Meet our Team!
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John Manfredi
Executive Director
John Manfredi has spent the last three decades working professionally in the nonprofit arts arena, managing daily operations as an executive leader at the Performance Network of Ann Arbor and the Theatre Ensemble at Meadow Brook in Michigan.
John Manfredi has held adjunct faculty positions at Oakland and Wayne State Universities, and was awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, for his work with the American College Theatre Festival. He is an experienced fundraiser and an advocate of theatre for young audiences.
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Julia Rodriguez
Marketing, Public Relations, and Resource Development Director
Julia Rodriguez has always had a passion for storytelling, from a kid writing stories in grade school instead of paying attention to math to picking films apart over and over in high school, theatre was predestined to be a stop on that journey. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin i with a BA in Cinematography and a minor in Theatre, Julia moved back to Beaumont and got involved with Stages as a volunteer. Julia is excited to work with this beloved organization and help bring the love of storytelling to others in the community, regardless of where they are in life.
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Ashli Acevedo-Spell
Business Manager
Ashli is a long time volunteer with Beaumont Community Players/Southeast Texas Stages.
Logan Manfredi
Technical Director
A recent transplant to Beaumont, Logan Manfredi (along with his Assistant Technical Director, Taco (Bell) Manfredi), enjoys the weather in Texas, disc golf, and good movies.
Lindsay Downs
Box Office Manager
Lindsay is a musician at heart who began her journey with Stages in the orchestra pit. Since then, she has transitioned into directing multiple productions, and collaborates closely with Music Directors and Directors to bring their musical visions to life. At the Box Office, Lindsay is dedicated to making sure every patron's visit to Stages is smooth and enjoyable. When she’s not at the theater, you’ll find her teaching piano and music classes or playing the all-important role of taxi driver for her kids.
Janice Pattillo
Costume Manager
Janice Pattillo began acting in 2011, but her costuming began in 2015 with the production of “Both”, where she designed and made 60 costumes. She was one of the founders of LiFT, a children’s theater group that performed her original plays. In 2022 she became the costumer for SETS, and consistently brings quality costumes to the productions.
Board of Directors
Meet our dedicated Board of Directors, a passionate group of individuals committed to guiding our organization toward its mission and vision. Each member brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that help shape the direction of our work. Below, you can learn more about their backgrounds, values, and the incredible contributions they make to our community. We are grateful for their leadership and unwavering support!
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President
Scott Renick
Scott Renick is an attorney in southeast Texas and long time supporter of the theatre.
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Treasurer
Seth Crone
Seth Crone is treasurer and past president of Southeast Texas Stages. He has long been fond of theater: In the 1980s he was on the advisory boards of the Pearl Theatre in NYC and Stages In Houston. He has board positions at SOST, AMSET, and Lamar University Friends of the Arts. He lives in Beaumont with his wife, the Honorable Marcia Crone. He received his BA from Amherst College and his MBA from New York University. He has a CPA and a CFA® Charter.
Secretary
Amy Miller
Amy Miller has been involved in theatre since elementary school, working backstage, designing stages and acting. She most recently had roles in Pride and Prejudice (2022), The Christmas Carol (2023) , and Grand Horizons (2024).
This is Amy's second year on the Board at SETS and she is dedicated to enriching the local theatre scene by helping bring in new faces from the community. Amy passionately loves community theatre for its vibrant and inclusive space, where local talent comes together and creates meaningful performances.
With an education in creative writing and instruction, she understands the nuances of beginning a new theatre experience and is dedicated to making transitions smoother for everyone involved.
Immediate Past President
Zach Celeste
Zach Celeste was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. As a graduate of Lamar University (B.A. in Accounting), Zach went on to attain his Juris Doctor degree from Texas Tech University School of Law.
He is now the Managing Partner at Wells Peyton Partain Baldo & Lighty, LLP, where his primary practice areas include Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate, and Business Organizations. Zach has been on the boards for multiple nonprofit organizations, and he has also represented several of them in his practice of law. Zach’s experience with nonprofits, along with his management of a law firm of more than twenty attorneys and staff, has taught him the value of organization, leadership, and perseverance—three qualities he emphasizes as the Immediate Past President of Stages' board of directors.
Zach acquired his love for theater through his wife, Renee, who can be seen regularly up at Stages, whether it’s through acting or assisting with choreography or costuming. Zach’s favorite plays/musicals include: Mean Girls, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Book of Mormon, Matilda the Musical, Moulin Rouge!, The Music Man, and Hadestown.
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Board Member
Jerry Thacker
Serving in the Marine Corps as a radar technician, Jerry Thacker uses his organization and communication skills to bring his passion for the arts on the Board of Directors. He and his spouse are avid art collectors, long time season ticket holders to SETS, and supporters of other art non profits.
Currently working for the Postal Service, his other part time jobs as community advocate is as a leader in his church, service to SETS, and as the current president of PFLAG Beaumont/SETX. Jerry credits his appreciation for art to his extensive travels abroad and domestically.
"Community theatre gives everyone regardless of who they are, a place in the community to shine with their individual skill sets, either on stage, behind the scenes, behind the control board, or in the orchestra pit. It's a place that can take you as far as you'd like to go."
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Board Member
Jo Fuller
Jo Fuller is a retired Dyslexia Therapist after having taught 40 years in 4 states and serving in the Beaumont Independent School District for 26 of those years.
Jo has been a part of productions at Southeast Texas Stages in a variety of acting roles for 7 years and a Board Member for the organization for 3. She is a member of the Baptist Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary, the Philanthropic Educational Organization, the McFaddin-Ward House Docents, and Calder Baptist church.
Jo serves the Board with the perspective of one of it's actors on the stage bridging performance and the mechanics of the organization. Service is essential to living in a community. As we use each of our unique gifts and talents to help others, we build a satisfying life for all - community theatre enhances that life by giving opportunities to serve and a place to be filled by the arts.
Board Member
Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams lives in southeast Texas and owns Valentino's Florals.
Board Member
Zach stiles
Zach Stiles lives in Southeast Texas.
Board Member
Jessica Garth-Adair
Jessica lives in southeast Texas.
Board Member
Tom Shirley
Tom Shirley lives in Beaumont and has been a volunteer at BCP / SETS for 30 years.
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Board Member
Jessica Bryant
Being a board member for the theater is Bryant's first “official” experience, but she have volunteered for
several years with programs focused on education and children’s development. The summer
children’s program sparked her interest in community theater, but her professional
background in organizational development that gives her a unique identity on the board; that
work requires her to balance people, processes, and creativity.
Bryant love the theater because it is a place where anyone from any background or ability or belief
system can find acceptance and a creative outlet. It is a melting pot of talent and courage, on
display for the community to enjoy.
Board Member
Patrick Anderson
With over a decade of experience as a skilled hairstylist, Patrick has dedicated her talents to making his community shine.
As a long-standing member of the YMBL, he has served on the board, off and on for 5 years, contributing his expertise and
leadership. Patrick's passion for the YMBL South Texas State Fair runs deep - this will mark his 12th year serving on the fair committee, across divisions like Livestock, Entertainment, and Personnel. Three years ago, he spearheaded the creation of the South Texas State Fair Floral Design Competition, providing a platform for 4-H and FFA students to showcase their talents when they couldn't exhibit animals. Last year, the competition was expanded to include CTE (Life Skills) students as well.
When he’s not busy with the fair, Patrick lends his time and energy to the Gift of Life 5K Ribbon Run Committee. And for the past 12 years, he has been an active member of Southeast Texas Stages, taking the stage in productions, working backstage, and stage managing.