Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro are the founders and co-executive directors of The Theatre Lab. Professional actors who have appeared on numerous regional theatre stages, Deb and Buzz teach a variety of classes at The Theatre Lab for novices and professionals. They have been featured as guest lecturers at George Washington University, Georgetown University, and the U.S. Congressional Page School, among others. Together they are recipients of the prestigious Linowes Leadership Award for their educational contributions to underserved communities. Deb and Buzz have authored three books on applied acting, all published by Penguin Putnam: The Interview Rehearsal Book: 7 Steps to Job-Winning Interviews Using Acting Skills You Never Knew You Had (1999), Taking Center Stage: Masterful Public Speaking Using Acting Skills You Never Knew You Had (2001), and The Best Answer (2006). Their work has been featured on numerous radio programs (including the David Essel Show and The Source Report, both nationally syndicated by Westwood One), as well as on the FOX Morning News and WJLA's Let's Talk Live in Washington, D.C., and in the magazines Working Woman, Men's Health, and Cosmopolitan. They are also the founders of Center Stage Communications, a unique consulting firm specializing in the application of acting techniques to the business world. Deb holds a B.A. in Psychology from Lawrence University, and an M.F.A. in Acting from The Catholic University of America. Buzz is a graduate of Yale University, where he earned a B.A. in English, and of Catholic University, where he received an M.F.A. in Acting. |
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Elizabeth Houvener, Theatre Lab's Finance and Human Resources Manager, was an executive assistant in the U.S. Senate, and an assistant in the office of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation’s chief financial officer. She is a graduate of The Theatre Lab’s Honors Conservatory.
Terah Herman-Saldaña is The Theatre Lab's Program/Development Manager. Prior to joining the Theatre Lab team, she was the Education Associate at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. She has also been a teaching artist for Imagination Stage, The Center of Science and Industry, The Explorium of Lexington, and The West Chester Academy of Music.
Angelo Merenda, Theatre Lab's IT/Technical Director has worked freelance as an audio technician, lighting director, and production manager for over 15 years on the East Coast. New York credits include Webster Hall Quarterly Arts Soiree and the Moving Beauty Dance Series in Queens. In the DC area, he has worked productions at The Studio Theater, The Harman Center, and Constellation Theatre at the Source. Prior to joining The Theatre Lab, he managed local crews for touring rock and roll and Broadway shows for the Modlin Center for the Arts in Richmond, VA.
Dane Petersen is The Theatre Lab's Marketing and Events Manager. Dane was a manager at the Artisphere arts center in Arlington prior to joining The Theatre Lab. He has also worked previously at Georgetown University and for several other non-profits. Dane has acted professionally and in community theater in the area for more than 10 years.
Gigi Smith is The Theatre Lab's Program Administrator. A 2011 graduate of The Theatre Lab’s Honors Conservatory, Gigi is also a local actor and stage manager.
