An Announcement from the PPP Board to the PPP Community
Playful People Productions is delighted to announce our new Executive Director, Tonya Suker! With the addition of Tonya, we now have a complete year-round leadership team. Read below for updates and information about our current team!
Tonya Suker – Executive Director
Tonya is a well-known and highly regarded PPP community member, going all the way back to PPP’s roots at Mulberry School, and she comes to us with a dream list of talents and experiences. She has played with us as an actor, parent, director, audience member, stage manager, and many other volunteer positions. She is a long-time practitioner of Positive Discipline and well and truly understands our existing mission of creating positive, inclusive, family theatre.
In addition to her ability to immediately understand and nurture the existing culture, Tonya has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and a minor in English from UC Irvine. She has volunteered for multiple non-profits, including currently as the Marching Band Coordinator for Leigh High School and as an active member of the Discovery Charter School 2 Founders’ Committee. She has experience with fund-raising campaigns and managing large, multi-faceted volunteer projects, and is eager to apply these skills to her new role at PPP.
Katie Yates – Operations Director
As newly promoted Operations Director, Katie is managing the business end of the company, including oversight of our financial operations, human resources, sales and marketing, and program administration. She began working for PPP in 2019 as our webmaster and director of digital operations. Since then, she has taken on an increasing range of duties, in particular around operations and payroll. Katie also plays with us on stage from time to time!
Barb Galiotto – Co-Founder and Executive Director Emerita, and Special Projects Consultant
As you may know from previous communications, beloved co-founder, community treasure and wise mentor to all, Barb, has gradually been transitioning to a new personal stage of life, including a physical relocation about two hours away. We are fortunate that she will remain involved with PPP as she continues in her role as board member. Barb will also be working on special projects as they arise, and we are grateful to have her continued wisdom as we go forward.
Sara Tavernise – Outgoing Interim Director, Board Member
As you also may know, Sara Tavernise recently completed a term as interim co-executive director, not only assisting Barb Galiotto in her transition out of the role but also implementing some extremely helpful behind the scenes processes and procedures that everyone in our community will reap benefits from. Her work allowed PPP to have better clarity around what and who we needed in our leadership positions, so that we were able to hire fantastic new team members. We are so grateful for her time in the position, and especially appreciate that she stayed on a little longer than originally agreed upon! PPP will continue to benefit from Sara’s wisdom and talents as she will remain in her board position.
Katie D’Arcey – Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Katie continues to steer the artistic direction of PPP as the magical visionary she is.
Logan D’Arcey – Co-Founder and Technical Director
Likewise, Logan continues in his role skillfully managing all things technical.
Susan Rojas – Program Administrator
Susan continues as our fabulous community contact specialist and general administration manager.
The PPP Board is beyond excited about having such a dedicated and talented roster steering our company through what continues to be uncertain and trying times. Please join us in welcoming our new staff and sharing our appreciation with our entire staff for their talents and their commitment to our mission of creating and maintaining positive, inclusive, family theatre!
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Playful People Productions