(she/her/hers)

Resident Artist

amyreneb@bte.org

Amy Rene Byrne is an autistic theatre creator in her 9th season at BTE. She earned her MFA in Acting from West Virginia University and has spent her career acting, directing, teaching, and administrating. Most recently, she has gotten into podcasting, adapting plays, and devising work. Amy loves theatre that makes you think and that you cannot look away from. She likes to leave the theatre changed in some way. Her favorite onstage roles include Morris in The Nether, Cannibal Queen in Airness, and Joan Watson in Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson—Apt. 2B. Her favorite directing credits include Witch; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; and Dragons Love Tacos. Amy lives in Williamsport with her mountain man husband, a rambunctiously loveable two-year-old, and two dogs. She likes hiking, kayaking, and spending outdoor time in the dirt with her son in her spare time. 

(she/her/hers)

Operations Manager

justined@bte.org

Justine Drake is BTE’s new Operations Manager and a New Jersey native turned Bloomsburg resident. She earned her MBA from Bloomsburg University. In her spare time, she continues her love of swimming and diving—coaching for the Bloomsburg YMCA & High School.

(she/her/hers)

Communications and Development Coordinator

emmag@bte.org

Emma Ginader grew up seeing BTE shows and now she joins the organization as its Development and Communications Coordinator. While she is not a thespian, she is a professional writer. She earned her MFA in Writing from Columbia University. Her writing has appeared in The Journal of Radical Wonder, The Lavender Review, december magazine, Mantis, The Moth Magazine, and Love Me, Love My Belly. ​​She was also the 2023 Literary Arts Fellow at the Chautauqua Institution and a 2022 Resident at the Ayatana’s Biophilium’s Mortem Arts residency. She has held editorial positions at the Columbia Journal, The Daily Item, Moneta, and Quick Brown Fox. 

Emma is passionate about producing public arts programming. She has created and hosted events for the Chautauqua Institution, Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop, and other organizations. She is excited to continue this work at BTE. Ibsen’s A Doll’s House holds a special place in her heart.

(he/him/his)

Facilities Manager and Technical Director

gregorg@bte.org

Gregor Gunelson is the Scene Shop and Facilities Manager. He received his degree in Theatre and History at St. Cloud State University, MN, with an emphasis in Scenic Design and Technical Theatre. He has had a varied career in scenery and exhibitry, working in the Twin Cities, MN, and Tulsa, OK, before moving to Pennsylvania. Locally, he has worked at Reptiland in Allenwood, The Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den in Scranton, and The Daytona Aquarium in Florida. He has been very active in the Community Theatre scene in Schuylkill County, as well as refinishing historic homes. He is very excited to be joining a talented team here in Bloomsburg.

(she/her/hers)

Education Director

abigaill@bte.org

Abigail Leffler is a Bloomsburg native thrilled to have her theatre-home be in her hometown. She has been a part of BTE since college in many capacities management: Education Director (currently), actor, sound board operator, backstage crew, box office, and house management, to name a few. Abigail is also the founder and facilitator of BTE Improv.

Alongside her educational career, she has performed regularly as a guest artist at BTE and various theatres in North Carolina. She spent 10 years in North Carolina, learning and developing with many talented artists. She has performed at the New Bern Civic Theatre, Rivertowne Players, Ratio Theatre Company, and Walk-in Bathtub. Teaching theatre has been one of her greatest joys for over a decade and she is thrilled to continue the legacy BTE has cultivated. 

Favorite Performance Credits include Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd) at NBCT, Jolene (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) at NBCT, Smee (Peter and the Starcatcher) at NBCT, Narrator (A Christmas Carol) at BTE, Dr. McCormick (Fair Food Foul Play) at BTE. 

(he/him/his)

Shop Dog and Good Boy

Henry is an Australian shepherd and blue heeler mix. His job here at BTE is simple. "I make people smile, eat treats, play with my toys, and nap." You can often find Henry in the costume shop with his human, Jennifer. This is Henry’s first time being a shop dog, and he absolutely loves it! When he is not in the shop, you can catch him going on long walks and hanging out with friends.

(she/her/hers)

Production Coordinator and Costume Shop Manager

jenniferl@bte.org

Jennifer Lippert is currently the Costume Shop Manager and Production Coordinator at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Jennifer graduated from Missouri State University's Theatre and Dance department with a BFA in Design, Technology and Stage Management, emphasizing in costume design. She has worked at a variety of theatres including The Berkshire Theatre Group, Stagedoor Manor, Gulfshore Playhouse, and Weston Playhouse Theatre Company. She has also worked at Bucknell University as the costume assistant and was an Alteration Specialist at David's Bridal. Jennifer is a passionate individual who loves art, costumes, and chocolate. When Jennifer is not busy sewing, you can find her painting with watercolors, taking pictures, and hanging out with her dog. If you want to see more of her work, check out her Instagram (@jennifer_lippert_designs) and website (jenniferlippertdesigns.com)

(she/her/hers)

Resident Artist

kimiem@bte.org

Kimie Muroya 室屋季美恵 is excited to join BTE as a full Ensemble Member and Resident Artist in Season 47! Her favorite roles at BTE have included Winnifred in Witch, G in Sanctuary City, and Sherlock Holmes in Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson—Apt. 2B.

Though most recently from Philadelphia, she went to high school in Lewisburg and interacted with BTE throughout her time there—seeing shows at the Alvina Krause Theatre, participating in workshops, and even performing in one of the summer shows! After graduating college, she spent several years in Philadelphia building a professional acting career: performing with many companies in the Philly area, co-founding the Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists, and even dabbling in some commercial and film work.

Kimie also enjoys stage combat (and is certified in four disciplines!), building with LEGO (a collection far too large to be healthy!), and playing Dungeons and Dragons (and other table-top role-playing games!). Possibly her favorite activity, however, is napping.

See more of Kimie's work at kimiemuroya.com.

(he/him/his)

Resident Artist

aaronw@bte.org

Aaron White has been a working Theatermaker for the past two decades and has made living in the theater as an actor, director, choreographer, fight choreographer and Set/Sound/Puppet designer. After a 10 year affiliation with BTE as a guest actor and designer, Aaron became an Ensemble Member in 2022 and takes great pride in serving the Bloomsburg community. Besides his work onstage as a Resident Actor he also writes, directs, designs and co-produces the BTE Downcenter Podcast.Outside of Bloomsburg, he has played roles such as Romeo and Hamlet for many fine regional companies including the Virginia Shakespeare Festival, Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theater, the Texas Shakespeare Festival and the Adirondack Shakespeare Company. In the recent past, Mr. White has directed at Millbrook Playhouse, and Susquehanna University. His sets have been seen at BTE, Williamsport Community Art Center and Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA.Aaron is also committed to teaching his craft to the next generation. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at Lycoming College and  Susquehanna University. He teaches regularly for BTE Theatre School and workshops for the Williamsport Community Theatre League and many Schools throughout the region. Aaron is also very proud of his collaboration with Williamsport’s CAC Student Summer Stock from 2014-2018. Aaron holds a BA from Susquehanna University. He has done post-graduate work at Ohio University and received his MFA from the PATP at the University of Houston. Originally from Dalmatia, Pa, Aaron now resides in Williamsport with his loving wife, Nina, and their son, Liam.

(he/him/his)

Managing Director

jonw@bte.org

Jon White-Spunner started his theatre career in South Africa where he worked as a lighting designer, Stage and Company Manager for several touring shows, and then as Managing Director of His Majesty’s Theatre in Johannesburg. Between 1980 and 1992, Jon served as General Manager and then Managing Trustee of the world famous Market Theatre. Since moving to the United States in 1992, in addition to his time with Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, he served as Managing Director and Manager of Community Outreach at Stoneham Theatre (now Greater Boston Stage Company) in Boston. In 1996, he co-founded 24th Street Theatre (now in its 27th season) in Los Angeles.

(he/him/his)

Communications and Development Director

jaredw@bte.org

Jared Whitford is a multifaceted theater artist thrilled to be part of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. A respected figure in the community, Jared was the founder and Artistic Director of Studio 570 and currently serves as the Director of Theater for the South Williamsport Area School District. He is grateful for the chance to collaborate with various local and regional performing arts organizations, including Millbrook Playhouse, Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Interlakes Summer Theatre, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, and others.

Selected Credits: A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, WSO Celebrates the Holidays: A Broadway Tribute, James and the Giant Peach, Legally Blonde, The Revolutionists (Director), Fiddler on the Roof, The Little Mermaid, Beetlejuice Jr. (premiere production), Cinderella (Costume Designer).

(she/her/hers)

Creative Producer

sarahelizabethy@bte.org

Sarah Elizabeth Yorke, BTE’s new Creative Producer, is an accomplished theater director, producer, actor, and educator from Schuylkill County. She holds an MFA in Directing and an MA in Arts Administration from Ohio University, along with a BA in Theatre Arts from Virginia Tech. An experienced acting coach of nearly eight years, and former full-time faculty member of Virginia Tech, Sarah is known for her innovative, interdisciplinary approach to theater and the arts.