David Lee has served as the Artistic Director at Avenue Arts Marketplace and Theatre since the conception of the theatre company in 2017. He has had the pleasure of working with a diverse group of actors including youngsters as the Director of the young actors workshop each fall and spring. Some of his favorite shows with the the Junior class are “Annie JR”, “Willy Wonka JR”and “Shrek JR”. David also understands the importance in the development of new works and has formed a company of actors called “Underground” that preforms staged readings of new works. He invites you to check out the season of new works at AvenueArts.org. David is a Canton, Ohio native and attended Malone University where he was trained in the Michael Chekhov Technique of acting and revived and B.A. in Communication, Visual and Preforming Arts.

Emily Hisey has loved theatre since she was chosen to play the coveted role of Twinkle the Christmas Angel at age nine - she’s been escaping reality ever since. Past stage credits include Jane Eyre, Dancing at Lughnasa, Doubt, and A Year With Frog and Toad. Emily is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such talented and hardworking artists. “Enjoy the show and thank you for supporting live theatre!”

Katie is thrilled to join the Avenue Arts team as resident costume designer! She studied Theatre at CSU and was awarded a full scholarship in costume design during her time there. Since then, her designs have been seen throughout Ohio, Maryland and New York. Past professional design residencies include Rubber City Theatre and The Illusion Factory Children's Theatre in Akron. She has designed for: Cleveland Public Theatre, Hiram College, CSU, Garfield Players, Hudson Players, Northwest HS, Garfield Hts HS and Miller South. Awards include two Best Design Awards from Broadwayworld.com in 2014 for her designs for Steel Magnolias and Legally Blonde. She is currently the Assistant Artistic Director and Head of Education at Rubber City Theatre, a professional theatre just 30 minutes north in Akron. She currently runs the Youth Theatre Conservatory there it is an affordable professional theatre training program for grades k-12 taught by local professional directors and actors.

Hazen Tobar is excited to design sound again for Avenue Arts this season! He can usually be spotted behind the soundboard at Avenue Arts, Weathervane Playhouse, and Rubber City Theatre. Past sound credits include Bent, Noises Off, and the world premiere of Tame, respectively. Hazen also enjoys taking production photos for Avenue Arts and Rubber City Theatre, which can be seen at hazentobar.com.

Brian Seckfort is honored to be making his Avenue Arts design debut in “Afterglow”. A current Graduate student for Scenic Design and Technology at Kent State University, Seckfort is pleased to be joining such a creative and adventurous cast and crew. Other Professional design credits include “The Revolutionists” and “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure” at Rubber City Theatre. Professional credits also include work for STAGES St. Louis and McLeod Summer playhouse. Brian, as always, wants to thank his alma mater, Florida Southern College, and his parents for being so supportive in all of his artistic endeavors. For more details of Brian’s work please visit brianseckfort.com.

Linda is 62 years old and currently serves as the Technical Director at Avenue Arts Marketplace & Theatre. Some of her most favorite productions in the past include August: Osage County (Violet Weston), Sordid Lives (Sissy), Beerthovans Ninth (Ex Wife), and Rubber City Blues (Drunk Woman). Linda considers herself a “chickenista” - having over 40 egg-laying chickens. She would like to thank her husband, George, who supports every hair brained idea that she comes up with and even helps make them happen.

Jared is 24 years old and currently works as the Event Manager for ArtsInStark while he pursues his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walsh University. Past stage credits include Hairspray (IQ), South Pacific (Professor), Leading Ladies (Butch Myers), Clybourne Park (Kenneth), Two by Two (Japheth, Grease (Kenicke) and Flowers For Algernon (Charlie Gordon). Jared would like to thank everyone for the continued support of growing the arts in the community.