Phoenix Theatre Ensemble Board
Do you love theatre? Would you like to become more involved with the Phoenix and the work we do? Contact Craig Smith at craigvsmith@gmail.com or Elise Stone at elisestone@gmail.com to learn about joining the Phoenix Board.
Some of our current and former board members wanted to share with you, in their own words, the rewards of being on the Phoenix Board.
Read their testimonials below.
The Phoenix Theatre Ensemble Board:
Monica R. Bonner
Brian Costello
Kelli Holsopple
Meghan Lantzy
Kathy Menino
Joe Menino
Thomas Pippert
Craig Smith
Elise Stone
Amy Wagner
"As a long-time subscriber to Cocteau, I followed Elise and Craig, together with Michael, Angela and Jason, to
PHOENIX. It is their passion for and dedication to theatre as a collaborative ensemble art form, not to mention their
incredible acting abilities, that have forged a well-respected ensemble. I am proud to be a member of the Board of Trustees."
M.R. Bonner
"When the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble invited me to join its board of directors, I had more than thirty-five years of
experience as a passive audience member. During those years, New York's theater artists had provided my greatest source
of stimulation and enjoyment, and the artists associated with Phoenix had presented some of the most moving performances
and challenging plays I had experienced. I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to support artists who are dedicated to taking
their theater craft to traditional venues as well as into the lives of school children and the elderly. I was pleased to hear that the
Phoenix artists want active input from all board members. I said 'Yes.'
"Joining the Phoenix board is one of the most rewarding things I have done. I have learned about the day-in and day-out dedication
of the Phoenix artists to wrestling with the economic realities of the not- for-profit theater. I have stood in the reflected warmth of the applause
that audiences shower on the artists. And I hope I have done something to help bring to other New Yorkers the thrill of the theater."
Tom Pippert
"I have watched these talented and energetic thespians for many years, and always greatly enjoyed their performances.
When the Phoenix began, I kept my fingers crossed, hoping that they would 'make it' and keep up their sustained high quality
performances. Well, they certainly have done it -- indeed, they have far surpassed what came before. The innovation, the energy,
the talent! When given the opportunity to play a role in this marvelous enterprise, how could I not leap at the chance?
I really look forward to serving on the Board and contributing to the future of the Phoenix."
Cheers,
Joel Harris (Former Board Member)
"I am glad to be contributing to Phoenix Theatre Ensemble because of the passion that the Phoenix devotes to finding new or
neglected theatrical works and the dedication of time and talent with which it mounts these shows and brings them to New York
audiences. Ever since I saw several members of the company perform The Infernal Machine by Jean Cocteau
back in 1990, I've been hooked, and I was happy to see the formation of Phoenix in 2004. Phoenix
always provides something novel, seldom performed, and well executed, which leaves its audiences perpetually wanting more."
Derek Tarson (Former Board Member)