The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis elects seven new Board Members for a three year term

“We are thrilled to welcome our seven new board members to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis,” said Susan Stith, Board Vice President. “Their diverse expertise and passion for the arts will be invaluable as we continue to enrich our cultural community and expand the bounds of creative excellence on and off our stages. Together, we look forward to building a bright future filled with inspiring performances and transformative experiences for all. ”The Rep’s Board Leadership includes President Brian L. Clevinger, Ph.D. (Prolog Ventures, Managing Director); Vice Presidents Susan Stith (Interim Chief Operating Officer, (Concordance) and Ann Cady Scott (Civic Leader); Secretary Judi Scissors (Community Volunteer); Treasurer Wendi Alper-Pressman (Partner, Armstrong Teasdale, LLP); Vice President, Volunteers Trish Alexandre (Community Volunteer); and Immediate Past President Gwen M. Middeke (Community Volunteer).

Subscriptions for The Rep’s upcoming 2025/26 Season with expanded offerings of five Mainstage productions and three Studio plays are now available. Don’t miss the sharp-witted fresh comedy The Cottage by Sandy Rustin, the playwright of Clue, September 3 - 28; the spine-chilling theatrical sensation The Woman in Black direct from London’s West End October 8 - 26; a beautifully reimagined version of Jane Austen's classic, Emma December 3 - 21; the deeply moving 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning play Primary Trust by Eboni Booth, February 4 - March 1, 2026; the crown jewel of American musicals Gypsy, March 18 - April 12, 2026, on the mainstage. The Steve Woolf Studio Series in the Emerson Studio includes an utterly disarming new comedy that celebrates life, death, and rebirth in a joyous and immersive celebration in Mrs. Krishnan’s Party January 14 - February 8, 2026; the mind-bending The Enigmatist written and performed by New York Times crossword constructor David Kwong, March 11 - April 5, 2025; and a to-be-announced play October 22 - November 16 all performed at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University. Led by Augustin Family Artistic Director Kate Bergstrom and Managing Director Danny Williams,

The Rep is a 501(c)3 non-profit institution committed to the St. Louis arts community, employing over 200 professionals during a nine-month season which contributes significantly to the city’s cultural and economic vitality. In addition to transformative theatrical experiences, The Rep provides Learning and Community Engagement (LACE) programs that give people of all ages opportunities to deeply engage with the art they see on stage through immersive in-classroom and extracurricular learning opportunities, public forums for civic discourse, and opportunities to participate in the artmaking process. Programs include Camp Rep where kids ages 7-13 experience all the magic of acting, music, movement and creative storytelling classes in two summer session July 7-18 and July 28- August 8; the Story 2 Stage Festival which features student written and produced plays; and the Imaginary Theatre Company (ITC) which focuses on theatre for young people and their families. For more information, please visit repstl.org.

New Board Member Biographies:

Charmian Aaron, Greater St. Louis, Inc. Vice President of Engagement

Charmian Aaron is a connector at heart, passionate about building relationships and bringing people together. As Vice President of Engagement at Greater St. Louis, Inc., she works with hundreds of companies and organizations to strengthen the region, foster collaboration, anddrive inclusive economic growth. The arts have always been a huge part of her life, inspired by her late father—a stage actor, singer, and radio DJ. She has performed in numerous productions and knows firsthand how the arts can bring people together. Charmian previously served on the boards of the NAACP Edwardsville, Special Olympics of Southern Illinois Young Professionals, and the Young Professionals of Ames, Iowa. She is currently serving on the board of the Global Business Travel Association. Above all, she’s most proud of being a mom to her four incredible kids—Asjah, Aria, Alencia, and Axel.

 

Abby Devereux,Thrivent financial advisor

Abby Devereux is an accomplished financial advisor with a passion for educating women and small businesses on their finances while coaching them to a strong financial future. With more than 10 years in accounting and finance, Abby brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic planning and community outreach to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. As a dedicated advocate for live theater and performing arts, Abby has been actively involved in supporting St. Louis’ community of arts nonprofits. Abby’s commitment to making a positive impact for St. Louis' live theater community aligns with the mission and vision of The Rep. In addition to serving on the board of The Rep and managing her own financial advising practice, Abby is co-founder of a whiskey event business called Bourbon & Blondes. Abby is an advocate for enjoying life through joyful and unique experiences that provoke thought and inspire. With a deep commitment to service and a passion for improving lives Abby is excited to contribute to The Rep’s growth and further its impact on our St. Louis community.

 

Erica J. Driver, The Little Bit Foundation VP of Compliance and Programs

Erica J. Driver is a dedicated nonprofit leader with a strong background in program development, operational efficiency, and community engagement. As a senior leader at The Little Bit Foundation, she focuses on removing barriers to learning for children in economically disadvantaged communities. With a master's degree in management and a passion for strategic growth, Erica works to enhance service delivery, optimize resources, and foster impactful partnerships. Her commitment to youth development, equity, and sustainability drives her work, ensuring lasting change in the communities she serves.

 

C. Brendan Johnson, Polsinelli Shareholder

Brendan Johnson is a shareholder at Polsinelli where he focuses his practice on venture capital transactions and mergers and acquisitions. Brendan received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his JD from Georgetown University Law Center. After law school, he served as clerk to the Honorable Frank J. Magill of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the EighthCircuit. Brendan is a great supporter of the arts and has served on the boards of the Arts and Education Council of St. Louis and the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival.

 

Michael James Reed, Actor and Educator

Michael James Reed has been a professional actor for over 40 years with a career that prior to his move to St. Louis 14 years ago, saw him living and working in London, New York and Los Angeles. Theatrically, he has appeared on and Off-Broadway, with London’s Royal Shakespeare Company, and with some of the country’s leading regional theatres. He has a television career ranging from appearances most recently on “Chicago Fire” to shows in his LA years including “24”, “King of Queens”, and “Six Feet Under.” St. Louis audiences have seen him over 20 times at The Rep, over 15 times at The Muny, and over 10 times at St. Louis Shakespeare Festival. He teaches privately with The Michael James Reed Studio and is an adjunct with the Sargent Conservatory at Webster as well as Washington University in St. Louis. A proud parent of Clayton High School graduate and current Mizzou Stamps Scholar Ivy Reed, Michael lives with his partner Julie Layton in University City.

 

Mike Serverian, Edward Jones

Mike Serverian is a strategic business leader with 10 years of experience across the financial services and federal government sectors. His current work at Edward Jones leverages a robust understanding of back office operations, human resources management, finance, and the firm's strategic direction. Mike earned his BA in Political Science and Economics from George Washington University and his MBA from the University of Virginia. He is passionate about the arts and continuing to build community.

 

Dr. Jeanine Suchecki, Professor Emeritus, UConn Health

Dr. Jeanine Suchecki is an ophthalmologist and professor emeritus with over 25 years of leadership in academic medicine and healthcare innovation. She recently retired from her role as Chief of Ophthalmology at UConn Health, where she developed and led the Division of Ophthalmology, directed ophthalmic medical education, had a full-time ophthalmology practice, and spearheaded the development of multiple lines of service including the UConn Dry Eye Center. Now serving as professor emeritus, Dr. Suchecki relocated to St. Louis and remains actively engaged in education, mentorship, and clinical development.