Shop Employees and Stagehands are members of I.A.S.T.E., Local 48.

Rubber City Theatre is an Affiliate Theatre of the Dramatists Guild of America.