Executive Director, Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek grew up in East Lansing, Michigan where her parents, both ministers in the United Church of Christ, built and served Edgewood United Church of Christ.  The involvement of her family in the struggle for human rights shaped who Stephanie is today and her calling to live out a life's work that engages her in building community rooted in justice.  NWT reflects Stephanie's commitment to living and serving in an urban setting that is rich in diversity.  NWT is founded on the principle of providing access to all interested, regardless of economic status, to an experience of professionally directed theatre.  Over the years of NWT's development, Stephanie has served as director, actress, playwright, choreographer and producer.  She has co-authored several award-winning oral history productions.  Today, as Executive Director, she is responsible for its overall operations and remains involved artistically through the role of choreographer for all productions.  Through the Gordon Square Arts District, she is working to move Near West Theatre to a new home that is accessible to all members of the community.  This move will allow NWT to serve more community residents and to diversify its programming.  Stephanie is a graduate of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2001.  She was the recipient of a Lifetime of Idealism Award from City Year in 2001.

Artistic Director, Robert Navis, Jr. has been with Near West Theatre since 1980.  In addition to the responsibilities involved with managing/producing all NWT programming, he functions as Director for three mainstage productions annually as well as Musical Director, Conductor, and Accompanist.  For the past 9 years, Bob has designed and directed a musical revue involving 85-100 cast members, which is performed at Playhouse Square for NWT’s Annual Benefit in February.  He served as Music Director of St. Francis Church on Cleveland’s near east side for 17 years where he also taught music grades K thru 8.  Together with Charlotte Ilc he founded and acted as Artistic Director of the St. Francis Community Theatre for 10 years.  In the late 70’s Bob became the Director of the Music/Theater Dept. at Erieview Catholic High School for 7 years.  He has been Music Director at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church since 1987.  Bob was pianist/vocalist at the Harmony Bar & Grill’s Open Mic Nites from 1997-2003 and has acted as Director and/or Music Director of over 300 theatrical productions for St. Francis CYO, St. Jerome CYO,  Signet Players, Southeast Summer Theater, Chagrin Valley Little Theater,  Erieview Catholic High School, WSEM’s Spotlighting Me,  Cleveland Public Theatre, Bratenahl Players, and Cleveland Playhouse.

Business & Operations Director, Carole Leiblinger-Hedderson began with Near West Theatre in June, 1999. Having spent her career in public relations, events planning and neighborhood development, Carole came from Burges and Burges Strategists where she was Senior Vice President for 14 years. During that time she developed and managed countywide political issue and image building campaigns for corporations and public institutions throughout Cuyahoga, Lake and Summit Counties.  In addition to managing NWT's business office, Carole is in charge of Front of House operations, volunteers for Front of House and production/backstage crews, as well as grassroots publicity for all NWT productions.  She plans and implements the annual Volunteer Recognition Event to lift up the over 400 individuals and family members of all ages who volunteer to serve in the front of house operations. Carole served as NWT's stage manager for mainstage shows for ten years (1996-2006).

Technical Director, Michael Larochelle is our resident set designer, in addition to his responsibilities as tech director.  Among his favorite designs thus far at NWT have been The King & I, Oklahoma!, Godspell and Urinetown.  He designs and builds all of NWT's shows and periodically lead volunteers in set construction and stagecraft. He is also responsible for engaging volunteer groups (City Year, LEAP, church groups, Volunteers of America, Murtiss Taylor) in technical support projects throughout the year, and leads our Summer Intensive Tech Workshop, a free program for teens.  When he's not on the 3rd floor of St. Pat's, Mike serves as resident designer for Cesear’s Forum (Playhouse Square) and artistic director of the NorthEast Ohio Repertory Theatre in North Olmsted, which he founded in 2003. He also directs and/or designs shows for such theatres as Lorain Community Music Theatre, Clague Playhouse, and Hawken and North Olmsted High Schools.  Mike is originally from Maine, has a degree in Theatre from Boston University, and lives in North Olmsted with his wife, Brenda, and daughter, Elise.

Director of Development, Amy Cronauer was hired to NWT in August of 2005, and previously served as Development Associate and Board Liaison for the Cleveland Zoological Society, and Annual Fund Manager for the Cleveland Museum of Art.  Amy’s responsibilities at Near West Theatre include individual, corporate, foundation and government fundraising, donor cultivation and recognition, and benefit event planning and execution.  She also serves as Liaison to the Near West Theatre Board, Benefit and Development Committees.  Amy enjoys working with NWT staff, Trustees, and donors to communicate and promote the Theatre’s place in Cleveland as a funding priority.

Associate Director of Development & Marketing, Calyn Patzer brings a background in program development and fundraising. Calyn assists in several fundraising areas including corporate and foundation support, special event planning and execution, and Season Package cultivation. She also manages marketing and media relations. Calyn received her Masters in Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University and enjoys using her knowledge, experience, and passion to promote Near West Theatre in the community.

Office & Support Specialist, Sara Hartong  is honored to be a part of the Near West Theatre family. As Office and Support Specialist, she is excited to be involved with all aspects of NWT operations. A native of Parma Heights and graduate of Capital University (with dual degrees in theatre and communication), Sara has previously been blessed with opportunities at The Araca Group (Wicked; Urinetown, The Musical) of New York City and the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. These experiences allowed her to learn a great deal about the development, production and marketing of large-scale professional theatre. Sara hopes to take these valuable lessons and adapt them for the remarkable work done at Near West!