About US
Celebrating 77 Years…and going strong!
Grosse Pointe Theatre has been providing wonderful theater for Southeast Michigan patrons since 1948 and we continue to delight audiences with our blend of musicals, dramas, and comedies. Our volunteer members are passionate about all aspects of theater from set design and construction, lighting, sound and costuming to singing, dancing and acting. To see a historical list of our season performances, click here.
In addition to our main stage and “black-box” productions, our Youth on Stage program offers an opportunity for young people to learn skills for performing arts- skills that translate into valuable life skills. Local high-school students also have a chance to benefit from Grosse Pointe Theatre’s annual scholarship program.
A Place for Everyone
Grosse Pointe Theatre’s mission is to connect, create and inspire communities through theatre. To be true to our mission to connect and inspire communities, we must continue to create an environment where all feel welcomed. We must listen, be aware of, respect, and embrace the diversity of all peoples. We are committed to continuing to tell compelling and entertaining stories that people can relate to or feel a connection with. We believe to succeed as a thought-leader and educator in the performing arts, providing meaningful experiences and strong community partnerships, we must be a place where all feel valued — whether on stage or off, in creative programming or through administrative work, as a volunteer, employee, patron or donor — regardless of gender, age, race or ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, education or ability. As we continue to learn, grow, evolve, understand, and improve, we believe our collective voice is made even stronger and more meaningful by the diverse voices within it. We are grateful for each one.
Mission Statement
We connect, create, and inspire communities through theatre.
Vision Statement
Grosse Pointe Theatre will be recognized as a national leader in community theatre, consistently demonstrating artistic, educational, and operational excellence.
The values that guide us
- Respect and Integrity
- Stewardship
- Community
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Collaboration
Grosse Pointe Theatre hosted the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce for a special evening with a sneak peek performance from the cast of Shrek.
Thank you to the Chamber for allowing us to host this wonderful group!
Board of Directors
Our current Board is listed below.
Executive Director
Linda Zublick
Linda Zublick joined Grosse Pointe Theatre in January 2018 as its Executive Director. Linda has years of experience in the media, most recently as Marketing Coordinator for C&G Newspapers, and she holds a B.A. in Journalism from Michigan State University. She has served for 10 years on the Board of Directors for a Metro Detroit community theatre, including four years as president, and has worked in all aspects of the organization. The position at Grosse Pointe Theatre allows her to utilize her marketing, communications, cultural arts and nonprofit experience and work with GPT to increase donations and profits and help reach new audiences with its quality theatrical productions.
President
Danielle Caralis
Danielle Caralis, has been a member of Grosse Pointe Theatre since 2002. She has appeared in over 17 shows, most frequently as a lead actor/singer/dancer. Backstage she has been an Assistant Director, Stage Manager & Producer. She has been an active member of the Grosse Pointe Theatre Board of Directors since 2010 filling roles as Secretary, Social Chair, Vice President and Member at Large.
Danielle is currently an Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager for PNC Bank, NA. Danielle earned her Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Business) at Kalamazoo College, did a year of study in Greece on Greek Culture & History and completed her Masters in Business Administration (Strategic Management) at the Farmer School of Business at Miami University. She is also a member of The Detroit Economic Club Young Leaders Program and PNC Grow Up Great Detroit Market Team.
Vice President
Nick Marinello
Nick Marinello has been a member of Grosse Pointe Theatre since 2014. He has performed in many shows additionally he has worked backstage on several productions for GPT and other community theatre organizations. He has served as the Education Committee Chair, the Season Advisory Chair as well as the Coordinator of the Youth Technical Theatre program.
Nick is a secondary school teacher for Chippewa Valley Schools. He teaches English and Social Studies. In addition to teaching Nick has been the Director of Theater for Chippewa Valley High School since 2014 and has worked on numerous musical and straight shows in addition to advising the drama club. Before working for Chippewa Valley Schools Nick worked for university housing at Oakland University, The Illinois Institute of Technology, and Manchester University.
Treasurer
Marie Boyle Reinman
Marie Boyle Reinman, has been a member of Grosse Pointe Theatre since 1981 and loves the people so much, she even married one!! She met her husband Tim when he was playing “Young Joe” in Damn Yankees. She is now proud mum to Connor and Mary, both pursuing careers in the arts. She has been on stage in many shows over the years, but has also directed, music & vocal directed, and costumed countless shows since joining. She is happiest, though, when singing. She had the pleasure of performing in a couple of touring productions and has had the honor of performing at Orchestra Hall with the DSO.
Professionally, Marie has been a Registered Nurse for many years and has worked in a variety of clinical and administrative roles. She is currently a Director of Nursing for Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe. She graduated from Nursing School in London, Ontario, and received her BSN in the US from Chamberlain College. She has been a past board member for Services for Older Citizens, and is an active member of St. Paul on the Lake.
Secretary
Olyvia O’Donnell
When Olyvia O’Donnell auditioned for Shrek in the 2018-2019 season, she never thought that Grosse Pointe Theatre would become her second home. Olyvia began her involvement onstage but quickly dove in to assist behind the scenes as well. During the 2021-2022 season, Olyvia was honored to receive Grosse Pointe Theatre’s Above & Beyond Award, for her participation as Apprentice Director and Social Media Chair for Sound of Music. This led to her directorial debut in the 2022-2023 Season, Clue On Stage. She was elected to the position of Secretary in 2023 and serves on many committees with GPT as well as started a New Leadership program to emphasize the voice given to new members of the group and push others toward a path of leadership.
Olyvia currently works in the Office of Sponsored Programs at Michigan State University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (Theatre Arts and English) at Alma College where she graduated magna cum laude as well as studied abroad for a semester in London, England focused on English Theatre.
Board Director
Don Bischoff
Don is a business owner and owns Whimsical Expressions Paint Contracting Company, and is the previous general manager of several car dealerships and owner of two restaurants.
Board Director
Stephanie Butler
Stephanie Butler has been a member of Grosse Pointe Theatre since 2009, where she has both graced the stage in numerous main stage productions and contributed her talents behind the scenes in the costume room. She currently serves as the Season Advisory Chair and is an active member of the costume committee. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film, Video & Media Studies from Western Michigan University. She proudly calls Grosse Pointe Park home, where she lives with her husband, Kevin, and their two children, Madison and Brooks. When she’s not at the theatre, Stephanie is a familiar face volunteering at her children’s schools and sports events!
Board Director
Kevin Fitzhenry
Kevin Fitzhenry has been a member of Grosse Pointe Theatre since 2009. His exceptional skills in digital and social media have added a new dimension to the organization which has attracted many younger members to the group. Since joining the group, he has had major responsibilities for sixteen of our main stage productions, including positions as Director, Stage Manager, Set Designer, Sound Designer, Producer and Actor/Singer/Dancer. He has also been very active in our member workshop program. He has also participated in theatrical productions with several other local theater groups.
Professionally, Kevin is Director of Digital Marketing at De La Salle Collegiate High School. Prior employment included various positions at Warrior Sports, Inc., The Detroit Red Wings and Rammler Golf Club. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Oakland University.
Board Director
Dale Pegg
Dale recently retired from a long career as an in-the-field news videographer, ending his working activities with Detroit’s Local Fox 2 News. During his career he was awarded with three Emmy’s, the Detroit Press Club Award, the Michigan Associated Press Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award. He is a member of the Grosse Pointe Men’s Garden Club.
Board Director
Patricia Ellis
Patricia Ellis is a long-time member of Grosse Pointe Theatre. Patricia is a retired Director of Media Relations for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, spearheading all media partnerships, editorial meetings, press conferences and external communications for the organization. She also served as Public Information Officer and serves on the Emergency Preparedness committee, as well as nearly every major event/project committee. In addition she has served as Volunteer Media Chair for 10 years for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, as well as helped promote Komen Detroit’s other year-round projects. Patricia has volunteered extensively with The United Way in Detroit and helped promote and organize numerous events. She helped launch the Salvation Army Bed and Bread Club and served on the Metro Detroit Youth Day committee, securing the Salvation Army’s involvement. She also served on the committee with a major responsibility for the annual Pink Out the Park event, a collaboration with Karmanos and the Detroit Tigers.
At Large Board Director
Mario Simone
Mario Simone joined Grosse Pointe Theatre in 2022. Since then, he has performed in multiple shows and serves on several committees within the organization. Professionally, Mario is a CPA and works as the Controller for his family’s construction company. He attended the University of Notre Dame where he performed with multiple choirs and performing arts groups on campus. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and a Master of Science degree in Accounting – Tax.
At Large Board Director
Joanna Panagos
Joanna first joined Grosse Pointe Theatre in 2010. After taking time away for college and career, her love of theater brought her back again in 2018 as a regular volunteer on and off the stage for GPT and Purdon Studio productions. She is currently a risk management analyst at Ally Financial and a member of the Detroit Economic Club’s Young Leaders Program. Joanna earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics at Alma College in 2016.
Director of Strategic Planning
Timothy Higgins
Technical Director
Eric Leszczynski
Professionally, Eric has held engineering positions for General Motors and, most recently, for Yazaki North America as a Senior Technical Specialist – Wire Development. He is the Chair of the US Technology Advisory Committee for the ISO Wire Committee and has been Chair of the ISO Wire Committee (WorldWide Wire Committee) and co-Chair of the SAE Wire and Cable Committee (US Wire Committee). Eric earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Director of Development
Theresa Selvaggio
Professionally, Theresa has been employed by Estee Lauder since 1978 and is currently a Regional Vice President. She has a long list of leadership credits, including Board positions with The Grosse Pointe War Memorial, Holley Ear Institute & Wayne County Council for the Arts; Chair positions for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation – Chicago fundraising, Gleaner’s Community Food Banks Women’s Power Breakfast, Fontbonne Auxiliary for St. John’s Hospital, Van Elslander Cancer Center – corporate fundraising; and many other leadership positions. She was a keynote speaker at a Fashion Group International Career Day and was named “1995 Style Maker of the Year”. Theresa attended Wayne State University and executive programs at Vassar College, Aspen Institute and the Leonard A. Lauder Executive Symposium.
2024/25 Meeting Calendar
Dates and Times are subject to change.
Board Meetings
Board meetings begin at 7 p.m.
July 8, 2024
August 12
September 16
October 7
November 4
December 9
January 13, 2025
February 10
March 10
April 14
May 12
June 9
General Membership Meetings
Tuesday dates
September 24, 2024
December 10, 2024
February 25, 2025 – Annual Meeting – Voting for officers
May 6, 2025
Clarence Dinner – June 28, 2025