Staff

Stephanie grew up in East Lansing, Michigan where her parents, both ministers in the United Church of Christ, built and served Edgewood United Church of Christ. The involvement of her family in the struggle for human rights shaped who Stephanie is today and her calling to live out a life's work that engages her in building community rooted in justice. NWT reflects Stephanie's commitment to living and serving in an urban setting that is rich in diversity. NWT is founded on the principle of providing access to all interested, regardless of economic status, to an experience of professionally directed theatre. Over the years of NWT's development, Stephanie has served as director, actress, playwright, choreographer and producer. She has co-authored several award-winning oral history productions. Today, as Executive Director, she is responsible for its overall operations and remains involved artistically through the role of choreographer for all productions. She represents NWT in the development of the Gordon Square Arts District where NWT is a partner in this dynamic collaboration that will result in a new home for NWT that will be accessible to all members of the community. The move to a new home will allow NWT to serve more community residents and to diversify its programming. Stephanie received a 2009 Cleveland Arts Prize Martha Joseph Award and in 2010 received a Cleveland Arts Prize as part of the Gordon Square Arts District leadership. Stephanie is a graduate of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2001 and also received a Lifetime of Idealism Award that year from City Year.

Hans serves with Stephanie and Bob on NWT’s executive team.  He has management responsibilities in the areas of personnel, development, communications, marketing, finance, and advancing the theater’s mission and vision as a community arts organization serving children, teens and adults.  He attends to the theater’s cooperative relationship with the Gordon Square Arts District and the campaign to construct a new building for NWT at the corner of West 67th Street and Detroit Avenue.  He joined the staff in 2011 after more than 25 years of fundraising, public relations, news, administrative, community-life and mission education work with the national ministries of the United Church of Christ.  Originally from Forest Grove, Oregon, Hans holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Lewis and Clark College, Portland, and a master’s degree in religious studies from Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary, New York City.  A resident of the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, he has performed in 10 Near West musicals since 2000 and served the theater as a volunteer and Trustee.

Carole Leiblinger-Hedderson began with Near West Theatre in June, 1999. Having spent her career in public relations, events planning and neighborhood development, Carole came from Burges and Burges Strategists where she was Senior Vice President for 14 years. During that time she developed and managed countywide political issue and image building campaigns for corporations and public institutions throughout Cuyahoga, Lake and Summit Counties. In addition to managing NWT's business office, Carole is in charge of Front of House operations, volunteers for Front of House and production/backstage crews, as well as grassroots publicity for all NWT productions. She plans and implements the annual Volunteer Recognition Event to lift up the over 400 individuals and family members of all ages who volunteer to serve in the front of house operations. Carole served as NWT's stage manager for mainstage shows for ten years (1996-2006).

Lindsay Doerr is thrilled to be a part of the Near West Theatre team. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree in the History of Art from the Ohio State University, Lindsay began her career in the nonprofit sector at the Western Reserve Historical Society as Development Associate and later Annual Fund and Membership Manager. Most recently, she worked with the Cleveland Foodbank managing the Harvest for Hunger Campaign, a 21-county fundraising campaign that directly supports the Foodbank's member hunger centers. In 2009, Lindsay received her Master's degree in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs. She is excited to continue to pursue her passion for the arts with Near West, while also having the opportunity to put her past experience to work raising funds and friends for this great organization.

Josh Padgett has been with Near West Theatre since September, 2008. Josh is well-versed in scenic production, having worked over ten years as a master carpenter and metal worker and is proud to use his skills to continue NWT's reputation of professional quality theatre. Josh was born and raised in Berea and received a Dramatic Arts Degree from Cleveland State University in the Technical Direction Track. He has worked in numerous scene shops including: Arena Stage, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Oberlin College, and the University of Cincinnati – College Conservatory of Music.

Perren Hedderson returned to Near West Theatre in the capacity of Assistant Technical Director a year ago after working in film in Santa Fe, New Mexico for 2 years. He starred in a sci-fi comedy, Horror in the Wind by writer/director Max Mitchell, Revision Studios and worked on Year One starring Jack Black, along with other big budget films. It's good to be back at home.