MEET OUR TEAM
Artistic Director & Head of Corporate Partnerships
Rachael is a Chicago-based actor and teacher. She is passionate about utilizing the power of the arts to enact meaningful societal change, and has been on the leadership team of The Outer Loop since its inception.
Rachael holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University, a BA in Theater from SUNY Brockport, and is a graduate of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting Conservatory program in New York City. Rachael also partners with large organizations as a Facilitator for Leadership Development programming, in which she utilizes applied theater techniques to drive meaningful organizational culture change. She is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association & represented by Big Mouth Talent.
Secretly Rachael wishes she was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.
Director of Marketing & Inner Enso Facilitator
Melissa is a DC-based actress and creator. She graduated from Eastern Washington University with her B.A. in Musical Theater and is now pursuing acting post-college. Melissa is excited about how working with The Outer Loop is building her knowledge around new play development and marketing in a theater setting.
Melissa's favorite sushi roll is called The Kyle and she enjoys finding new competitors for it as often as possible.
Cultural Community Collaborator & Outreach
Tiffani is a New York-based performer, playwright, and director. She has been in love with the performing arts since before she could walk.
Tiffani holds a B.S. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and is a graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City.
If napping was an Olympic sport, she would be a repeat gold medalist.
Executive Director & Creative Producer
Michael is a Chicago-based director, playwright and teacher. He loves nothing more than watching a new play come to life, while increasing access to the arts.
Michael studied Architecture at The Cooper Union, holds undergraduate degrees in Theater and English from The State University of New York at Brockport, and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.
Music is the answer.
Education Director & Core Collaborator
Aviva is a NYC-based director, administrator, and performer. She is passionate about the intersection of art, civic education, and social policy, and aims to make the world a better place through theater that uplifts new perspectives and helps us understand each other better.
Aviva graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a B.A. in Theatre and Government, a certificate in Diversity and Equality of Education, and an honors thesis in Directing Theatre for Social Change.
Aviva has a whole zoo of stuffed animals representing each letter of the alphabet, from Alligator to Zebra!
Resident Artist & Core Collaborator
Sara is an Irish-Sicilian actor & singer born & raised in Rochester, NY. She earned an associate’s degree in theater after attending The American Academy of Dramatic Art’s two year conservatory program in NYC. Prior to finding her way onto the stage in the 2nd grade, Sara would cause trouble in school & give her teachers a reason to want to retire. She was considered an “enigma,” yet when she found her passion for the arts, she finally had a place where she could channel all of that energy.
While Sara’s career started with musical theater, she has found a new love for film acting & straight theater & is very excited to be working with The Outer Loop in bringing new & important stories to life.
While not on set, you can find Sara sharpening her improv skills (Upright Citizens Brigade, UCB), perfecting her Italian & Spanish on Duolingo, and foodblogging on Instagram @sweetsavorysara.
Sara is abnormally good at noticing a fresh haircut.
Resident Artist & Core Collaborator
Shane Sczepankowski found their way to the theater early in life, drawn to a space where expressing emotions—especially the confusing ones—wasn’t just allowed but taught and encouraged. Currently Shane's life work is dedicated to creating spaces that are safe from stagnancy—spaces where growth, connection, and creativity can thrive.
Long before earning his two graduate degrees in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin University, Shane was captivated by the written expression of the human experience. Theater has always been a place for people. A haven where we get to grapple with those complex relationships that are too often left unexplored.
Now you may be asking yourself. Hey! Where can I find Shane when he isn't in the theater? Well. He's likely in his garden simply wishing he were a potato.
Humanity Project Director, Tanzania Operations
Samwel is the Founder and CEO of Supreme Tanzania Safaris, one of the top tour organizers and safari companies in Tanzania.
In addition to being a guide himself, Samwel also runs the day to day operations of STS, as well as all Tanzania-based Humanity Project operations.
You will not find a kinder and more generous human anywhere.
Director of Education, Tanzania Operations
Jackson Kain Kibona is a Tanzanian actor, screenwriter, and film producer. He holds advanced certificates in acting for film and scriptwriting from The Tanzania Film Training Center. Jackson is also a huge fan of movies, music, and soccer.
His hobbies include reading and listening.
Humanity Project Manager, Tanzania Operations
Patrick is a civil engineer and an agriculturist in Mloka, Tanzania. He is also the project manager for all Outer Loop and Humanity Project activities in the Selous Region.
In addition to handling all of The Outer Loop's Tanzania-based projects, Patrick can show you some pretty amazing card tricks.
Kate Mullis
Intern
Kate is a soon to be New-York based triple-threat performer, creator, and teacher. She grew up in classical ballet and fell in love with all things theatre in high school. She is passionate about storytelling and the power stories have to inspire and heal.
Kate holds a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Western Carolina University. Some of her favorite performances have been Quilters: The Musical (Ensemble/Choreographer), Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical (Lady Beaconsfield/ Lucy US) and Selcouth; her senior thesis project where she performed, self-produced, & co-created the performance. She’s pursuing performance & is excited for what the future holds.
Kate collects keychains and loves to go stargazing.
Blake Carlson
Intern
Blake is a Spokane-based actor, designer, and general theater practitioner. There is not an aspect of theater that Blake does not have passion for, and they believe that theater (and every element of it) is imperative to stave off the ever-growing threat of cultural apathy. Blake went to Eastern Washington University for Theatre, and is thrilled to be working with The Outer Loop.
Blake reads directing theory books for fun.
President: michael herman
Vice President: rachael yoder
Secretary: Brian Zorn
Treasurer: Karen Herman
Board Member: Elizabeth Berl
Board Member: Sandra Mantione
Board Member: Lea-Beth Shapiro
Board Member: Rob Radest
Board Member: Maura Duff
Board Member: Diane Lent
Board Member: Mary Anne Buckley
Board Member: Denise Hubler
Board Member: Ian Durham
Honorary Board Member: Asha Dibuga
Honorary Board Member: Patrick Sanga