Putting together a show of any caliber requires skilled professionals who have years of experience directing and producing theatre. J. Alexander Productions has assembled some of the best and most respected individuals in the Tri-State area to help create a magical and memorable experience for all of the students involved with the Delaware All-State Theatre (sm).
Jeffrey Santoro
JEFFREY SANTORO, Producer/Director
Jeffrey Santoro is the Managing Director and Show Producer for all J. Alexander Productions. Mr. Santoro started working in and around theatre when he was just eight years old. He learned much of his craft growing up as an actor, technician, acting coach, and director for many productions with The Delaware Children's Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware (under the leadership of his mentor, Marie Swajeski, Founder/Artistic Director of the DCT). Additionally, Mr. Santoro has directed/produced over 30 musicals from GUYS & DOLLS and CINDERELLA to JEKYL & HYDE and CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Mr. Santoro was the musical/play director for six years at The Sanford School retiring in 2006.
Previously he worked as a cameraman for the Walt Disney Company shooting/producing for many corporate clients including General Electric, First USA, and Bank of New York. Additionally, Mr. Santoro worked as a cameraman for network and cable television including NBC, BET, DISNEY CHANNEL, FOX Television, ABC, as well as numerous commercial agency's. He worked as an Account Executive for Disney I.D.E.A.S. and NewMedia Producer's Group, the high-end post production and theatrical production facilities located on the back lot of the Disney Studios in Florida. In addition to working with Disney, Mr. Santoro produced and directed over 100 safety videos and interactive programming for The MARCOM Group, LTD.
DEB JOHNSON, Assistant Director/Associate Producer Deb made her Delaware-area stage debut in 1992 in The Brandywiners, Ltd. production ofOklahoma at Longwood Gardens. Since that time she has appeared in over thirty-five shows with area organizations such as The Delaware Children’s Theatre (DCT), Candlelight Dinner Theatre, OperaDelaware, the Wilmington Drama League, Artists Theatre Association, and Premier Centre of the Arts.
In addition to performing onstage, Deb has developed a passion for the ‘behind the scenes’ work necessary to mount a successful production.She has stage managed shows for WDL and AbleArts, served as co-director and co-writer for several Winnie the Pooh adventures at DCT, assistant directed productions of Funny Girl, Annie, Guys & Dolls, Les Miserables, and Jekyll & Hyde for the Sanford Repertory Theatre Company, and directed productions of The Castaways and Clowns at Conrad Middle School.
Deb also served as assistant coordinator of the children’s ensemble for Hansel & Gretel at The Academy of Vocals Arts in Philadelphia for three consecutive years, and she acted as local children’s ensemble coordinator for the National Tour of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat during their 16-performance run at The DuPont Theatre in 1996. She has taught drama and creative arts for DCT, Tutor Time Learning Center, and The Child Drama Workshops.
Deb is owner/operator of Pure Imagination, LLC where she offers creative arts education and reading enrichment programs to youngsters of all ages.She is also founder and artistic director of The Imagination Players, a youth performing troupe with a focus on community service.
Lisa Nowicki
LISA NOWICKI, Co-Founder
Lisa resides in New York City where she designs and produces educational events in the arts for The Offstage Group.From 1989-2008, Ms. Nowicki worked as a music teacher and as Performing Arts Department Chair for the Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware. Her accomplishments at Sanford include creating the band program which now consists of 4 concert bands and two jazz bands, developing the general music curriculum, significantly increasing participation in performing arts and serving as co-founder, producer, and musical director of the Sanford Repertory Theatre Company.While living in DE, Lisa was also a musician and director of music for the Praise Team at Westminster Presbyterian Church.Additionally, she has taught private lessons to students of all ages for over 25 years.
Lisa holds a B.S. in Music Education from West Chester University and a Masters Degree in Education from Widener University. She has also studied music at the Cultural Studies Academy in Salzburg, Austria and the Mannes School of Music in New York City.
DON SMITH, MusicalDirector/Conductor
Don Smith directs the Garnet Valley High School Choral Program in addition to teaching the school’s musical theater and keyboard/piano classes. His previous experience includes teaching music, directing choirs, lecturing at state and national music education conventions, and designing education programs for the Philadelphia Orchestra. He has music and stage directed musical theater productions, operas, and dramas in addition to performing both on stage and in the “pit.”
His original plays have been performed at the Walnut Street Theater and Villanova University. Additionally, Theatre Amaryllis, schools, and state competitions have used his musical compositions and arrangements.
Don received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey where he created and continues to teach a High School Piano Camp for the past twenty-five years. He also teaches piano and voice in his home studio in West Chester.
JOE GEBBIA, Stage Manager/Assistant Producer
Joe has been involved with theatre since 1999.He first started out helping with costumes and set building and has been involved with the Sanford School Repetory Theatre Company (SRTC) for years. Last year he was the set designer for their production of EVITA as well as this year's INTO THE WOODS. Joe is currently the business manager for Accent Music.
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CARL BLACK, Technical Director
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TERRY HEALY, Assistant Stage Manager
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LINDA SANDERS, Co-Costume Designer
Linda has been involved with theatre since 1996.She has been helping with costumes at Sanford’s Repertory Theatre Company (SRTC) and recruited the help of her sister, Sheri, and her brother-in-law, Joe.Linda works for DuPont as a Finance Systems Manager.
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SHERI GEBBIA, Co-Costume Designer
Sheri has been involved with theatre since 1999.She started out helping with costumes at Sanford’s Repertory Theatre Company.She has become more actively involved in the set building along side her husband Joe.Sheri is an award-winning owner and operator of a home daycare business; her love of kids is one of the reasons she volunteers so much of her time to the theatre.
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DONNA HURLBRINK, Assistant Producer
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SUSAN KAY BEESLEY, AssistantProducer
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SHAUNA HITCHENS, Choreographer
Shauna is thrilled to be working as Choreographer for the Delaware All-State Theatre. Previously, she has professionally choreographed WSS for the New Candlelight Dinner Theatre in Arden, Delaware. Shauna has taught dance for ten years at various studios in the PA/DE area and also choreographed shows such as SEUSSICAL, MAME, and OKLAHOMA at local high schools.
