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, Josh Padgett is thrilled to join the Near West Theatre.  Josh moved back to the Cleveland area in 2007 from Washington, D.C. where he worked at Arena Stage from 2004-2007.  Josh is well-versed in scenic production, having worked for the past ten years as a master carpenter and metal worker, and also has extensive experience coordinating all technical aspects of productions. Josh was born and raised in Berea and received a Dramatic Arts Degree from Cleveland State University in the Technical Direction Track.  He has worked in numerous scene shops including:  3DX Scenic Studio, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Oberlin College, and the University of Cincinnati – College Conservatory of Music.  Josh is excited to bring his skills to NWT and continue their reputation of professional quality productions.

Marketing Associate & Office Manager, Sara Radak  is honored to be a part of the Near West Theatre family. As Marketing Associate & Office Manager, 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!

Assistant Technical Director, Perren Hedderson  returned to Near West Theatre in the capacity of Assistant Technical Director a year ago after working in film in Santa Fe, New Mexico for 2 years. He starred in a sci-fi comedy, Horror in the Wind by writer/director Max Mitchell, Revision Studios and worked on Year One starring Jack Black, along with other big budget films. It’s good to be back at home.