Bridgeport Theatre Company

Staff (click on names for bios)

Eli Newsom has worked for 15+ years in non-profit and professional theatre as a singer/actor/dancer, teacher, and Artistic Director of a successful theatre company in San Francisco. He is also the creator of a popular instructional tap dance DVD series aimed at adults with no previous experience. Eli holds a B.A. in Music and during the week works as a Financial Planner at a fee-only Financial Planning firm in Manhattan. Eli is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPANY) and a former member of Actors' Equity Association.

Jessica Ferraday, Director of Marketing

Jessica Ferraday is a professional actor residing in Milford, CT. She attended Pennsylvania State University earning a BFA in Music Theatre. She has appeared in many local and regional productions including shows at the Thomaston Opera House, Playhouse on the Green, New Haven Theatre Company, and The Warner Theatre. She has also achieved great success in the professional business world attaining such levels of achievement as Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics, and starting her own wedding and event planning business.

Brian Michael Riley, Director of New Works

Brian was born in Bridgeport and now lives there again. In the interim, he received a BA in screenwriting and theatre directing from the University of Miami, Florida. He has written, directed and acted on stages in New York, Miami Beach, San Fransisco, and finally Los Angeles ~ where he also worked as a screenwriter. Brian has been performing locally for the past three years. He is also an accomplished illustrator, painter, and artist.

Board of Directors (click on names for bios)

Melinda Zupaniotis, President

Performing since the age of four, Melinda has been passionate about theatre arts for as long as she can remember. Melinda earned her BFA in Acting from the University of Connecticut at Storrs and decided to work on the business-end of the entertainment industry, working as a Talent Agent in NYC for 6 years, at 3 top agencies. In 2008, Melinda settled in Norwalk and now runs her family's successful business in Stamford. She is thrilled to now use her immense knowledge of theatre and her well-rounded and diverse business experience to create an exciting, vibrant theatre company in the area where she grew up.

Kevin Pelkey, Vice President

Kevin has over 20 years of diversified experience as an IT professional. Proficient in the areas of Customer Support, Database Administration, IT Infrastructure and Software Development . With over 25 years of theatre experience having performed on stage throughout Connecticut. He has worked both on and off stage performing a variety of jobs, Actor, Director, Technical Director, set design and construction. He has also worked with several community theatre groups on their season selection committee.

Christy McIntosh, Secretary

Christy is a professional actress and teacher. She has appeared Off-Broadway ("Evil Dead: The Musical," "Elvis & Juliet" with comedian Fred Willard, "The Truth") and in many regional productions and was featured in "Law & Order: SVU" and in several national commercials. She is a voice teacher and audition coach and helps many of her students book shows in and around Fairfield County, as well as in New York City. She is a writer/performer and the founder of the sketch comedy troupe, Honorable Mention. Christy is a resident of downtown Bridgeport.

Fran Charlip, Treasurer

Fran earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Economics and Accounting from the State University of Oneonta. She joined Frankel Loughran Starr and Vallone LLP, a premier full service business and high net worth individual advisory firm in January 2000. She works as a Senior Accountant for the Family Office Division as well as the Entrepreneurial Services Group providing accounting services for a number of high net worth individuals and corporate clientele.

Joanne Pelkey

Joanne has over 30 years of diversified experience in the continually changing Mortgage Banking Industry. Proficient in the areas of personnel management, mortgage underwriting, processing and origination. Experienced in project management, marketing, sales support & compliance and training areas of mortgage. In addition to her experience in the Banking industry, she also has over 35 years of theatre experience including dance, vocals, directing, producing and acting throughout Connecticut.

Steve Benko

Steve Benko brings his expertise of business and love of theatre to the BTC Board. He is an Asset Manager at GE Capital Real Estate where he specializes in restructuring dis- tressed commercial real estate investments. Theatre is also his family’s passion - aside from being a performer himself, Steve’s daughters are both actresses.

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Staff (click on names for bios)

Board of Directors (click on names for bios)



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SUPPORT BTC in 2012! It's easy & secure!

Thanks to our 2011/12 Season Supporters and Sponsors. Click here for more info...!_______________

Promote your business and support BTC at the same time with our logo driven media opportunities!

Get 2011/12 Sponsorship Information here

Staff (click on names for bios)

Board of Directors (click on names for bios)

SUPPORT BTC in 2012!
It's easy & secure!

Thanks to our 2011/12 Season Supporters and Sponsors. Click here for more info...!
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