PLAYERS WORKSHOP ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MAY 20

     Players Workshop will hold its Annual General Membership Meeting on Wed., May 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Workshop.

     There will be election of new members to the Board of Directors, election of the President, reports about the past season and the upcoming season, and reports about the financial status of the organization.

     Nominations committee chairman Bill Ell reports that 7 people have announced their candidacies for election to the Board of Directors.  In keeping with PW tradition, Ell submitted the following questions to each candidate: 

• Why do you want to serve on the PW Board of directors?

• What strengths and skills will you bring to the PW Board of Directors?

• How have you been involved in the PW to this point?

     Below is the list of candidates (in alphabetical order) and their replies to the questions. Some replies have been edited due to space constraints.

Nicki Critser—"I enjoy serving on the board, because I have a passion for our theater. I feel like I bring a good perspective to the group. I try my best to be focused on the future of the theater in all aspects.

“I am very dedicated. I tend to put my all into every endeavor. I do my best to hear from everyone and take all the information in before making a decision. I take my responsibilities seriously.

“I am currently involved in play selection, youth committee, costumes, lobby committee, and the board. I have been volunteering with PW since 2019 with my children, both behind the scenes as well as being on stage.”

Lee Franklin—No Response

Brittany Gerst—"I like to volunteer on the board because I love this theater and the volunteers and people who come to see the shows. PW is very active in our community, and I would like to continue bringing live theater to everyone.

“I am a good listener and keep my mind open when presented new ideas or perspectives of others.

“I have been a volunteer since 2017 and am currently the Treasurer. I have helped as a stage manager, stage hand, light booth tech, usher, board member, actor, and a lot more. I am currently the chair of the Finance committee, and member of the Youth committee and Member & Community Engagement committees.”

Jason Guyton—“My dedication to the performing arts and my belief in the transformative power of community theater have motivated me to pursue this opportunity. I have a deep appreciation for the culture and sense of belonging that the Players Workshop fosters in Burlington, a vital aspect of our community that enriches our lives and enhances our artistic landscape.

            “[Through obtaining my music degree at WIU and currently holding a supervisory position in my professional life] I understand that successful productions are born from a collective effort, and I am eager to bring this perspective to the Board of Directors. I am committed to supporting the Players Workshop’s mission and ensuring that Burlington continues to thrive as a hub for artistic expression.

 “I’ve had the privilege to be part of several productions, including Comedy of Tenors, On the Farce Day of Christmas, and Little Shop of Horrors, where  I took on the unique challenge of portraying ‘Audrey 2’ while also directing the pit orchestra and fellow actors, showcasing my versatility in both acting and music. I look forward to the opportunity to work both behind the scenes and on stage, contributing to the vibrant arts community we cherish.”

Krystal Johnson—“I feel very passionate about the art of live theater! I have loved PW since the first time I set foot inside the door. I want to ensure the future of PW is strong so generations to come can enjoy this little gem.

“My previous experience: Grimes Elementary PTO (Secretary, President), Code Red- Period Poverty (Co-Founder, Vice President, current secretary), Optimist International Club (board member, scholarship chair), Take Away Hunger (board member), Zion UCC (VP of consistory.). My strengths are organization, education, communication, and creativity. I pay attention to details. . . .I love a good challenge.  .

“I have done hair, make-up, and backstage costume changes for Hallelujah Girls, Bedtime Stories..., Something Rotten, and Dracula, I am on the youth committee, and this summer I have taken on IVRS day (insert shameless plug here for volunteers July 9th).  I’m still a new kid on the block . . . ,but I rarely say ‘no.’”

Anika Morton—”I’m currently finishing a 2-year term on the PW Board of Directors. I joined the board because I like being involved with the community and encouraging the youth to pursue the arts. I hope to continue working with the next generation of “theater kids” and to continue growing our programs. I have enjoyed helping keep PW’s various activities going while propelling us to a sustainable future to pass on to the next generation.

            “As the youngest board member my biggest strength is in getting more young people involved and learning new skills in the different areas of the theater.

            “I have been on stage as an actor in a couple of shows; Mamma Mia and Sister Act. I’ve been behind the scenes in others: running lights/sound, hair and makeup, stage manager and crew, as well as assistant directing and currently serving as the director of this year's youth production of Dr. Experimentor and the League of Evil. I also serve on the Fundraising committee, the Youth committee and the Costume Committee.

Njeri Patric—"I’m 35 years old and I’m the Chief Domestic Engineer, Director of Operations and Chief Executive Officer of The Patric Family. I’m married to Elijah and we have three daughters, Naomi, Hadassah and Lydia. I would like to serve on the Board of Directors to help keep this valuable piece of Burlington’s history alive, to have a creative outlet for all those who wish to join for generations to come!

“I don’t bring a lot of strength and skill to the table, being in a bit of a crazy season of life, but I am a willing listener and love encouraging the creative energy everyone else brings along! I will be PW’s biggest cheerleader!

“I moved to Burlington in 2021, and have been involved at Players Workshop since 2022 in various capacities: performing, choreographing and helping out backstage.”

In addition to the 7 candidates listed above, nominations will also be accepted from the floor on the night of the meeting.

Voting for the President of Players Workshop will also take place at the meeting.  Currently the only stated candidate is incumbent Mary Fox, who also submitted her anwers lto the same questions posed to the board candidates.  Below are her responses.

Mary Fox—"I retired a number of years ago from a career in manufacturing quality management. This career path taught me to be customer focused. No matter what you're offering, you always want the customer to return. I bring that mindset with me to PW. I would like to continue as President because Players Workshop Theater means a great deal to me. I value the people, the creativity, and the sense of community we share. I’m committed to supporting our volunteers, encouraging new ideas, and helping the theater grow while honoring its traditions.

“I bring strong organizational skills and clear communication, along with a deep commitment to the success and sustainability of PW. I value collaboration, enjoy working with other volunteers, and strive to help keep projects organized and moving forward. I’m dedicated to supporting the theater’s mission and helping ensure PW continues to thrive for years to come.

“I’ve been involved with PW since appearing in Sex Please, We’re Sixty in 2014. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in many roles, including director, stage manager, producer, board member, board president, Facebook page creator, and box office manager. I’ve also pitched in at nearly every clean-up day and garage sale, and even helped clean the theater during those challenging COVID days. PW means a great deal to me, and I try to contribute wherever I’m needed.”

            Nominations for President will also be accepted from the floor on the night of the meeting.

            All dues-paying members of Players Workshop are eligible to vote in the elections, but you must be present to do so. 

            All members are encouraged to attend, to help determine the future of Players Workshop.

            If anybody has questions regarding Players Workshop’s annual general membership meeting, please contact mfox6046@ gmail.com or telephone/text 319-750-6046.