SHREK THE MUSICAL
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
SEASON SPONSOR
SHOW SPONSOR
Alice and Alfred Willis Jeff and Ida Rowe
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Act I
Big Bright Beautiful World
Mama Ogre, Papa Ogre, Shrek
Story Of My Life………………………………………………………………………………….. Pinocchio, Fairytale Creatures
Story Of My Life (Tag)………….. Elf, Fairy Godmother, Pinocchio, Big Bad Wolf, Fairytale Creatures
The Goodbye Song………………………………………………………………………………………….. Elf, Fairytale Creatures
Don't Let Me Go
I Know It's Today
Donkey
Young Fiona, Teen Fiona, Fiona
What's Up, Duloc?................................................................................... Lord Farquaad, Duloc Performers
What’s Up, Duloc? (Reprise)………………………………………………………… Lord Farquaad, Duloc Performers
Travel Song
Forever
This Is How A Dream Comes True
Donkey, Shrek
Dragon, Donkey, Knights
Fiona, Dragon Who I'd Be
Act II
Morning Person
I Think I Got You Beat
Shrek, Fiona, Donkey
Fiona, Bluebird
Fiona, Shrek
The Ballad Of Farquaad…………………………………………………………………………………… Lord Farquaad, Guards
Make A Move
When Words Fail
Morning Person (Reprise)
Freak Flag
Donkey, Three Blind Mice
Shrek
Gingy, Pinocchio, Fairytale Creatures
Big Bright Beautiful World (Reprise)…………………………………………………………………………………………. Shrek
Finale (This is Our Story)……………………………………………….. Fiona, Shrek, Donkey, Fairytale Creatures
I'm a Believer
Full Company
SHREK THE MUSICAL CAST
Shrek Justin Truitt
Fiona
Donkey
Lord Farquaad
Abby Lynne
Grace Lucas
Natalie Howard
Dragon/ Rat/ Duloc Dancer/Flora Liv Nehrbas
Pinocchio/ Rat/ Duloc Dancer
Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy/Rat/Dragon Wing
Magic Mirror/Dragon Wing/Duloc Dancer/ Little Bo Peep
Young Shrek/Rumplestiltskin
Merriweather
Lily Truitt
Alex DeEmedio
Nevaeh Abrams
Sam Bouloucon
Olivia Boyle
Tweedel Dum Elke Brockway
Big Bad Wolf/ Knight/King Herold
Teen Fiona/Duloc Dancer/Cheshire Cat
Wicked Witch/Duloc Dancer
Baby Bear
Zach Burger
Lila Carlisle
Piper Carlisle
Greta Craney
Puss in Boots/Blue Bird/ Blind Mouse/Rat/Dragon Wing/Duloc Dancer Zoe Cullen
Fairy Godmother/Duloc Dancer…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Mairin Curran
Peter Pan/Rat/Dragon Wing/Duloc Dancer
Mad Hatter
Julia DiSabatino
Ellie Dupre
Pied Piper Lincoln Fyock
Captain of the Guard/Guard #1/Rat/Duloc Dancer/Knight/Captain Hook
Melvin Harmon
Pig 1/ Duloc Dancer/Knight……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Carter Huffman
Hansel
Tweedle Dee
Kemmerlin
White Rabbit/ Mama Ogre/ Duloc Dancer Elliot Larsen
Little Red Riding Hood
Zoe May
Duloc Dancer/Gretel Brooklyn Montgomery
Young Fiona/Tinkerbell
Papa Bear/Thelonius/Duloc Dancer/Knight
Wendy Darling
Pig 2/ Rat/ Duloc Dancer/ Knight
Humpty Dumpty/Rat/Dragon Wing/Duloc Dancer
Pig 3/ Bishop/ Papa Ogre/ Rat/ Duloc Dancer/ Knight
Ugly Duckling/Queen Lillian/Blind Mouse/Rat/Dragon Wing/Duloc Dancer
Mama Bear/Rat/Dragon Wing/Duloc Dancer
Anastasia
Drizella
Shoemaker’s Elf/Blind Mouse/Rat/Dragon Wing/Duloc Dancer
Fiona Nehrbas
John Roman Nehrbas
Julia Petito
Gio Porfido
Ruby Quinn
Chase Reynolds
Brooke Rhue
Katie Rossi
Grace Tunnell
Lyla Whitcomb
Adrianna Williams
CAST
JUSTIN TRUITT
Is a 17 yr old senior who has been involved in theatre since he was six years old. Selected Credits: TheAddamsFamily(Gomez Addams), TheWizardOfOz(Cowardly Lion), SeussicalJr. (Horton), MaryPoppinsJr.(George Banks), TheMusicMan(Quartet Lead), TheLionKingJr. (Pumba). When not on stage, Justin works as a lifeguard at the YMCA and takes voice and guitar lessons. He is excited to be making his debut at Clear Space!
ABBY LYNNE
is so excited to perform and have student-choreographed in this production of Shrek ! Abby is in 11th grade and aspires to a career in musical theatre! Some of Abby’s favorite past credits in Clear Space Theatre’s Mainstage and Spotlight credits include TheProm,JerseyBoys,MyFair Lady,and EstellaScrooge(Sissy Jupe/Dawkins), Descendants(Maleficent), Godspell,Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood), and Frozen(Elsa). Abby has previously performed in AndThenThereWere None(Vera), TheLightningThief(Clarisse), Carrie(Carrie), MammaMia(Tanya), SpellingBee (Marcy/Choreographer), and NoisesOff(Brooke) with the Sussex Academy theatre program. Abby has also performed in TheWizardofOzat Milton Theatre.
GRACE LUCAS
is thrilled to be part of this season’s Spotlight on Young Performers. Her recent credits include performances in Descendents(Jafar), Godspell(George), Matilda(Bruce), TheLittleMermaid (Arista), and in the mainstage production of Elf(Ensemble). Grace’s also played Hannah in the original drama LeadMeHome(Hannah). Grace is a sophomore at Delmarva Christian High School where she runs cross country and performs with the praise team.
NATALIE HOWARD
has appeared on stage since 2017. Some of her Clear Space credits include Descendants,OurTown(Rebecca), Frozen,Scrooge!,Emma!,JosephandTheAmazing TechnicolorDreamcoat,TheLittleMermaid,Godspell , and Seussical ! At her school and other community theatres around Delaware, her favorite productions include WhiteChristmas(Susan Waverly), Ragtime,ThePlayThatGoesWrong,PeterPan(John), BugsyMalone,Carrie,and Anne OfGreenGables(Anne). Natalie has been a shameless entertainer for as long as she can remember, and will always keep that with her. Much gratitude to her family, and the wonderful cast & crew.
LIV NEHRBAS
has always enjoyed performing and has used her gifts through several avenues. Olivia performed in Sussex Dance Academy’s Nutcrackerfor 3 years before making the choice to pursue musical theater. Olivia also participates in Odyssey of the Mind. Her team went to the World Championships 2 years in a row winning high honors of 8th place in 2020. You would have seen Olivia on Clear Space’s stage in TheMusicMan(Amaryllis), Honk!(Downy Duckling), AChristmasStory,JamesandTheGiantPeach , Elf,WillyWonka,Seussical(Cindy Lou Who), Joseph,TheLittleMermaid,Godspell,EstellaScrooge,and Descendants .
CAST
LILY TRUITT
is excited to be performing at Clear Space! Selected Credits: TheMusicMan(Zaneeta), SeussicalJr.(Sour Kangaroo), MatildaJr . (Miss Honey), MaryPoppinsJr.(Mary Poppins), Annie (Molly), TheLionKing(Young Nala), and more. Lily has taken voice lessons since age eight, and she wants to thank her family and friends for everything! She has learned so much from this experience, and is proud to be part of this cast!
ALEX DEEMEDIO
is a junior and is so excited to be a part of this show! Most recently with Clear Space Theatre, Alex was in TheSpongebobMusical,Matilda,and TheLittleMermaid(Scuttle), but has been performing with Clear Space for eleven years. She also is active in her school’s drama program, with some of her favorite productions being Carrie(Sue Snell), MammaMia! (Sophie Sheridan), and The25thAnnualPutnamCountySpellingBee(Olive Ostrovsky). She has also worked with Possum Point Players and Milton Theater. She has loved working with such a fun cast and hopes you enjoy the show!
NEVAEH ABRAMS
is 14 years old. She is an 9th grade student attending Sussex Academy. Nevaeh is the youngest of 5 children and was born in Moreno Valley, California. Nevaeh enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and taking care of her dog Leo, cat Romeo, and her bearded dragon, Gizmo. Nevaeh also enjoys painting and dance in her free time. Nevaeh is thrilled to be in another production at Clear Space. A few of her favorite shows include Matilda(Amanda Thripp), FrozenJr.,and Godspell .
SAM BOULOUCON
is so excited to be making his debut with Clear Space in a full production after spending the last two years attending Broadway Bound and nearly any camp that the company offers. He has a true love of musical theatre and everything about it. When he is not enjoying the stage, Sam attends Lord Baltimore Elementary School and lives in Ocean View with his mom and dad and their two rescue dogs Charlotte and Jim.
OLIVIA BOYLE
is thrilled to be a part of Shrek ! She has participated in three summer intensives here at Clear Space and assisted in mainstage productions of MyFairLadyand SweeneyTodd . Outside of Clear Space, she performed in Camp Broadway’s NYC intensives of 42ndStreet and DamnYankeesand performed at the New York Pops Gala in the Camp Broadway ensemble at Carnegie Hall.
SHREK
is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Music Theatre International.
Wishing the best to Clear Space for another successful season! Rick Tedrick, Shawn Wright, and Hunter
CAST
ELKE BROCKWAY
a 7th grader at Beacon Middle School, is excited to return to Clear Space for Shrekthe Musical ! With three years of experience, she can’t wait to reunite with her castmates and bring this beloved story to life on stage!
ZACHARY BURGER
has been an active member of the theatre program at his school for 3 years. Last year he appeared in God'sFavoriteas Sidney Lipton, The25thAnnualPutnamCountySpelling Beeas Panch, and MammaMiaas Eddie. Zach is also an active member of the youth theater program as Possum Point Players in Georgetown. He was recently in Possum's production of Ragtime . Zach is becoming a regular on the Clear Space stage, appearing in Godspell,EstellaScrooge , Descendants,and MyFairLady . He is very excited and thankful for the opportunity to be in this cast.
PIPER CARLISLE
is beyond excited to be in the production. She has done theatre since she was 4 years old and her first musical was in 2022 as a Thing in Seussical . She is a student at Sussex Academy where she is very involved in the arts and joined their choir program last year. She has just reunited with ballet after a two-year break by taking classes at Sussex Dance Academy. This is her first show with Clear Space and it has given her so much joy to say she is involved in such a supportive community.
LILA CARLISLE
is an 8th grader at Sussex Academy and can't wait to start her Clear Space journey! She is from Morehead, Kentucky, where she did 24 shows at her local children's theatre. She participated in 4 musicals so far, including MaryPoppinsJr,at SAAS, where she was Mary Poppins! She would like to thank her family and friends for their continual support! She has had so much fun during this show and hopes you enjoy it!
GRETA CRANEY
is a 7th grader in Cape District and just celebrated her 13th birthday! Past Clear Space performances include: Matilda,Godspell , summer camps (Footloose,Six ) and she was cast in the summer children’s series ThreeBearosand RescueFromTheSnowQueen . Greta enjoys Swim Team, Jr. Beach Lifeguarding, and her school Choir.
CAST
ZOE CULLEN
started acting in Broadway Bound program and Summer Intensive Camps, with the wonderful instructors at Clear Space Theatre Company. She made her debut on the Clear Space stage in the 2020 production of Elf:TheMusical , and was seen most recently in Descendants , Godspell,Matilda(Matilda), TheLittleMermaid,TheSoundOfMusic(Marta), and Seussical ! Her favorite roles include playing Timon in TheLionKingJrand Young Elsa in FrozenJr . Zoe is a talented piano player and she loves to bake sweets from scratch, ice skate, sing, dance, and tumble. In her family travels, she has visited Japan, France, Italy, and England.
MAIRIN CURRAN
is incredibly thrilled to take part in Shrek ! She is fifteen years old and attends Cape Henlopen High School. Most recent credits include Young Scrooge and Martha Cratchit in Possum Point Player's AChristmasCarol , Pheobe in Cape Henlopen High School's AsYouLike It , Audrey u/s and Ensemble in Clear Space Theatre Company’s Descendants , and Wendy in Milton Theatre's PeterPan
JULIA DISABATINO
is a 9th grader at Cape Henlopen High School and is thrilled to be part of this production. Her recent credits include TheProm,Descendants,Godspell,Honk!,Elf,Seussical,Frozen,Scrooge, Emma! , and TheLittleMermaid(Flotsam). In her free time, Julia takes part in her school’s soccer and basketball teams and plans to pursue her love for sports/drama through high school. She would like to thank all of the Clear Space staff members and her family for the love and support.
ELLIE DUPRE
is a 7th grader who dances at Twirl Performing Arts, having performed in Disney World and Hershey Park. You would have seen Ellie on stage at Clear Space in Godspell , as well as many summer camp productions. She has also performed in WillyWonka,LeapDay,Frozen,and currently HonkJrat her school. Ellie would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her along her journey.
LINCOLN FYOCK
is in 6th grade at Frederick Thomas Middle School. He was in elementary school productions of Beauty&theBeast(Beast) and MaryPoppins(Bert). Lincoln was proud to be in Clear Space mainstage Elf(Charlie) and KinkyBoots(Young Charlie). Other favorite roles include Milton Theater’s TheSoundofMusic(Kurt), PeterPan(Peter), and Frozen(Hans). When not on stage, Lincoln can be found competing in the pool and on the lacrosse field.
CAST
MELVIN HARMON
is a senior at Sussex Academy High School and though his high school years are almost over he is happy to appear in his first Clear Space show, Shrek:TheMusical . He would like to thank his family and friends and he hopes you enjoy the show!!
CARTER HUFFMAN
is a junior at Sussex Academy. Some of his past credits include: Sussex Academy Theater Department - TheLightningThief(Percy Jackson), CARRIE(Tommy Ross), MammaMia,25th AnnualPutnamCountySpellingBee(Chip); Milton Theater Student Mainstage - LegallyBlond Jr.(Emmet), ShrekJr.(Shrek), TheLionTheWitchAndTheWardrobe(Edmund), and Matilda Jr.(Bruce); Milton Main Stage - WizardOfOz,SoundOfMusic(Friedrick); Possum Point Players – Seussical(Horton), Ragtime(Edgar), SomethingRotten(Francis Flute); Clear Space Spotlight – Descendants(Chad); He would like to thank all his family for their support and hopes you all enjoy the show.
MIA KEMMERLIN
is a local Spanish Immersion student. She started taking her first classes at Clear Space back in 2020 and has been a member of the Broadway Bound and Summer Intensive programs. Clear Space credits include Elf,Matilda , KinkyBootsand TheBodyguard
ZOE KEMMERLIN
is a Spanish immersion student who began taking classes at Clear Space in 2020. Since then, she has appeared in Elf:TheMusical,Matilda,KinkyBoots(Young Simon) and Descendants ! She also participated in BeautyandTheBeast and MaryPoppinsat her school.
ELLIOT LARSEN
is an aspiring performer who has loved singing since a very young age. Shrekis Elliot’s first production with Clear Space but they are not new to the stage. Some of their favorites to perform have been MeanGirlsand LitteWomen . They are so grateful to be a part of this production and would like to thank the cast, as well as their friends and family for their endless support!
CAST
ZOE MAY
is a seventh grader at Fred Thomas Middle School who also enjoys field hockey, lacrosse, and playing piano. Past credits include Second Street Players' JungleBook(Kite 2), Beacon Middle School’s MusicMan(Amaryllis), Milton Theatre’s CharlieandtheChocolateFactory (Mrs. Bucket and Oompa Loompa), and Lewes Elementary School’s Beauty&theBeast(Mrs. Potts) as well as Clear Space Theatre's Broadway Bound programs and summer camps, and Milton Theatre’s Triple Threat programs and Summer Camps. Zoe would like to thank her family and friends for their support and hopes you enjoy the show.
BROOKLYN MONGOMERY
is a 9th grader at Sussex Academy. She has participated in 5 other Spotlight performances, Descendants,Matilda,Frozen , Seussical,and LittleMermaid . Brooklyn has also attended several summer camps at Clear Space including LegallyBlonde,Frozen,MaryPoppins,Peter Panand TheJungleBook . When not on stage, Brooklyn plays junior varsity volleyball for Sussex Academy and travel volleyball for Premier. She would like to thank her Clear Space family and her family for their constant love and support.
FIONA NEHRBAS
Fiona is truly enjoying her time on stage at Clear Space. Fiona loves singing and ringing handbells with her church, and she also enjoys running with Girls on the Run. You would have seen Fiona on stage in Godspell , TheSoundofMusic(Gretl), Joseph,Matilda , and Elf . You can catch her onstage again in the upcoming Clear Space production of White Christmas!
JOHN ROMAN NEHRBAS
is thrilled to be back on stage at Clear Space. Past shows include Elf(Michael), Scrooge (Tiny Tim), Priscilla(Benji), FunHome(John Bechtel), AChristmasStory(Grover Dill), MiracleOn34thStreet(Thomas Mara Jr), Honk!(Billy Duckling), TheMusicMan , Jamesand TheGiantPeach,WillyWonka,Seussical,Joseph,TheLittleMermaid,Matildaand Godspell He also enjoys playing instruments of all sorts but most particularly the baritone saxophone and the oboe.
JULIA PETITO
loves Clear Space Theater and is thrilled to be a part of Shrek ! Julia has participated in Clear Space camps and plays for the last six years. Julia is a 6th grader at Beacon Middle School. In her free time Julia loves to sing, read, act, and play softball.
CAST
GIOVANNI PORFIDO
is an 11th grade student at Sussex Academy. He has performed in WillyWonkaJr . (Willy Wonka), FrozenJr.(Hans & Oaken), and Matilda(Nigel) at old schools. Shows he has performed in at Sussex Academy include Carrie(Freddy), AnneofGreenGables(Moody MacPherson), and TheLightningThief . Gio recently joined Clear Space Theatre in the spring performing in Descendants(Carlos) and is so happy to be a part of this theatre program. He also performed in IntoTheWoods(Jack) at Possum Point Players this summer. Lastly, he can't forget to thank his family and friends for always cheering him on. Let's rock this show!
RUBY QUINN
is excited for another CST performance! Ruby’s mainstage credits include Young Frankenstein,TheSpongebobMusical(ensemble/understudy), JosephandtheAmazing TechnicolorDreamcoat(youth ensemble), and Elf.Ruby also appeared in CST’s Spotlight on Young Performer’s Descendants,Matilda(Tommy), TheLittleMermaid(Flounder), Emma!, and FrozenJr . as well as in CST’s Saturday Children’s Theater, and various summer camps. Ruby has performed in her middle school play, BugsyMalone(Blousy Brown). Ruby also ran sound effects for TheSpongebobMusical . She is thankful for her family who supports her journey!
CHASE REYNOLDS
is a 11th grader at Sussex Academy High School and lives in Lewes. Some favorite Sussex Academy credits include The25thAnnualPutnamCountySpellingBee(Leaf Coneybear), CarrieTheMusical(George), AndThenThereWereNone(Armstrong). Chase has been in several productions at Clear Space, including JamesAndTheGiantPeach,Honk!,Elf (Michael), Seussical,SoundofMusic(Kurt VonTrapp), FrozenJr.,Emma!,Scrooge!,TheLittle Mermaid(Grimsby), Godspell,EstellaScrooge,MyFairLady , and Descendants(Ben). Chase would like to thank Clear Space Theater for the opportunities and expanding his love of theater. Chase would also like to thank his family, friends, and vocal coach for all of their support.
BROOKE RHUE
is a 17 year old high school senior. She has appeared in shows such as Seussical,Honk!, Frozen,Emma!,TheLittleMermaid(Sebastian), Matilda,Godspelland Descendants . Other performances include, Spongebob,YoungFrankenstein,EstellaScrooge,MyFairLady,and ThePromall with Clear Space. Brooke has done theatre at school with the showsGrease, RadiumGirls,Matildaand PrideandPrejudice . Brooke is also involved in dance and has studied with Tatiana Akinfieva Dance Academy and is currently with Dance Alley. She loves performing and hopes to continue musical theatre through college.
CAST
KATIE ROSSI
After her first time seeing an onstage production, she decided this was what she wanted to do. Theater is her passion, and she can’t wait to spend more time on stage. Past shows include HighSchoolMusical,Frozen,Emma! , and TheLittleMermaid,Matilda(Mrs Phelps), SpongebobTheMusical,and Descendants. She has participated in summer camps at Clear Space which include WestSideStory,ShrekJr.,Matilda , and LegallyBlondeJr . When not on stage, she likes to hang out with friends and play soccer. She would like to thank her family and friends that have supported her throughout her theater journey.
GRACE TUNNELL
is a fifth grader at Worcester Preparatory School. She has previously performed on the Clear Space stage in Matildaand Godspell , and she has participated in numerous summer camps and the Broadway Bound program. Outside of Clear Space, Grace enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.
LYLA WHITCOMB
is a middle school student at Sussex Academy. She has participated in numerous CST Arts Institute programs since 2020. Her favorite summer musical intensives include Madagascar, FindingNemo , and Six Lyla is thrilled to be a part of the Shrekcast. This show is extra special because Shrekis one of her Pop Pop’s favorite movies. Thank you Mom, Mom Mom, Sydney, The Reynolds, The Manos, and Abby for chauffeuring her to CST throughout the year! And lots of love to Mabel, Steve & Margo.
ADRIANA WILLIAMS
is a 14-year-old freshman thrilled to make her debut with Clear Space Theatre. She has previously played Mrs. Potts in BeautyandtheBeastJr. , Moana in MoanaJr. , Fiona in Shrek Jr. , and Baloo in TheJungleBookJr.at the Cherry Hill Performing Arts Center. Adriana also portrayed Little Ti Moune in OnceonThisIslandat The Ritz Theatre. She is grateful to her parents, family, and teachers for their unwavering support and inspiration.
CREATIVE TEAM
CREATIVE TEAM
DAVID BUTTON (Director )
is the Artistic Director of Clear Space Theatre and teaches as a member of the Arts Institute faculty, founding the Spotlight on Young Performers program and co-founding the Summer Acting and Musical Theatre Summer Stock Intensives. He received his B.A. in Theatre with a focus on Acting and Directing from DeSales University. David has worked regionally with the Main Street Theatre, City Theatre, the Chojinyobiko Theater Group, The Milton Theatre, and the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. He directed this season’s TheMousetrap,MyFairLady,Descendants,TheBodyguard,Jersey Boys,TheProm,and SweeneyTodd.
SHONDELLE
GRAULICH (Choreographer )
has been involved in the arts and entertainment industry since she started dancing at the early age of two. Dance, as her major passion in life, led Shondelle to her professions of a Dance Studio Owner/ Teacher & Choreographer and Group Fitness Instructor. She teaches at Clear Space where she recently choreographed TheProm , Descendants,KinkyBoots,Matilda,Elf,Frozen,Emma!,SisterAct, Carrie,Honk!,TheAddamsFamily,TheRockyHorrorShow,FunHome,WizardOfOz,PriscillaQueen OfTheDesert,Seussical,AChristmasStory,TheFullMonty,and RadioGaga.
SHANE MUNZERT (MusicalDirector )
is excited to be a part of the creative team for this show at Clear Space Theatre! Some of his recent musical direction and performance efforts include Descendants,SpringAwakening,Godspell,Matilda, andTheRockyHorrorShow.He would like to take this opportunity to thank all of his friends and family for their continued support as well as the cast, the creative team and the rest of the Clear Space family for making this a wonderful and seamless process!
CHRISTOPHER DECKER
(StageManager)
is always excited to be a part of another Clear Space production after designing and creating the costumes for JerseyBoys,RockofAges,TheSpongebobMusical,Victor/Victoria,JosephAndTheAmazing TechnicolorDreamcoat,DamnYankeesand Matilda.He has also assisted and created pieces for shows like Seussical,GuysandDolls,AndPriscillaQueenOfTheDesert.He hopes you enjoy the creativity coming to life on stage.
Clear Space Theatre Company Leadership
DAVID BUTTON (Artistic Director)
is the Artistic Director of Clear Space Theatre and teaches as a member of the Arts Institute faculty, founding multiple classes including the Spotlight on Young Performers program and co-founding the Summer Acting and Musical Theatre Summer Stock Intensives. He received his B.A. in Theatre with a focus on Acting and Directing from DeSales University. David has worked regionally with the Main Street Theatre, City Theatre, the Chojinyobiko Theater Group, The Milton Theatre, and the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. He directed this season’s TheMousetrap,MyFairLady,JerseyBoys , and TheProm ; and will direct SweeneyToddin the fall Past directing credits include: Carrie,FunHome,IntoThe Woods,JesusChristSuperstar,NextToNormal,Clue,Misery,Baskerville,SteelMagnolias,TheOdd Couple,Heathers,MammaMia!Priscilla,TheWeddingSinger,Cabaret,LaCageAuxFolles,Seussical,A ChorusLine,TheFullMonty,LittleShopOfHorrors,SpellingBee,KinkyBoots,Ghost,SisterAct,Joseph andtheAmazingTechnocolorDreamcoat,TheSpongebobMusical,Footloose,TheRockyHorrorShow, and many more.
JOE GFALLER (Managing Director)
joined Clear Space Theatre Company as Managing Director in late 2023. A seasoned performing arts professional, Joe has held leadership positions, as well as roles in marketing, development, and community engagement with such varied organizations as the Alliance Theater, the American Repertory Theater, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, 7 Stages, and Metro Theater Company. As a consultant, he has worked with the National Blues Museum, the documentary Flint:ThePoisoningofanAmericanCity , the Utah Symphony, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He has taught arts management in Webster University’s MFA arts leadership program and has taught acting at Berry College. His resume as a stage director includes over two dozen productions, including regional premieres by Caryl Churchill, David Mamet, Peter Sinn Nachtreib, and Addae Moon. He was a member of the Leadership St. Louis Class of 2013 and the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2006, and he graduated with honors from Harvard University. He is thrilled to have relocated to the Rehoboth Beach area to become part of the team at Clear Space.
STAFF
David Button
Joe Gfaller
Artistic Director Managing Director
Sydney Gray
Company Manager
Christopher Decker
Resident Costume Designer
Lorraine Leavel
Resident Costume Designer
Brendan Smith
Resident Lighting Designer
Todd Espeland
Director of Development & Community Engagement
Lara Bellistri
Box Office Manager
Evan Hrivnak
Digital Marketing Manager
Jadine Pilotti
House Manager &
Development Coordinator
Clear Space Theatre Company
Clear Space Theatre Company, a 501(c)3 cultural organization founded in 2004, is committed to teaching, producing and presenting the performing arts. The term “clear space” refers to a focus on the process, knowledge, and humanity of arts performance: the idea that we find ourselves in what appears on the stage.
Our Mission is to create memorable experiences that unite and enrich our community through live theatre and arts-based learning. Our Vision is to be a beacon for artistic endeavors of integrity and risk, inspiring joy across a diverse audience.
Board Of Directors
Megan Nehrbas, Chair
Laura Howard, Secretary
Jay Allen
Joe Sterner, Vice Chair
Alfred Willis, Treasurer
Richard J. Perry, Jr.
Jess Bain Ida Rowe
James Berry
Lisa Schlosser
John Cullen Mindi Moore Tunnell
Mike Moreland
The Producers Circle serves as ambassadors for Clear Space Theatre Company to deepen its engagement within the community and to steward critical existing relationships in support of the organization. If you are interested in serving, please contact co-chairs Liz Leshine or Alice Willis or Managing Director Joe Gfaller.
Producers Circle
Liz Leshine
Jeffrey and Ida Rowe
Peter Keeble
Peter Pizzolongo
Linda Wolf
Richard Gamble
Alice and Alfred Willis
Mary Jo Tarallo
Carl Schloegel
Judy Rayner
Jay Allen
Mary Kay Ryan, Founder
