Dr. Michael Penna (Director): is very excited to be working on his 14th production here at Toms River High School 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 27 years of experience in the Theatrical Arts and has worked professionally 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 2025 Bergan PAC Theatre Award for Best Choregraphy for TRN's production of Crazy For You, 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 as a Second Language teacher at Toms River High School North and is thrilled to be back on staff for The Crucible! She earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Political Science from Washington College and then went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. She was a practicing attorney for eight years before transitioning into teaching. Ms. Eleneski has been Production Manager with the Nautical Stars Theatre Company since 2022 and has worked on seven productions with the Company: Matilda, The Lightning Thief, Our Town, Mamma Mia!, Twelfth Night, All in the Timing, and Crazy for You. She'd like to thank: the most talented & hard-working cast & crew kids in the world for always brightening her day; her fellow staff for being amazing coworkers and friends; and Andrew & Yaz for all their support (especially AndrewDash, who brings her food during tech week #husbandoftheyear). Break a leg, guys!
Jenny Neuhoff (Scenic Designer and Props Manager): is a teacher at High School North, whose classes include fashion design, interior design and technical theatre. She has been on the TRN Theatre Staff since 2022, designing the set for Matilda, The Lightning Thief, Our Town, Mamma Mia and Twelfth Night, and Crazy For You. 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. Mrs. Neuhoff would like to thank the most amazing production staff for all of their support and collaboration!
Zack Bliss (Technical Director/Lighting Designer): is happy to be continuing his work with Toms River North on his 9th production. Zack has been a lighting designer for over a decade and freelances at various theatres around New Jersey. He also was the Technical Director and Resident Lighting Designer of Toms River's very own Exit 82 Theatre Company since 2018. Zack has previously been a nominee for Best Lighting Design of A Play or Musical in the 2022 Broadway World 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.
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