Clear Space welcomes three new directors to board

"We are excited to welcome three new directors to our board," says Carl Schloegel, chair of Clear Space Theatre Company's Board of Directors. "Each brings an enthusiasm for theater and a wealth of experience to our organization. We're confident our new directors will help Clear Space achieve its mission of inspiring audiences, artists and students through high-quality performances and educational experiences. Our vision is to be a leader in the vibrant performing arts community in southern Delaware. An active, involved, enthusiastic board is key to focusing and realizing that vision."

New member Brian M. Ellis, Esq. is a partner at Morris James LLP, Attorneys at Law; previously, he held associate, partner and in-house counsel positions at several law firms and private corporations. He has been practicing law in Delaware since 2005. His public service has included providing legal advice to the Swan Foundation, a nonprofit investment fund benefiting Sussex County, and to The Next Generation - Southern Delaware, an organization which involves young professionals in philanthropic work benefitting Kent and Sussex counties.

Ellis said, "I really value this opportunity to help Clear Space bring high-quality performances to our community and provide excellent educational resources for our local and regional residents. I speak from personal experience: My daughter has participated in a number of summer camps and instructional programs, and our family has attended many performances at Clear Space. I can attest to the incredible skill of both the performers and instructors Clear Space is able to attract. I hope to bring my past service on charitable boards, as well as my professional experience, to help guide Clear Space's operational leaders in expanding the theatre's reach, as well as continuing its success in offering performance excellence and educational value."

New member Laura Mason, EdD, is an academic advisor and adjunct faculty at Wilmington University in Rehoboth Beach; she has been employed by the university since 2007. Prior to relocating to Delaware from Virginia, she worked as a technical manager for a software development firm and as a middle school and high school teacher. From 2009 to 2012, she served as adult education lead for Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach.

Mason said, "I am honored to have this opportunity to give back to the community in this unique way! Being an educator, I am particularly excited to support the work Clear Space does with actors of all ages through its Performing Arts Institute. One contribution I hope to make as a board member is to keep us tuned in to the community in which the theatre lives. Whether we're seeking funding or choosing which productions to mount, we need to remember the broader community in which Clear Space resides. I also hope to serve as a strong advocate of Clear Space. By sharing my experiences with the theatre and on the board, I hope to encourage others in the community to support Clear Space as enthusiastically as I do."

New member Ryan Rainey, JD, is an adjunct professor of social and behavioral sciences at Wilmington University in New Castle. From 2005 to 2010, he served also as an attorney consultant assisting government agencies. Prior to 2005, he served as an attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse (Alexandria, Va.), the Office of the United States Attorney (Washington, D.C.) and the Department of Justice (Washington, D.C.).

Rainey said, "I have lived in Rehoboth Beach for 15 years, and am honored and excited to now have the opportunity to serve on the Clear Space Board and become involved in the community in this way. Clear Space brings so much education, entertainment and opportunity to our area, and has seen phenomenal growth over the years. I hope to follow in the tradition of former board members, and work with current board members, to build upon the excitement and momentum already established. I believe my background and experience in law and education will enable me to contribute as we plan for Clear Space Theatre's future."

Also serving on the board with Schloegel and the three new members are sitting board members Katherine Davison, Wayne Knaub, Amanda "Ami" Leaming, John B. Pitchford, Joan E. Thomas and Donna L. West. More information about Clear Space Theatre Company is available at www.clearspacetheatre.org.