About
Smokestack Theatre Company
OUR MISSION
Smokestack Theatre Company is a nonprofit organization serving Danville, Pittsylvania County, and the surrounding region. We are an ensemble of theatre artists dedicated to creating quality, exciting, and transformative theatre for the cultural enrichment of the entire community. We strive to enhance our community through education and outreach to adults and children, providing innovative instruction and creative expression to inspire another generation of theatre artists.
STC'S GOALS
Creating
To produce creative, relevant theatre from a cross-section of the finest works available in an environment of artistic excellence with the participation of local and professional talent.
Educating
To provide education opportunities for all ages, abilities, and experience levels through workshops, classes, and camps led by professionals from within the organization and guest artists.
Growing
To go beyond producing Main Stage shows by offering special events throughout the year, including historical tours, youth productions, cinema, and other events throughout the region.
Partnering
To be fully engaged by partnering with organizations, businesses, and individuals to support the region through various fundraisers and scholarships enhancing the entire community.
Leading
To be a leader in the growing and diverse arts scene in the region, utilizing our theater space to provide a safe environment for local arts groups and individual artists of all kinds.
Creating
Educating
Growing
Partnering
Leading
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark Harrelson
President
Biography
Raised in Providence, NC, Mark Harrelson has called Danville home for the past 29 years. A graduate of Bartlett Yancey Senior High and Danville Community College, Mark has worked in various communication-related fields, including many years as a newspaper reporter/editor and in area radio newsrooms and broadcast booths. A veteran of the local stage, Mark has appeared in numerous productions for The Little Theatre of Danville and served on that organization’s board of directors for many years. He is a founding member of Smokestack Theatre Company and has appeared in multiple Smokestack productions.
Diana Schwartz
Vice President
Biography
Diana Schwartz is a native of Southwestwern Virginia and also spent significant time in Central Florida, where she honed her theatrical skills with a variety of groups including Insomniac Theatre Company, Sunshine Productions, and Ocala Civic Theatre in dozens of productions with roles both on and offstage.
Diana returned to Virginia in 2017 to lead the River District Association to contribute to the revitalization of downtown Danville, Virginia. When not working, Diana can be found playing ukelele & drums, model building, writing, public speaking, painting, traveling, chatting with her daughter Cassandra Grace and spending time with her sweet doggo.
Jess Brammer-Owens
Secretary & Treasurer
Biography
Jess Brammer-Owens has a doctorate in education. She currently works as the Head of School at Lionheart Academy of the Triad in Greensboro. Jess was a speech and language pathologist at the Center for Pediatric Therapies for ten years. She is a clinical specialist in autism spectrum disorders and a youth mental health specialist. She began working with Smokestack in 2019 to support our mission to provide theatre for everyone by ensuring access to neurodiverse individuals. In addition, Jess brings experience with grant writing and non-for-profits. She participated in drama in high school and college and is happy to return to the theatre by working with the board; in addition to watching her children perform in Smokestack productions. Jess is proud to be involved with this amazing group of people and share their work with this community.
Charles Perkins
Member
Biography
Born in New Hampshire, Charles Perkins has lived in Danville since 2000. Charles has worked in construction for 10 years and currently owns a property management company that was started in 2019. Although Charles has never performed on stage, he has enjoyed building sets and working on lights and sound for Smokestack Theatre Company for the last two years as well as watching his child, Ash, perform in many productions.
Liz Cervantes
Member
Biography
Liz Cervantes holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Data Analytics and serves as Danville Community College’s Research Analyst. Liz not only brings two decades of on and backstage theatrical experience, but also non-profit leadership, D.E.I. specialization, media experience, and marketing prowess to the table. Liz has been volunteering for community theatres in VA and NC for over a decade and has been featured in Smokestack productions from its onset. As a new mother to the wee baby Ace, Liz is thrilled to participate in theatre again in this capacity.
STAFF
Josh Lucia
Managing Director
Biography
Josh Lucia is a graduate of Chatham High School and has an associate degree from Liberty University. Josh is the owner of Lucia Video, a local video production company. He has a strong desire to make theatre accessible to the entire region and would like to offer more programs for kids, students, and young adults. Josh is an award-winning actor and has performed in multiple productions with Smokestack Theatre Company as well as the Little Theatre of Danville, Gretna Little Theatre, and 246 the Main. He is also a performing member of Smokestack Improv.
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