Jo'Lisa Jones (she/her), Artistic Director

Jo'Lisa brings her experience as an NYC actor and theatre activist to her work as Artistic Director. She is recognized for her creativity, dedication to diversity, equity and inclusivity, and fostering relationships with innovative artists. Jo'Lisa has performed with many NYC theaters and partnered with organizations that specialize in elevating the voices of marginalized communities. She has used applied theatre to work closely with people of all races, genders, and neuro-diversities. Jo'Lisa co-founded and now is President of the Board of EMIT Theatre Company. She is passionate about continuing to build a safe, inclusive, innovative and educational mainstages community.

Matt Dorter (he/him), Director of Strategic Partnerships

Courtney Cook Naftz (she/her), Director of Programming

Courtney brings her passion and creativity to the role of Director of Programming, where she leads the programming division overseeing and creating innovative year-round school and nationwide summer camp programs. For the past 15 years, Courtney has worked as a professional actress performing and touring with Regional Theater companies, has worked Off-Broadway and in Television and Films. She has developed virtual and in-person Theater programming for children, worked as a Teaching Artist within the NYC School District and is an Acting Coach for both youth and adult actors. She is excited to bring her experience and passion for children's theater education to mainstages. Her main goal is to create inclusive and engaging programming that creates a safe space for children of all ages and backgrounds to expand their creativity and imaginations.

Samantha Beneventano (she/her), Program Manager

Samantha Beneventano is a Choreographer, Dancer, and NYC-based teaching artist. She has performed at City Center, 92nd St. Y, Tribeca PAC, and DUMBO Dance Festival. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Dance from Queens College. Upon graduation, she received the Farah Marcelus Award for Choreography and the Edward M. Greenberg Musical Theatre Award. In 2013, Samantha was an artist-in-resident at the Kupferberg Center in the inaugural CUNY Dance Initiative program. Her work has been shown at Dixon Place, The Secret Theatre, The Tilles Centre for the Performing Arts and Greenspace. Samantha is an educator at her high school alma mater and is now directing and choreographing elementary and middle school productions. She's motivated by her students' growth and passion throughout the creative process. Watching students find their confidence, hone their skills, and learn to trust themselves has been incredibly fulfilling. Samantha is thrilled to join the mainstages team!

Kelsey Kline (she/her), Summer Program and Performance Coordinator

Originally from Orlando Florida, Kelsey has over 7 years of experience as a teaching artist! She fully believes in using theatre education, paired with positive reinforcement, as a way to develop confidence and empathy in her students. With an eye towards inclusion, Kelsey makes sure each and every student that enters her space feels seen, respected, and cared for, and makes sure students learn how beautiful sharing in our differences can be. Besides teaching, since graduating from Rollins College with a BA in Musical Theatre and Directing, Kelsey is a full time performer. She has had a plethora of opportunities ranging from multiple National Tours, Regional Theatres and Theme Park Shows. Kelsey always aspires to take the diverse worldview she gains while on the road performing, and scaffold that into the lessons she teaches her students. She hopes that her time with her students, no matter the length of time, will help them become inclusive, worldly, life-long learners. Learn more about her on https://kelseyjkline.com/