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The
Theatre South Playhouse
Board
Monica Quinn
President of the Board
I am Monica Quinn, a passionate and dedicated Equity performer with nearly two decades of experience in the performing arts. As the President of the Board for Theatre South Playhouse, I am thrilled to lead our incredible team into 2025, a year brimming with exciting progress and opportunities to create meaningful art that inspires and uplifts our community.
At Theatre South Playhouse, I bring my extensive performance and directorial experience to productions such as Radium Girls, Into the Woods, and Beetlejuice Jr. These projects reflect my dedication to storytelling and my commitment to mentoring young artists, fostering their creativity, and nurturing their growth.
My career highlights include national and international tours with Tim Robbins and The Actors’ Gang, performing in acclaimed productions like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Exonerated. Additionally, I’ve served as a lead vocalist for major cruise lines, captivating audiences with dynamic performances at sea.
In the film, I starred in the musical As the Cookie Crumbles, which was showcased at the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals and is now streaming on Amazon Prime. Other notable credits include The Wild, The Child, and The Miracle(Cannes Film Festival) and SYNC (winner at iPhone Film Fest, Olleh International, Oxford iFest).
I continue to bring magic to audiences as a performer on stages at Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. My immersive entertainment experience includes contributions to Disney’s Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, where I collaborated with Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm to create groundbreaking, story-driven experiences. As a nationally recognized voiceover artist, I’ve brought campaigns for brands like JP Morgan Chase to life and continue to expand my voiceover business.
My academic journey includes a B.A. in Musical Theater from UCLA and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Walden University, underscoring my commitment to arts education. I founded Chrysalis Pictures Productions to spotlight social justice storytelling and serve as director of the Moving Parts Film Festival, celebrating diverse narratives.
As we embark on this exciting journey in 2025, I am honored to work alongside our talented team and vibrant community at Theatre South Playhouse. I invite fellow artists, creatives, and storytellers to collaborate with me as we continue to make extraordinary art that resonates deeply.
Let’s create something remarkable together!
Mark Ferrera
Vice President of the Board
Mark Ferrera finds inspiration every day at Theatre South Playhouse. He is continually amazed by the dedication, creativity, and passion of the Artistic, Executive, and Production Director, as well as the incredible team that brings the magic of TSP to life. But what truly fuels Mark’s dedication? The kids.
With a long and diverse career in show business, Mark recognizes just how special Theatre South Playhouse is. From performing at Epcot with Sak Theater to hosting at the ESPN Club and podcasting, Mark has learned that collaboration is the heart of any successful creative endeavor. At TSP, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life, embraced by parents, donors, volunteers, staff, interns, and audiences alike.
Mark is honored to serve on the board of Theatre South Playhouse and is a proud donor. His passion for the arts extends to volunteering his time and talents, including directing beloved TSP productions such as The Sound of Music and Annie. Additionally, Mark’s employer, Walt Disney World, generously supports TSP by contributing in recognition of his volunteer work.
When he’s not busy collaborating with TSP or working as a Show Director at Walt Disney World, Mark can be found celebrating the magic of live theater and the incredible community that makes TSP so unique.
Mark is proud to be part of Theatre South Playhouse and is excited to help sustain and grow its mission for years to come.
Rick Canter
Board Treasurer
Rick Canter brings a wealth of professional expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for community engagement to the Theatre South Playhouse board.
Rick earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and an M.S. in Operations Research/Systems Analysis. He began his career at Grumman Aerospace, contributing to the Lunar Module Program as Deputy Section Chief of Industrial Engineering during the height of the Space Race.
In 1971, Rick founded Security Bicycle, which became one of the largest distributors of high-end bicycle components in the United States, achieving annual sales of nearly $20 million. After retiring in 2016, he shifted his focus to community and educational work. He served as a docent at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY, sharing his expertise and passion for aerospace history. Additionally, Rick served as Vice President of his local community Board of Directors for four years.
An avid athlete, Rick is a former marathon runner and triathlete who continues to enjoy road cycling. He is also a Porsche Club of America race track driving instructor and served as Chief of Instructor Development for eight years.
Rick’s love for learning extends to his hobbies as an avid reader of fiction and nonfiction, a world traveler, and a dedicated supporter of the arts. He and his wife, Maralin, have two daughters, Hillary Brook and Jessica Kniesly.
With his extensive leadership experience and a lifelong commitment to education and community, Rick is proud to support the mission of Theatre South Playhouse.
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Board Secretary
Bio Coming
Jen Hammerschmitt
Board Member
Jen Grvs-Hammer brings a unique blend of artistic and professional expertise to the Theatre South Playhouse board, with a career spanning theater, education, and law.
Originally from Houston, TX, Jen earned a B.F.A. in Theatre from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, where she honed her skills in performance and the arts. She later pursued a J.D. from Northwestern California University School of Law in Sacramento, CA, combining her creative background with a commitment to advocacy and problem-solving.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Jen has worked extensively in acting for film and TV, theater for children, and voiceover (non-singing). She is a trained dancer with expertise in ballet pointe, jazz, modern, and tap, and is proud to have been a member of the Actors’ Equity Association and is eligible for the Screen Actors Guild.
From 2009 to 2012, Jen served as the Artistic Executive Director for the BLUE Theatre in Austin, TX, where she developed innovative programming and fostered a vibrant artistic community. Currently, she works as a Case Manager for pre-suit personal injury cases at Morgan & Morgan Law Firm.
Jen lives in Jacksonville, FL, with her husband and their 9-year-old daughter. She is excited to bring her diverse experiences in the arts, education, and law to support the mission of Theatre South Playhouse and inspire the next generation of performers.
Catherine S. Jones
Board Member
Professional Background
Cathie Jones brings decades of experience in finance, administration, and community service to the Theatre South Playhouse board. She retired as the Director of Finance & Administration at Safe Harbors of the Hudson, Inc., where she served from 2003 to 2024, contributing significantly to the organization’s mission and operations.
Her prior roles include:
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Secretary, Newburgh Lions, Newburgh, NY (2009–present).
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Customer Service Representative, Textron Aviation, Stewart International Airport, Newburgh, NY (2003–2013).
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Cash Manager, Ministers & Missionaries Benefit Board, New York, NY (1977–2003).
Cathie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management & Administration, graduating cum laude from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY.
Personal Background
Originally from North Adams, MA, Cathie has lived in various locations, including Commack, NY, and Orange County, NY, before settling in Punta Gorda, FL. She is the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to one grandson.
Cathie has a long history of community involvement, including serving as:
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Secretary for the Cornwall School District PTA,
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Equipment Manager for the Cornwall Youth Football League, and
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Member of the Cornwall High School Drama Club Parent Association.
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Her commitment to education, the arts, and community service aligns with the mission of Theatre South Playhouse, and she is excited to contribute her expertise and passion to the board.
Graham Murphy
Board Member
Bio Coming
Kim Szubinski
Board Member
Bio Coming
Leslie Williams
Board Member
Dr Leslie Williams is Nord Anglia’s Senior Programme Lead for Social Impact and Giving, and Chairperson for the EDIB Programme.
She began her career in education in 2002 as an English teacher in both public and private schools before transitioning into the role of High School Director at Windermere Preparatory School in August 2013.
During the summer of 2020, while High School Director, Leslie became the NAE Chairperson for the Global Equality Programme's Steering Committee, which is responsible for creating an EDIB Policy and an EDIB Vision with key organizational goals. She continues to lead the organization’s efforts in ensuring everyone understands their role in creating inclusive environments that instill a sense of belonging in each community member.
In July 2022, Leslie began her current role, which focuses on the NAE collaboration with UNICEF, Social Impact Grants, and Student Leadership. Through this role, she aims to use practices that highlight inclusion and belonging to connect with students, and educators in schools and to connect schools as they work through the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Child Rights through the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and student leadership opportunities.