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.

Michelle Cage (she/her), Program and Performance Coordinator

Michelle is a playwright and teaching artist who believes deeply in the transformative power of young people’s stories—and is dedicated to helping them tell their own. She has brought creative spaces to a wide range of schools, afterschool programs, and summer camps, guiding young artists through everything from clowning to zine-making. Michelle has led artistic programming at Camp Twelve Trails and Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp, and has directed teen camps, youth councils, and middle school afterschool programs at the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood. She is also a proud member of the Adaptive Programming team at Asphalt Green, where she supports inclusive, affirming programming for neurodivergent youth.