VALUING DIVERSITY
The Rosendale Theater Collective believes in the power of art and film to create meaningful community. The Theatre is sensitive to the ways in which privilege has historically benefitted certain groups and devalued others. As a Board and staff we are committed to creating an organization that does not discriminate against people based on their race, color, national origin, religious belief, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. The Rosendale Theatre Collective strives to provide an inclusive environment and welcomes diversity.
VISION STATEMENT To connect people through the transformative power of film and live performances. To be an inspiration for artists, audiences, and communities in a world in which people are tolerant and accepting of other’s differences. To engage audiences with innovative programming that animates a restored historic venue where all are welcomed and valued.
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We honor these long-standing board members and staff, from our first decade 2010 – 2020, and recognize their significant contributions and past service to the Rosendale Theatre Collective.
Jesse Heffler, Managing Director, is an emerging arts leader of the Hudson Valley. He joins the Rosendale Theatre Collective from GARNER Arts Center in Rockland County, NY, where he served as Director of Programs and Operations since 2019. Having grown up in the Mid-Hudson region, Jesse relocated to the Kingston area in 2017. He draws from his work in independent film and as a producer of contemporary theatre, performance, and new music with Beth Morrison Projects and the Fisher Center at Bard. Jesse brings a passion for film, the performing arts, and community-building through cultural exchange that is ideal for his role with the Rosendale Theatre Collective. He holds an MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence College.
Ann Citron, Artistic Director, was the former Managing Director of the Rosendale Theatre for ten years, and one of its founding members. She is now pursuing her passion to bring live theatre seasons to the Rosendale Theatre. Ann is a director, producer, and actor and has worked in theatres all over the Hudson Valley including County Players in Wappingers Fall, The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck, SUNY at New Paltz Summer Repertory , Denizen Theatre in New Paltz and Ulster County Community College in Stone Ridge. Ann directed and taught theatre arts for Stages in the Arts Youth Theatre in Kingston for 5 years, directing their musical productions. Ann has taught Improvisation for over 20 years in various Hudson Valley locations as well as NYU’s Clive Davis School of Performing Arts. Currently she teaches improvisation at Stepping Stone venue in Rosendale.
Justin Peone is the Technical Director of the Rosendale Theatre. He has worked professionally with computers for over 25 years, and has handled most of the technology needs of the Theatre since its purchase by the community. He is a computer specialist who has adapted to the changing digital media needs at the Theatre. He made it possible for Tony Caccio to continue to project after the transition to digital movies. He handles lighting, sound and streaming for live shows, sometimes all at once. If you have been to a live show produced by the Theatre, you have seen some of his work. He will be opening Rosendale Tech on Main Street in Rosendale shortly. He wants to help spread enthusiasm for technological change and adaptation, while furthering social connection and interaction. Technology can help bring people together, rather than isolate them.
Amber Kelly, House Manager, moved to Rosendale in 2009, writes for the BlueStone Press, has worked in elder care, cleaning the Rosendale Theatre, and organizing the community garden in Tillson. Formerly, Kelly worked at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for thirty years; three years as executive assistant, three years as facility maintenance, one year as Norwalk juicer for spa and sauna and whirlpool cleaning, three years cleaning, three years doing child care, one year doing lost and found, three years working with volunteers in the veggie prep area, three years cooking for 600 people, three years as food services director, then spa director for seven years increasing spa services from five to forty-two. In 2005, Kelly held the position of interim director of operations for nine months. Kelly is a trained yoga teacher, wave work therapist, quantum biofeedback therapist, Reiki therapist, massage therapist, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant, and has a black belt in tai kwon do. Amber earned an associate’s degree in fine arts from Berkshire Community College, and a bachelors degree in business and economics from SUNY, Saratoga Springs.
Tracy Reines brings her lifelong appreciation and support of live music, theater and film to the Rosendale Theatre. She has over twenty years in the international humanitarian sector spanning dozens of countries and US states, and brings management, programming, funding, and operational experience to the Board. Tracy brings a broad perspective and celebration of the diversity of creators, audiences, and subjects for live performance and film, and the powerful role they play in community. Two of her most cherished photos are her Grandparents’ acting headshots from their days performing in community theater, and if you look in one of her earliest travel journals, you can find a description and illustration of the independent movie theater she dreamt of opening one day. Though hers had palm trees, hammocks and outdoor screens, she has happily found a home at the Rosendale Theatre.
Blake joined the board as Treasurer in April 2022, about a year after discovering and purchasing a home in Rosendale. He splits his time as a primary parent and a part-time finance consultant and worked for 25 years in finance positions, primarily at consumer products and services companies.
Jan Melchior has been working as a graphic designer, a writer, and a marketing professional for 30+ years. She’s also a mother, a grandmother, and an animal lover. Originally a Jersey girl, she moved to the Hudson Valley 20 years ago and currently shares her Bloomington home with her cat and dog. Jan is currently the director of marketing at the High Falls Food Co-op where she is dedicated to its future and to supporting healthy food access, community, and the arts in the Hudson Valley.
Laurie worked the first 12 years of the Collective as the volunteer and preshow coordinator, website and office administrator, and producer of a few GaGong Shows (we did receive a cease and desist using the other name). She is proud to return as a member of the Board. Laurie currently is employed as an administrator for the Rosendale International Pickle Festival, Rondout Valley Business Association, and MaMA.
Jerrie received her accounting degree from San Jose State University in 1996, after working in the restaurant industry for 15 years. While obtaining her CPA license with a local firm, Jerrie had clients that ranged from technology start-ups, tire retailers, real estate developers to a family-owned propane delivery company. Moving to New York in 1999, she held positions as controller and operations director for a marketing research facility, a news video delivery company, an educational software start-up and finally as CFO for internet advertising start-up. Since retiring in 2010, Jerrie has been privileged to travel as a financial consultant for the non-profit organization Bpeace, helping women-owned businesses in conflict-affected countries. In Rwanda, she got to help the first ice cream store in the country, working with employee-owners to better understand their business by diving into the P&L and product pricing. She has also been to El Salvador to assist with better reporting for the owner of a retail pastry chain and budgeting with a pita manufacturer. Jerrie currently serves on the High Falls Food Co-op board as Co-President and on the Mid-Hudson Fuel Buyers Community board as Treasurer.
Rob Lubow has been working in digital, social and community marketing for nearly two decades, across numerous agencies, startups, and tech companies. He previously cut his teeth in the Genre and B-movie world running the social media department for filmmaker Robert Rodriguez’s TV channel, El Rey Network. A native New Yorker, Rob and his husband relocated from Austin, TX to Kingston in 2022. In addition to his duties for the Board, he is currently chairing the Marketing Committee, as well as programming and producing the monthly “weird cinema” series WTF Wednesday.
Jerry Wintrob has been a holistic Optometrist for over 40 years. In that time he built a private practice in Park Slope, Brooklyn primarily, and also in Accord. He now lives and works full time here with his family, including his new grandchild. He wants you to know that if you would like to see pictures, he is happy to oblige. He joined the board of directors to share his vast knowledge of how to run a successful business with a lot of creativity and spontaneity. He has participated in Community theatre and Improv over the past number of years. He loves film and is a very frequent patron of theatre.
