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.
For the past 5 years, Rob was the Director of Corporate Outreach and Events at Unison Arts in New Paltz, NY. Prior to that he has worn many hats including work as a Green Energy Consultant, a fundraiser for various consumer products and as a Licensed Commercial Real Estate Broker in Manhattan for over 15 years working for developers, landlords and tenants. Rob is currently involved with four different music projects including a band with his ex wife, other cover bands and is working on his 2nd CD of original music with various Hudson Valley musicians.
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 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.
Laurie returned to New York State after practicing medical sonography in Boston. She is a passionate pastel painter who has won awards for her work and has had her designs used on dozens of foreign postage stamps. She is active in the regional art scene by helping to organize the Gardiner Open Studio Tour. Previously she served as the vice president, secretary and newsletter editor for the Foxboro Art Association. As an accordion player interested in old-time music, she founded a weekly jam session that united traditional music enthusiasts. Laurie also founded a poetry share group in Wrentham, MA. In the past she volunteered in various civic and church organizations. All of these experiences along with her background career in healthcare enrich her understanding of how the arts can nurture both individual and community wellbeing.
Don grew up in Gardiner, NY and attended the Wallkill High School. He left home for college in Boston. Over the next half century, he raised a family and operated a successful collectibles business which included licensed products depicting music, sports and entertainment. His affinity with creative marketing propelled him through projects that included contracts with governments to create and distribute postage stamps for collectors. His projects sometimes included fund raising for various causes. Don loves rock and roll and the Gunks. He recently moved back to his family home in Gardiner.
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 dedicated to the future of the co-op and to supporting healthy food access, community, and the arts in the Hudson Valley.
Laurie worked for the Collective’s first 12 years 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 works as an administrator for the Rosendale International Pickle Festival, Rondout Valley Business Association, Holistic Health Community 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.
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.
