Dr. Michael Penna (Director): is very excited to be working on his secound production here at Toms River High School North and the first Fall Play in many years here at North. Dr. Penna has a BFA in Musical Theater from Syracuse University, MA in Theater from Montclair State University, MPhil in Education from Walden University and a PhD in Education from Walden University. Dr. Penna teaches Theatre in the Arts Academy here at Toms River High School North. Dr. Penna has over 25 years of experience in the Theatrical Arts. Dr. Penna has worked professionally on Broadway, National Tours, and Regional Theaters throughout the country. Dr. Penna is proud member of the Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. Dr. Penna is a Council Board Member on the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a State Board Member for The New Jersey International Thespian Society and a Board Member for the National English Honor Society. Dr. Penna was the recipient of the 2022 NJ State Teen Arts: Educator of the Year Award, the 2022 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award: for Outstanding Educator, the 2022 Monmouth Arts: Arts Education Award, the 2022 International Thespian Society: Inspirational Theatre Educator Award, the 2019 Montclair State University Foxy Award for Excellence in Theater Education and the 2018 Basie Award for Best Lighting Design of a Drama. Dr. Penna would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work and dedication and the administration for putting such trust in us all. Lastly, he would like to thank his amazing production staff for all that they do.
Kelly Eleneski (Production Manager): is an English Second Language teacher at Toms River High School North and is so happy to be back on staff for Our Town! This is Ms. Eleneski's third show with the Nautical Stars Theatre Company; she was proud to also serve as assistant director for 2022's production of Matilda and last year's production of The Lightning Thief. Ms. Eleneski is so honored to get to work with such an amazingly talented cast and crew. She would like to thank Andrew & Yaz for their endless love and patience, all the cast and crew kids for always making her laugh, and her fellow staff for keeping her sane. She would also like to thank our local Starbucks baristas, without whom this production would not be possible... again.
Jenny Neuhoff (Costume Coordinator, Scenic Designer and Props Manager): This will be Mrs. Neuhoff's 3rd show here at HSN. Mrs. Neuhoff has been involved in all aspects of theatre from a young age. She holds a degree in Fashion Design and Theatre from Marist College. Mrs. Neuhoff has professional experience designing and constructing costumes and working as a makeup artist. From 2010-2018 she served as the production designer for the musicals at TRIE. Thank you to the most amazing production staff for all of your support and collaboration!
Zack Bliss (Technical Director/Lighting Designer): is happy to be continuing his work with Toms River North. Zack works at Lake Riviera Middle School in Brick, and he has been a lighting designer for over a decade. He is also the Technical Director and Resident Lighting Designer of Toms River's very own Exit 82 Theatre Company. Zack was recently a nominee for Best Lighting Design of A Play or Musical in the 2022 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards for his work on RENT. He is very grateful for his fellow production staff for their endless help and guidance, and he hopes everyone enjoys the show that the cast and crew have put so much work into.
