Deborah Jasien
Executive Director & Set Designer
exec@mdplayhouse.com
Deborah is a local entrepreneur with a 40-year background in professional theatrical design and production. She is the Owner/Maker at Fields of Ambrosia: BATH-BODY-AROMA and has been the Resident Set Designer for M&D Playhouse for the past 10 years, while also serving on the board of directors in some capacity for that time, as well. She is a past board member for Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation, is currently Executive Committee President of The White Mountain Independents, and is a representative for the North Conway Village Association and Mt. Washington Valley Celebrations through the MWV Chamber of Commerce
Mark Sickler
Artistic Director, Stage Director & Actor
artdirector@mdplayhouse.com
Mark is honored to serve on the board for M&D. A recent transplant to Northern New Hampshire, he brings close to 30 years of theatrical experience as a director, stage manager, and actor. He has worked all over metro-Boston and New York City as a stage manager, director, and actor, both professionally and locally. He was the founder and artistic producing director for Sugar Cereal Productions, and as VIP Host for the American Repertory Theater. In his other life, he’s a corporate travel manager, and when he’s not at the Playhouse, you can probably find him at another theater watching more theater!
Tracy Orlando
President, Bookkeeper & Actor
finance@mdplayhouse.com
Tracy joined the board in January 2017. She started out life in Western Maine before moving on to see the world, having lived in Friedberg, Germany; Amman, Jordan; Dubai, UAE; NY, KS, KY, HI, MD, VA, NH; and now again in Maine. She has a BS in business management and an MS in acquisition and contact management. When not tending to her three kids, two bonus kids and husband, Tracy is working as the Director of Contracting for The Echo Group. Tracy started acting in community theater in 2008 and has volunteered in stage management, set painting and concessions. She wed her husband, Ryan, on the M&D set of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress in 2011, so M&D will always hold a special place in her heart. Tracy is beyond excited to expand her involvement with M&D and to help in any way she can to foster the arts in our wonderful community.
Paula Jones
Vice President, Marketing, Actor
marketing@mdplayhouse.com
Paula crossed off a bucket list item when she first auditioned for a play at M&D 15 years ago. Since that time, she has experienced some amazing moments in live theater, both on and off the stage. She is excited to work with the board to help maintain the high-quality theater M&D is known for, and also looks forward to building upon the proud legacy of the historic Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse. Paula works as a freelance graphic designer.
Karen Gustafson
Secretary, House Manager & Actor
boxoffice@mdplayhouse.com
Karen has volunteered at M&D for over 10 years, helping in whatever way she can, and has appeared in numerous productions. She received a BA in speech/drama and secondary education from North Park College in Chicago and worked as the librarian at Kennett Middle School until her retirement last year. Karen has been a Mt. Washington Valley resident since 1985.
Christopher Bellis
Treasurer, Stage Director & Actor
boxoffice@mdplayhouse.com
Christopher is a local resident, and with his husband of 20+ years owns the Cranmore Inn Bed and Breakfast as well as Chef’s Bistro restaurant in North Conway. They have two elementary-aged children. Prior to moving to the area, Christopher worked for 15 years as a fundraiser for various non-profits in New York. He has directed Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers and Avenue Q for M&D. Christopher holds an MFA in theatre directing from Catholic University and a BA in theatre and international relations from the College of William and Mary.
Members at Large
Siobhan Stevens
Public Relations & Stage Manager
Siobhan’s bio coming soon!
Pam Memmolo
Pam’s bio coming soon!
Mary Seavey
Mary grew up in Conway, NH and has lived here all her life. She currently serves as Executive Director of Carroll County RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). She is also a selectman for the Town of Conway. Her love of Mt. Washington Valley and the programs that serve this community are a driving force for her. Mary organizes the successful Festival of Trees each year.
Anjelica Kitsis
Advisors
Ken Martin
Co-Founder, Stage Director & Actor
M&D was started on the premise that theater was more than just mindless entertainment. Theater has a place in the community that brings forth the best in people. Through the past twenty years, Ken has watched this company grow, from a gypsy caravan theater troupe without a home, to taking over the historic Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse in the heart of North Conway Village. It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but he is proud of the people who make M&D their home. Ken has performed in several local theaters including the Papermill Theater, now called Jean’s Playhouse, and at Winnipesaukee Playhouse, as well as at M&D. An NHTA award-winning Director, Ken has overseen many productions here at M&D and served as the Artistic Director for nineteen years. This theater is his legacy, and even when he is gone, he knows it will play an important part of life in the MWV.
