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ABOUT OUR FABULOUS TEAM

OFC Creations is incredibly proud of our extensive team of talented individuals that make what we do possible. We can't wait to see you at the theatre!

The Full Time Team

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Eric Vaughn Johnson

Executive Director

Johnson is an award-winning director from Rochester, and has been at the forefront of countless theatrical and film productions both on- and off-stage. He has been described as "an influential part of Rochester Arts” (West Side News), as "one of the leading figures in Rochester's musical arts scene" (Pittsford Neighbors Magazine), featured as a Rochester “Extraordinary Person” (News 8 Now), and most recently as "transforming Rochester into a mecca of performance art," (Brighton Connections Magazine).

Johnson is the Founding Executive Director of OFC Creations, leading and expanding the company since 2005 to offer professional theatrical entertainment, educational theatre programs, and immersive experiences including Johnson's new restaurant, The Old Farm Cafe.

Johnson has devoted practically his entire life to artistic directing, starting at the young age of 12. He is most recognized for directing and co-writing the world premiere of Eddie Money's original stage show, Two Tickets to Paradise: The Musical, at the Kodak Center. Johnson worked directly with the late Money-Man writing and arranging a majority of the new script, breaking box office records at each performance. 

Along with Two Tickets To Paradise, Johnson’s professional directing credits include West Side Story, Mary Poppins, the first Rochester production of Sister Act, Oliver, Miracle on 34th Street, and the regional tour of A Year with Frog and Toad to name a few. Johnson's directing ability specializes in storytelling choreography and transforming a traditional story into a unique experience. 

In addition to Two Tickets to Paradise, Johnson’s professional writing credits include Hocus Pocus The Drag Parody Musical, A Golden Girls Christmas Carol, and Dance Mums: The Musical, each of which Johnson also assembled and directed a professional cast of performers.

Through the pandemic, Johnson conceived, designed, and opened the OFC Creations Theatre Center. Though arts were limited due to pandemic restraints, Johnson developed NYS approved policies and procedures for shows and theatre classes to continue safely. After proving successful with no COVID transmission, organizations across the state and neighboring states reached out to Johnson for assistance in reopening their theatres through a similar fashion.

Thousands of students have had the opportunity to learn entertainment industry standards under Johnson's leadership, many of whom Johnson has featured in professional productions. Johnson established and revamped drama programs at local schools across the area including Plank South, Barker Road, Seton, World of Inquiry, St Joseph's, Harris Hill, and more. Many of Johnson's students have gone off to prestigious musical theatre colleges, booked talent agents, and have become entertainment industry professionals.

Previously, Johnson served as the Program Director of Rochester Association of the Performing Arts, the Artistic Director of SNAP Musical Theatre, and the President of Greece Performing Arts. Johnson has managed numerous performing arts centers, namely the 2,000-seat Kodak Center for Performing Arts (formerly Theatre on the Ridge). Working closely with countless local and National show promoters, Johnson managed and coordinated concerts and events such as "The Beach Boys," "Vicki Lawrence," and "Kenny Rogers."

On stage Johnson has starred in James and the Giant Peach, The Rocky Horror Show, and the wildly popular Golden Girls Parody Musical series as Dorothy. Johnson can also be seen in William Fichtner’s feature film Cold Brook.

Johnson's mission is to continue enhancing the arts in the Rochester region through interactive experiences, community partnerships, and creating innovative avenues of entertainment.

Contact Eric Vaughn Johnson at Info@OFCCreations.com

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Hunter Ekberg

Director of Theatrical Experiences

Ekberg, a native Minnesotan, serves as the Director of Theatrical Experiences of the OFC Creations Theatre Center and as an American Sign Language Interpreter in a wide range of settings and applications. Onstage, Ekberg has breathed life into characters such as Snail (A Year With Frog and Toad), Fairy Godmother (Bibbidi Bobbidi Cinderella), The Gingerbread Man (The Gingerbread Man), Long John Silver (Treasure Island), and Rose Nylund in the sold-out run of OFC Creations’ production of Thank You for Being a Friend: The Golden Girls Musical. 

 

Ekberg has flexed his directing muscles working with young creatives on wide array of projects as Be More Chill and Rent. However, his greatest enjoyment stems from the "mental Rubik's Cube" of seasonal intensives in which youth performers put on an entire full-length show in the span of one month. He has accomplished this feat with shows such as Into the Woods and Little Women where he worked in nearly every role in the theatre simultaneously (From Artistic Director to Lighting Designer). Ekberg, an experienced pianist and vocalist himself, has furthered his musicianship by vocal directing Newsies, In the Heights, Mamma Mia, Heathers, Annie Jr., Be More Chill, and the Upstate New York Premiere of The Spongebob Squarepants Musical.

 

Ekberg believes strongly in the incredible transformative power of performing & strives for a world where kids of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are able to experience the joy of being on stage.

Contact Hunter Ekberg at Hunter@OFCCreations.com

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Courtney W. Schutt

Operations Manager

A Rochester native with her BFA in Theater Performance from Niagara University, Courtney has been involved both on and off stage with OFC Creations since 2016. In 2021, Courtney joined the OFC team full time. She has enjoyed bringing her love for performing arts and ample experience in the sales, hospitality and public relations/marketing industries to create new opportunities and memorable experiences at the OFC Creations Theatre Center and The Old Farm Cafe! Additionally, Courtney artistic directs school break and summer camps, as well as OFC's monthly student cabarets! OFC stage credits include: Chicago (Velma Kelly), A Chorus Line (Sheila), Company (Amy), Shout! The Mod Musical (Green Girl), Nunsense (Sister Robert Anne), Spring Awakening (2022 - Adult Woman, 2016 - Ilse), The Wild Party (Queenie) and Vanities (Mary).

 

Courtney has been fortunate enough to share stages at Blackfriars Theatre, JCC Centerstage, Lyric Theatre, Kodak Center, Out of Pocket Productions, the Century Club of Rochester, Pittsford Musicals and as the lead vocalist of local pop/rock group That Party Band. Courtney serves on the Board of Directors for the Brighton Chamber of Commerce and is a performance educator for local organization Impact Interactive – a theatre-based training company that helps organizations create healthy, diverse and inclusive learning and working environments.

Contact Courtney Schutt at Courtney@OFCCreations.com
Or by calling 585-667-0954 ext. 3

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Caeli Carroll

Company Choreographer

Carroll is a choreographer and dancer who graduated from Ithaca College in 2021 where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts Management and Dance. During her time at OFC she has choreographed programs for all age groups as well as working on shows included in the Professional Season. Prior to arriving at OFC Carroll served as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer for two dance companies at Ithaca College, danced in the theatre department's Dance Concert, and worked as the Assistant Choreographer for the Theatre Department’s spring musical. She has also worked as a choreographer for Interlochen Center of the Arts Summer Academy, Cortland Repertory Theatre Summer Program, and multiple high schools and elementary schools. Carroll also received training from Dance Lab New York’s Broadway Choreography Intensive where she worked with some of the top professionals in the industry, including Josh Prince, Jeff Calhoun, JoAnn M. Hunter, and Al Blackstone. In both educational and professional programs, Carroll hopes to bring innovative choreography to the stage that challenges the performers while helping them grow as individuals. She strives to build meaningful connections with dancers in a supportive and fun environment.

Contact Caeli Carroll at Caeli@OFCCreations.com

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Stephanie Roberts

Theatrical Costumer

Roberts is a born and raised Rochester native. She received her BFA in Theatrical Design and Production with a double concentration in Costume Design and Stage Management from Niagara University. She minored in studio arts, fine arts, and dance. ​

 

Since returning from college, Roberts has been a contracted costumer for OFC Creations and other theatres and schools in the area. Roberts is excited to be coming on board to create costumes that help to create the characters of the show. Roberts has costumed over 100 productions so far in her career including notable OFC credits: “Spongebob the Musical”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, and “The Golden Girls Musical.”

Contact Stephanie Roberts at Steph@OFCCreations.com

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Sarah Trine

Cafe General Manager

Trine is a native of upstate NY who has been working in area kitchens and theatres for the past 16 years. She is so proud and excited to join the OFC family! She loves honing her natural culinary skills, where she can specialize in menu planning, catering, and indulging a community's love of great food.

When she’s not tending to her menagerie of animals at home - including a small cast of chickens - she can be found gardening fresh ingredients or testing new recipes. She looks forward to taking on her role as General Manager, and being part of such an inspiring ensemble, but most of all seeing everyone at The Old Farm Cafe. She is delighted to now call OFC home, as there’s truly no other place like it. Break a leg this season!    www.TheOldFarmCafe.com

Contact Sarah Trine at Sarah@OFCCreations.com

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Kaitlyn Baldwin

Marketing Manager

Baldwin is a seasoned leading Off-Broadway performer and has been part of the Rochester Community Theater scene for over fourteen years. Most recently you might have seen her as Nancy in OFC's production of Oliver and Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, and Bad Babes of Broadway Cabaret. She is a ROC City alumni and has worked extensively with Judith Ranaletta since high school.

 

Kaitlyn has performed with several professional rock bands and artists, including Kool and the Gang, Bonnie Tyler's Band, and Kelly Clarkson. She also performs as princesses for events, and loves interactive children's theatre. Kaitlyn will be vocal directing Mary Poppins Jr this summer as part of OFC's 2023 camps. Kaitlyn is unbelievably grateful to the OFC team for bringing her on, and is honored to serve her community and theatre family. She loves seeing the next generation of performers grow, and will continue to support them through their journey. 

Contact Kaitlyn Baldwin at Kaitlyn@OFCCreations.com

Or by calling 585-667-0954 ext. 1

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Eric Schutt

Company Member & Theatre Arts Instructor

Schutt is a Rochester native who graduated with a BFA in Acting from State University of New York at Fredonia. He’s been a happy part of the OFC Creations family since 2017, performing productions such as Tick, Tick…BOOM! (Jonathan); Forbidden Broadway; The Golden Girls and The Golden Girls: Christmas Carol Musical Parodies (Blanche); A Chorus Line (Mike); The Wild Party (Burrs). He has also worked as a teaching artist during the summers at OFC on a multitude of shows, including Something Rotten; Head Over Heels; Heathers; RENT; Jekyll & Hyde; Newsies; Sweeney Todd; Les Miserables; Spamalot; The Addams Family Musical. Other Rochester acting credits include JCC CenterStage’s The Hitmakers series; First Date: The Musical; Titanic, as well as Blackfriars Theatre’s Guys & Dolls (Harry); The Last Night of Ballyhoo (Joe); Hands on a Hardbody (Greg). Eric enjoys spending his offtime with the two loves of his life, Courtney Weather Schutt, and their daughter, PJ.

Contact Eric Schutt through our main inbox at ESchutt@OFCCreations.com

Or by calling 585-667-0954

Eric Schutt will be officially joining the team full time July 5th, 2023

Teaching Artists & Production Assistants

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Orlando Boxx
Teaching Artist

Boxx is thrilled to be working with OFC Creations once again! He is a recent graduate of Roberts Wesleyan University, where he received his Masters in Childhood Education and studied Music and Marketing as well. The most recent shows he has been in were Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Songs For a New World (Man 1) and Man of La Mancha (Anselmo) with OFC and Newsies (Elmer/Brooklyn Newsie) at the JCC. He has been a Teaching Artist at OFC for over a year now where he has Artistic Directed, Music Directed and Choreographed. He loves being able to create theatre and teach students about singing, music and theatre! 

Contact Orlando Boxx at Orlando@OFCCreations.com

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Lizzi Lou
Teaching Artist

Lou is a Rochester, NY based creative and educator of young minds! Lou holds a Bachelor of Arts in Performance Studies from SUNY Empire State College and specializes in children's theatre performance and instruction. Lou believes every student has the capability to be their own shining star. Inclusivity and active learning are the forefront of her curriculum. Lou is energetic, silly, LOVES Disney and rainbows, and credits her artistry to her raw passion for children, performing arts and life!

Contact Lizzi Lou at Lizzi@OFCCreations.com

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Michal Harel

Hair and Wigs Stylist

A Rochester native who performed in and worked backstage on countless community productions growing up, Harel received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre from Columbia College Chicago in 2011. In pursuit of professional wig work, Harel returned to school and earned her NYS Cosmetology License. Harel has worked internationally and bilingually at Israel’s National Theatre Habima as an assistant to the stage manager and production photographer. Since returning to Rochester, Harel has worked on several productions as a costumer and hair/wigs specialist at both Geva Theatre Center and Rochester City Ballet, including “Hair”, “La Cage Aux Folles”, “A Christmas Carol”, and “The Nutcracker”. She also provides hair styling services for private events such as weddings, proms, and Bat Mitzvahs. Harel is thrilled to be joining the OFC family as their first permanent Hair and Wigs Stylist and looks forward to making some theatrical magic!

Contact Michal Harel at Info@OFCCreations.com

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Hadley Strelau
Teaching Artist

Strelau is a Rochester native and has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Nazareth College. No stranger to the stage, she can often be seen performing around the Rochester area in various productions and events, and as backup vocals for Josh Groban. As a teaching artist, Strelau strives to instill confidence and joy through the arts in all her students. Favorite performance credits include: The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy Gale), Newsies (Katherine Plumber), Little Women (Beth March), and Urinetown (Hope Cladwell)

Contact Hadley Strelau at Hadley@OFCCreations.com

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Tripp Hanson
Teaching Artist

Hanson has appeared on Broadway as well as on concert stages all over the planet (including in each of the 50 United States!). On Broadway, he was in the original Tony Award winning Best Musical, ‘Crazy for You’, the Tony Award-winning Best Revival of ‘Kiss Me, Kate!’, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’, ‘Boys from Syracuse’ and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’. Tripp began his professional performing career singing and dancing with Mickey and Minnie during the summer between his junior and senior years at college as an ‘All American College Singer and Dancer’, before joining their professional promotional group, The Kids of the Kingdom. He appeared with Liza Minelli, Tommy Tune, Peter Allen, Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Sutton Foster, Chita Rivera. He also did a stint as a back-up singer for old school country great, Eddie Arnold. Tripp has played Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, the Kennedy Center & The Hall of Columns in Moscow. Tripp also spent 15 years running his very successful NYC acupuncture practice.

Contact Tripp Hanson at info@OFCCreations.com

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Mariah Smith

Production Assistant

Smith has just recently joined the OFC Creations community after moving to Rochester from the Pacific Northwest in 2018. She first shared the stage at OFC in their production of Avenue Q. Her Washington state credits include Curtains! (Georgia Hendricks), Little Shop of Horrors (Ronette), Xanadu (Erato), The Music Man, Sweeney Todd, West Side Story, and many others. She also directed youth productions of Stuart Little and Lion King Kids, and is very excited to be back combining her theatre and education experience here at OFC. When not jumping in on a show or event at the theatre, Mariah works as a program instructor for Homesteads for Hope in Spencerport.

Contact Mariah Smith at Info@OFCCreations.com

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Jonah Martin
Teaching Artist

Martin studied Musical Theatre at Lancaster Bible College and is a multi-instrumentalist and has performed in a myriad of shows all over the country. Credits include Almost Heaven: John Denver's America (Denver), Ring of Fire (Cash), Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story (George Ritchey), The Alaska Cabin Nite Theatre (Charlie McGonagall), the national tour of The Buddy Holly Story (Joe B. Mauldin), and Newsies (Jack Kelly). 

Contact Jonah Martin at Jonah@OFCCreations.com

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Calvin Staropoli
Teaching Artist & Production Assistant

Staropoli is excited to be returning to OFC! He most recently appeared in the Company Theatre's production of Richard II where he played the Duke of Aumerle and in OFC's Golden Girls Musical. Other recent credits include RCP's Antony & Cleopatra (Octavius Caesar) and the Fringe Festival one-act play Cell Outs (Larry & Royce U/S). He directed a production of Almost, Maine here at OFC last year, and will return to directing next year with Dinner at Eight, Dead By Nine.

Contact Calvin Staropoli at Calvin@OFCCreations.com

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Nate Kelly-Dumont

Production Assistant

Kelly-Dumont ( he/they) is a multi-faceted theater artist. From directing, to choreographing, to stage managing he does it all. A recent graduate from Point Park University. Nate's theatre mission is to educate audiences with the art form of theatre. Nate believes that ignorance or hatred comes from a lack education or knowledge. Therefore reflecting someone's life on stage will allow the audience to see and learn from their story. Recent credits include: Angels in America: Millennium Approaches (assistant director), Birth of Paper (Productions Stage manager) , and Spring Awakening (assistant fight/intimacy coordinator). Current OFC credits include High School Musical jr. (Admin), Peter Pan jr. (Admin), Willy Wonka jr. (Admin), Beauty and the Beast jr. (Admin), and with many more to come. Nate is so thankful for this opportunity to work with OFC on their Broadway in Brighton series and can not wait to get started!

Contact Nate Kelly-Dumont  at Nate@OFCCreations.com

Guest and Seasonal Artists

Jay Simmons

Jay Simmons

Simmons is an actor, director, fight choreographer and private acting coach in Rochester. He has studied theatre for 31yrs and 26yrs+ experience in professional and regional theater locally and nationally. He has studied Ballet, Jazz, Modern and classical vocal training in opera for 15 yrs. He has created multiple summer camps, and has done over 100 master classes at area schools, programs and colleges. J was featured in the CITY paper's “Rochester 10”, one of his highest honors.

Alexandria Ireijo

Alexandria Ireijo

Ireijo is an actor, singer, dancer, and artistic professional originally from Oahu, Hawaii. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre from Nazareth College Apart from theatre, Ireijo has worked in childcare and education with children ranging from 6 weeks old to 18 years old. She believes that theatre provides a safe outlet for expression, exploration, and best of all, fun! She strives to nurture her students and coach them to their fullest potentials.

Marge Mattioli

Marge Mattioli

Mattioli last performed at OFC in 2 productions: Wrapping Around the Christmas Tree and the role of Gemma in The Tribute to Connie Francis. She graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a BA in English/Theatre. Marge received her Masters in English Secondary Education from SUNY Brockport and NYS Certification to teach. Marge has performed on stage and film for 35 years.

Monique Franz

Monique Franz

Franz is an international songwriter, playwright, and theatre director whose programs have taken place across the Eastern globe. She is celebrated In Hong Kong as the head performing arts mentor of the former International Academy of Film/Television where she taught Hong Kong’s most phenomenal talent in onstage/on-camera acting, voice, and movement. Monique has held children’s enrichment workshops in Egypt, India, and Ethiopia, where she instructed hundreds of kids in the arts.

Courtney Larkin

Courtney Larkin

Larkin is a special education math teacher at Greece Athena. She holds a Master’s Degree in Adolescent Math Education from SUNY Brockport. Courtney has directed/choreographed previously for Athena Middle School, SNAP, Olympia, Odyssey, Artists Unlimited, RAPA, OFC, GAMS Show Choir, and Olympia’s Show Choir. She has taught dance at Danc’letics and RAPA and has performed in multiple community shows around Rochester. She also led a team of select students for Michael Buble’s “Higher.”

Marissa DelVecchio

Marissa DelVecchio

DelVecchio is a recent graduate of Niagara University with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance. Most recently, she toured the United States and Canada with Missoula Children's theatre for which she directed and acted in their production of Peter and Wendy. Since returning to her hometown in Rochester, she is very excited to be a part of the theatre community that started her passion for the arts.

Liv Reina

Liv Reina

Reina recently graduated from Our Lady of Mercy. She will be attending Monroe Community College this fall for Theatre Arts & Photography. She has been working with OFC since 2020 and has directed Alice and Wonderland, Snow White and assisted on choreography for several shows. She also has the pleasure of directing at Mercy's Middle School. Some past credits include Jo March (Little Women), Ivy (Bare: A Pop Opera), Leading Player (Pippin), Thea (Spring Awakening), and Sheila (A Chorus Line).

Laura Jean (Smillie) Diekmann

Laura Jean (Smillie) Diekmann

Diekmann is a graduate of SUNY Brockport with a degree in dance. In New York City she worked as a professional Dancer/Singer/Actress. Favorite Credits include: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Crazy for You (Sacramento Music Circus), Cabaret (Walnut Street Theatre), and Evita (Cherry County Playhouse). For the past 14 years she has been a private Voice Coach and has choreographed for Nazareth College and many Pittsford schools’ musicals and show choirs.

OFC is proud to have a range of behind the scenes team members who help us shine on and off stage!

Bookkeeper: Susan Gould

Legal: Underberg and Kessler 

Graphic Design: Bil DeAscentiis

Web Optimization: YPC Media

Photography: SamperImages

Film & Video Services: BPM Video

Front of House: Allan O'Grady Cuseo, John Ninfo, Mark DiNitto

"Welcome" Voice & Character Voice Overs: David Autovino

Bar Service & Concessions: CRB Beer and Wine Bar

Bakery Service: Tu Amor Cakery

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