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John Grace, Head Coach

John J. Grace has filled his afternoons with the promise & possibility of high school theatre since 1982. Currently, he teaches history & social studies at Lower Merion, & has been Players’ head coach since 2002. He thanks his family, especially Cecelia, his loving wife, for each of these things. There is something more. To the promise and possibility is added the challenge of Players: overseeing a theatre program identified proudly as “student-run.” What exactly does that mean? Student-run theatre encourages leadership in the name of the arts. Students learn everything from several of the Philadelphia area’s finest art educators. They accept responsibility for planning, design, rehearsal, & performance - but only after their coaches teach them all of the things they need to master about directing, acting, designing, sewing, building, lighting, & publicizing their work. Artistry. Safety. Fun. These elements of Players afternoons are possible only because the students accept their responsibility to learn, as coaches use their opportunity to teach. In Players, “student-run” means trust. Tonight, enjoy the result of this unique relationship!

Steve Gravelle, Acting Coach

Steve Gravelle is a teaching artist, director, and playwright based in Philadelphia. He is also #1 Dad. His original productions of The Matrix Jr, Jurassic Park Jr, and Raiders of the Lost Ark Jr performed by 10-12 year olds got rave reviews. He's a brilliant chef, avid book reader, and tournament-level ping pong player. His band Baconhead played a dozen shows between 2001 and 2005, and never released an album. Love to Sara, the coaches, and Chet Manly. Thanks to jjg for making this impossible thing work every day.

Kayla Speedy, Costumes Coach

Kayla Speedy could not be more enthused about her outstanding crew and PDS! They did incredible work on this show and the entire year! They are an inspiration!! While she isn’t at Players being inspired, Kayla works as head cutter draper at the Walnut Street Theatre. Her Design credits include a 2017 Barrymore Nomination for LIZZIE! (11th Hour). Other credits include Lend me a Tenor  (RTC); Evita (RTC) Bullets Over Broadway (RTC); The Hound of the Baskerville(Walnut Street Theatre); Next to Normal (RTC); Spamalot (RTC); A Child’s Christmas in Wales (Walnut Street Theatre); The Little Mermaid (Upper Darby Summer Stage); The Servant of Two Masters (Hedgerow Theatre). Much love and many thanks go to my family, friends, and Kyle! Also, toe socks rule!! Check out her work at kaylaspeedy.com

Toby Pettit, Technical Coach

Toby Pettit is a sound designer, mixer, & electrician in Philadelphia, as well as a recent graduate of Drexel University. Recent designs include Theatre Horizon, 11th Hour, Inis Nua, & Upper Darby Theatre, with additional work at the Arden Theatre, the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, FringeArts, & Drexel University You can often find him smiling and happily talking to students in Players. He is very proud of these kids. He hopes you all have a great night.

Robin Stamey, Technical Coach

Robin Stamey is a lighting designer, production manager, and producer based in Philadelphia. Lighting designs include Interact, Theatre Exile, Curio, and more, as well as Haverford College and UArts. Production credits include Shakespeare in Clark Park, Tiny Dynamite, and more. Robin is currently the Programming & Operations Manager of the Philadelphia Design Center.