About Clear Space Theatre Company | Directors & Staff

Executive Staff | Support Staff | Creative Staff | Arts Institute Faculty | Board of Directors | Founders

Doug Yetter, Artistic Director

Doug Yetter guides the aesthetic development and oversees the Clear Space Theatre Company while serving as director, musical director, conductor, accompanist and composer for the Theatre Company, and musical director, arranger and faculty member for the Arts Institute. He has been in the musical theatre business for 40 years as a director, musical director conductor, arranger, orchestrator, and composer for hundreds of productions across the country.  His works for the musical theatre stage include SCROOGE!, THE STREETS OF NEW YORK, CRICKET ON THE HEARTH, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, DRACULA and THE WATCHERS.  His opera, THE SCARLET LETTER, premiered in Baltimore in 2002, and two of his musicals - DIVINE TERROR and A CHRISTMAS CAROL - had limited runs in New York City. Doug graduated Summa cum Laude from University of Maryland where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in composition and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program of New York University.  Doug is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, American Federation of Musicians, American Guild of Organists and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
Doug@ClearSpaceTheatre.org

Jennifer Hayward, Managing Director

Jennifer Hayward, a Michigan native who has called Delaware her home since 2001, holds a B.S. in Physical Education and Exercise Science from Michigan State University. She has worked as an Exercise Specialist in Cardiac Rehabilitation, a Certified Fitness Instructor in a variety of gym and wellness center settings, and as a Sports Conditioning Coach in football, soccer, ice hockey and figure skating.  Jen had a 35 year career as a competitive figure skater and Professional Figure Skating Coach.  Her management experience is through her years of self-employment as a Professional Figure Skating Coach and personal fitness instructor.  Jen has also been involved in a variety of networking with diverse groups of people including skating judges, other coaches, community leaders, and rink/wellness and fitness center managers.  She was also the board liaison between the professional staff and the skating board for two years.  Jen volunteers for the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute in Lewes, the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization and teaches group fitness classes at Club Fitness - Rehoboth/Dover.  She resides in Milford with her husband Rick and her two children, AJ and Meghan.
Jennifer@ClearSpaceTheatre.org

David Button, Company Manager

David Button received his B.A. in Theatre from DeSales University, with a focus on Acting and Directing.  He has previous experience in box office management, personal assistance, directing, and acting in regional and university settings, including the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Company, Main Street Theatre, and DeSales University.  He has directed productions for the Main Street Theatre, ACT 3 Children's Theatre, Second Street Players, and he wrote and directed a piece in collaboration with the Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce.  His acting career includes work regionally with the Main Street Theatre, the City Theatre at the Wilmington Opera House, Clear Space Theatre Company, Riverfront Theatre, and Possum Hall.  In addition to his role as Company Manager, Button continues to work as a member of the Clear Space's professional acting company, Arts Institute instructor, and director.
David@ClearSpaceTheatre.org

Dana Peragallo, Development Director

Dana attended the University of Delaware for her Bachelors and is currently working towards her Masters in Elementary Education at Wilmington University. She has been performing for over ten years, participating in over 70 productions regionally and throughout her education. Entering her fifth year of employment for Clear Space, she currently acts as Development Director as well as an Acting Instructor for the Arts Institute program for both younger students and adults. She is entering her third year as an instructor at H.O. Brittingham Elementary School for the Arts and Literacy After-School Program. Dana is also a member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Lunch With a Purpose.
Dana@ClearSpaceTheatre.org

^ back to top

Michael Matthias, Public Relations Director

Michael, a native of Sussex County, has been involved in the performing arts for over a decade. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting from Catawba College in Salisbury, NC - an education that focused highly on collaboration and ensemble work. Michael first performed with Clear Space in 2007 and joined the staff in 2010. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Michael is also an active member of the Clear Space Acting Company, having appeared in over a dozen productions. In addition, Michael currently serves as the Drama Coordinator at Sussex Technical High School in Georgetown.
Michael@ClearSpaceTheatre.org

David Button
(Read bio above)

Bill Clark, Costume Designer

Bill Clark attended the University of Delaware studying Hotel, Restaurant Management and Theatre Production.  In his studies, Bill concentrated on mask making and millinery.  During his time in school, Bill worked with the Harrington Theatre Arts Company as an actor, director, and costume designer.  Costume credits include SWEENEY TODD and Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Bill has also taught workshops focusing on historical clothing and 19th century shirt making.  He began working with the Clear Space Theatre Company in the summer of 2010, with ANNIE GET YOUR GUN.  Since then Bill has costumed productions such as OUR TOWN, DIRTY BLONDE, THE SECRET GARDEN, and CHICAGO as well as multiple musical reviews.  He is also faculty member of Clear Space's Broadway Bound program.  
Bill@ClearSpaceTheatre.org

Doug Yetter
(Read bio above)

^ back to top

Melanie Bradley

Melanie Bradley is a resident of Lewes, where she lives with her husband and two boys. She received degrees in piano performance from Ithaca College and the University of Maryland, College Park. She most recently was the pianist for the Clear Space production of HELLO, DOLLY and for the Clear Space Children's and Community Choruses as well as musical director and pianist for the Milton Theatre production of THE FANTASTICKS, the Possum Point Players production of PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and the 2nd Street Players production of CABARET.

David Button
(Read bio above)

Elaine Faye

Elaine Faye has been a professional actor for over 25 years and has performed in theatres nationwide. She trained in NYC at the HERBERT BERGHOF STUDIO and with NIKOS PSACHARAPOULOS, ELAINE AIKEN, TONY GRECO, and DAVID BLACK. She has been a instructor for Clear Space adult acting classes since 2010. She has appeared in numerous shows with Clear Space, including THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, THE CRUCIBLE, and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. In NYC: THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT, MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA, ORPHEUS DESCENDING, and GYPSY (national tour). In DC: Kennedy Center Youth Theater’s EAST OF THE SUN and ALICE IN WONDERLAND, directed by Pat Carroll; Signature Theater’s UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN REMAINS (Helen Hayes Award nominee). Elaine is a member of Actors Equity.

Stephanie Nerbak-McLaughlin

A native of New Jersey, Stephanie began her dance training at The School of The Garden State Ballet. From there she went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance from Point Park University.  There she had many opportunities to perform in a wide variety of dance performances ranging from ballet to jazz and modern dance. In the years to follow Stephanie danced professionally for companies such as the West Virginia Dance Company, Theatre West Virginia, Trillium Performing Arts Collective, Collage Dance Theatre, (now known as Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre), and Naomi Goldberg's Los Angeles Modern Dance and Ballet. She has been teaching dance to people of all ages for the past 15 years and has worked in an array of settings that includes local dance schools in Delaware, New Jersey, California and West Virginia, State Dance Festivals, and Universities.  Stephanie is delighted to be teaching Clear Space Theatre's adult ballet classes, as well as the H.O. Brittingham's after school program.

Christa Pardocchi

Christa Pardocchi took her first dance calls at age three and a life’s passion was born. She hails from New York, the “Dance Capital”, and brings more than 30 years experience to Long Neck area. Pardocchi was educated at Adelphi University and trained with Martha Graham, Phil Black, Alvin Ailey, Elliot Feld Ballet, and the Eglevsky Ballet. She has performed and choreographed in reginonal productions, as well as bing a touring dancer with National Recording Artists. Assistant teaching and choreographing at the Nassau College and Hofstra University led to being Artistic Director of the Lindenhurst Youth Center and the accomplishment of teaching for 25 years in Long Island. She currently owns Dance Unlimited in Long Neck and lives with her husband and two girls.

Dana Peragallo
(Read bio above)

Doug Yetter
(Read bio above)

^ back to top

Randy Burton, Director

Randy Burton was born and raised in Lewes, Delaware. He currently lives in downtown Lewes with his wife and four sons. Having four sons keeps him involved in the community in many ways, with Cub Scouts, athletic clubs, Odyssey of the Mind, and the arts. Randy currently serves on the Vestry of St. Peters Church. He is a member and avid supporter of both the Lewes Historical Society and the Rehoboth Art League. He is also a member of both the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach/Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce. Randy is the owner of Burton Builders and has been in business as a custom homebuilder since 1988. His company was built on integrity and has striven to build a business that is community minded and that builds relationships - not just houses.

Katherine Davison, Director

Kathy is a native Baltimorean and after living as part-timer at the beach since 1982, she moved to Lewes full-time in 2005. She has 38 years of experience in the fields of media sales, marketing, events marketing and public relations. She has held positions as Assistant Director of Public Relations for Franklin Square Hospital, Director of Marketing for a large multi-family housing corporation, an account representative for several radio and television stations, Director of Communications for the Maryland Transportation Department's Motorcycle Safety Program, and spent seven years as the New Business Development Specialist for the Baltimore Sun papers. For the past seven years, Kathy has served as an Account Representative for Comcast Spotlight, the advertising division of Comcast, covering the entire Salisbury DMA. Since moving to Lewes, she has served as Vice-President and President of her homeowner's association and as a member of the Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary Citizens Advisory Board. Kathy is currently the Vice-President of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, a member of the CAMP Citizens Advisory Board, serves on the transition committee for the Milton Theatre, and is on the Welcoming Committee for the Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Fran Feighery, Director

Fran Feighery, is a retired Curriculum Reading Specialist who worked for 34 years in a school district in central New Jersey. Fran holds a Bachelor’s degree in music and a Master’s degree in Reading. During her career in New Jersey, she attended Lincoln Center Institute in New York City for six summers and took studio classes. During that time, Fran was asked to write a teacher's guide for one of the drama productions offered by the Institute for performance at participating schools in the New York metropolitan area. She volunteers teaching English as a Second Language in Frankford, Delaware.

Pamela Fitzgerald, Director

Pam retired in 2003 from Florida Commerce Credit Union in Tallahassee, Florida as its first Director of Human Resources. She worked there for ten years and oversaw this fairly large credit union of approximately 100 employees. She was responsible for hiring, firing, coaching and counseling, designing and updating benefits and compensation packages, designing and implementing recognition programs, and all training. Pam’s educational background consists of a B.A. from Elmira College in Sociology and Psychology and a Masters Degree in Education and her job experience includes recruiting for Federal Electric Corporation, training and recruiting for Anchor Savings Bank, and 8 years as an elementary school teacher. Currently, Pam serves on the boards of several political organizations, is a member of Winning Women of Delaware-Class of 2005, and tutor English and Math.  Pam also formerly worked as a part-time instructor in English at James Grove High School in Georgetown.

Robert M. Fitzgerald, Director

Bob is retired and a resident of Rehoboth Beach since 2007. Previously he resided in Dewey Beach where he has owned property since 1977. Bob holds a B.S. Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University, M.S. Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh, and had additional graduate work in mathematics and operations research. He had forty plus years of professional experience in the private sector include the following positions: principal with the computer software consulting firms of Arthur Young and Booz Allen and Hamilton, and vice president with the computer software and aerospace engineering practices of Computer Sciences Corporation (Technical Director of their NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Division) and Jackson and Tull Aerospace Engineering (Strategic Planning and Development).  Bob’s primary responsibilities included the management direction of large, technically oriented organizations and the acquisition of new business. Bob served as a resident commissioner in the Town of Dewey Beach and as a member of the Pastoral Council of St Edmond Church, Rehoboth Beach. He is a member of the board for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony.

Sharon Gambill, Director

Sharon Gambill moved to the East Shore from Columbus Ohio and is a retired Head Start Teacher. Sharon attended Bowling Green State University and Ohio State University and has a degree in Child Development.  Sharon was also a member and committee chair for the Columbus, Ohio Goodwill Industries Business Advisory Board and a graduate of the Columbus Area Leadership Program class of 1993.  Locally in addition to being a member of Clear Space’s Board of Directors she has also served on the F.A.C.E.S. Advisory Board for the Carl M. Freeman Foundation and is currently a CASA volunteer for the Sussex County Family Court System.  

Cheryl Graves, Director and Special Events Coordinator

Cheryl Graves is a native Sussex county resident having been born and raised in Seaford, Delaware. She moved to Rehoboth Beach in 1984. Cheryl lives with her husband and two sons and prior to becoming a mother worked at a law firm for 13 years as an administrative assistant. She is very active as a volunteer in many organizations in Sussex County including service on several school committees, chairing many fundraisers and was the coordinator of volunteers for Rehoboth Elementary School. She also mentors elementary school age children. Cheryl is the Secretary of the Episcopal Church Women for All Saints Church where she also works in the Thrift Shop, sings in the choir, and has taught Sunday school. Cheryl is currently the Community Liaison for the ENCORE Thrift Shop, the newest endeavor of Clear Space. When given the opportunity, Cheryl also performs with the Theatre Company. 

Kevin Hobbs, Director

Kevin Hobbs is currently involved in a financial planning partnership with Ameriprise Financial in Wilmington, DE and is a licensed financial advisor.  He spent 15 years with Verizon Wireless and held several positions, ranging from Regional Director of Sales and Associate Director of Operations for the PA/NJ/DE Area to Associate Director of Sales Compensation with nationwide responsibility to design and maintain compensation models.  During his tenure with Verizon Wireless, he oversaw all sales operations and functions from productivity and opportunity analysis and financial sales reporting to project management and asset tracking.  He also spent two years in Costa Mesa, CA as a startup business advisor and partner for a computer brokering company called Digital Solutions, Inc.  Kevin's sister and her family currently reside in Dagsboro, DE and his nephew has been actively involved with the Clear Space Theatre Company.

Valorie Jarrell, Vice President

Valorie Jarrell is currently a pharmaceutical representative Boehringer Ingelheim and prior to that worked for six years as the Director of Development at the radio station for Temple University. Valorie holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Delaware where she caught the acting bug in a production of THE DUTCHMAN. Since moving to Lewes in 2002, she has become a founding member of the improv troupe Delaware Comedy Theatre as well as a board member for Clear Space Productions. 

Kathleen (Kelly) Quinn, Director

Kathleen (Kelly) Quinn is a native of Great Falls, VA and relocated to Slaughter Beach, DE in 2004.  She attended Virginia Tech and received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland, College Park.  She spent 15 years in the hospitality industry as a restaurant manager and corporate management trainer.  During her time in the hospitality industry, she was heavily involved in catering both large and small events and event planning before finding a new career in sales and marketing for a wholesale alcoholic beverage distributor.  She is currently employed as a sales representative for Prestige Beverage Group, an upscale wine and spirits wholesale house working with businesses from Newark to Millville.  Kelly is actively involved with the Boys and Girls Club Greater Milford Club swim team and is the parent board president for aquatics programs.  

Mary Kay Ryan, Board Chair

Mary Kay Ryan is a retired lawyer having served 30 years as a senior executive in federal and state regulatory agencies overseeing staffs of attorneys and investigative professionals.  Before attending graduate and law school, Mary Kay served overseas with the U.S. Department of State in Sri Lanka and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Volunteer community activities have included service as president of a local development corporation, staff work for an arts festival and founder/president of a professional woman's organization. She remains active in public policy issues both nationally and locally.  Mary Kay has extensive experience as a public speaker and holds a law degree from Harvard, an MBA from Boston College, a BA from Emmanuel College with a language major. 

Joan E. Thomas, Director

Joan E. Thomas is a native of Michigan, lived and worked in Maryland, and for the past 10 years Bethany Beach has been her home.  Joan graduated from the Detroit Business Institute prior to moving to Maryland where she worked for eleven years as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Development at Georgetown University Medical Center.  After retiring and moving to Bethany Beach she reentered the work force once again as the Development Assistant to the Executive Director of the Beebe Medical Center Foundation until her second retirement.  In these two positions her primary responsibilities included prospect management, identification and cultivation of prospects, and coordinating sponsorship and underwriting efforts for major fundraising events.

She is a member of the Friends of the South Coastal Library Board of Directors and was the Co-Chair of the Library’s successful $2.5 million campaign to rebuild and expand the existing facility.  She is and has been a member and committee chair of the Beach and Bay Cottage Tour committee, a major fundraising annual event, supporting the library programs. 

Currently she is the president of the AARP South Coastal DE Chapter with over 500 members working to identify essential social needs or projects in the community and to stimulate appropriate Chapter involvement of resources to meet the needs or assist the projects. She is a member of the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and was a member of their Fundraising Committee.  She has volunteered as an ambassador for the Middle Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. 

Diane Whitty, President and Fund Raising Consultant

Diane Whitty is a senior sales and marketing executive with experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.  She spent 18 years at Avon Products Inc. and held multiple positions from Regional Sales Director to Area Vice President and Senior vice president Marketplace Planning U.S. She worked at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Development and Communication for almost ten years and retired in 2005. She currently is working as a consultant for the Partnership for a Drug Free America in the capacity of Sr. Advisor to the President. Diane moved to Milton, Delaware four years ago with her husband Jack and together they have raised 10 children.

^ back to top

Ken Skrzesz

Ken Skrzesz is one of the co-founders of Clear Space Theatre Company. He is an active master teacher of acting and movement, a guest choreographer throughout the United States and his long-term teaching posts have included the Carver Center (a performing arts high school in Baltimore), Goucher College, Southwest Missouri State University, University of North Carolina and private schools throughout the country.  Ken has served as the Executive Director of Kinetics Dance Theatre and the Director of Student Life for the School of American Ballet in New York City.  He specializes in the modern dance technique of Jose Limon and the Stanislavski acting technique.  His extensive theatre background includes professional theatre performances in over 20 roles and the direction and/or choreography for more than 50 plays, musicals and operas.  Ken earned his MFA in dance performance and choreography from UNC-Greensboro and received his BFA in performance and choreography from Towson University.  Ken was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Towson University in 1992 and from UNC-Greensboro in 2008.  In 1995, Ken received an award from the National Endowment of the Arts through the Howard County Arts Council, and was awarded the Individual Artist Award for Excellence in Choreography from the Maryland State Arts Council in 1995, 1999 and 2001.  In 1985 Ken received the Mayor’s Award for Distinguished Service in the Arts and in 1997 Ken was nominated for the Governor’s Award for Arts Educator of the Year.  Ken is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and a Registered Yoga Teacher.  Ken’s former students have appeared on Broadway in MAMMA, MIA!, CHICAGO, THE LION KING, HAIR and HAIRSPRAY, and appear in numerous professional dance companies, television shows, movies, regional theatre productions and national tours. 

Doug Yetter

Doug Yetter guides the aesthetic development and oversees the Clear Space Theatre Company while serving as director, musical director, conductor, accompanist and composer for the Theatre Company, and musical director, arranger and faculty member for the Arts Institute. He has been in the musical theatre business for 40 years as a director, musical director conductor, arranger, orchestrator, and composer for hundreds of productions across the country.  His works for the musical theatre stage include SCROOGE!, THE STREETS OF NEW YORK, CRICKET ON THE HEARTH, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, DRACULA and THE WATCHERS.  His opera, THE SCARLET LETTER, premiered in Baltimore in 2002, and two of his musicals - DIVINE TERROR and A CHRISTMAS CAROL - had limited runs in New York City. Doug graduated Summa cum Laude from University of Maryland where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in composition and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program of New York University.  Doug is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, American Federation of Musicians, American Guild of Organists and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
Doug@ClearSpaceTheatre.org

^ back to top