Clear Space Theatre announces 2022 board of directors

Clear Space Theatre’s board of directors has new officers and six new members for 2022.

Laura L. Mason is the new board chair, with Jay Allen serving as vice chair. The executive team also includes Brian Ellis, treasurer; Megan Nehrbas, secretary; and Ali DiSabatino, at-large member. Returning board members are Judy Rayner, Sharon Mack, Mark Hunker and Kelsey Murphy.

“I am honored to be elected the chair of the board for Clear Space Theatre and look forward to working with the board members, staff, volunteers and community in 2022,” said Mason. “This year we welcome six new board members who bring a wide range of talent and experience to Clear Space. Each board member, new and returning, plays a vital role in the success of Clear Space and bringing live theatre to the beach. On behalf of the board, I hope that in 2022 we will see new and returning faces enjoying programming at Clear Space.”

The six new members to the Clear Space 2022 board are Sander Bieber, Jessica Bain, Richard Byrne, Laura Howard, Judith Ramirez and Ida Rowe.

Sandy Bieber, a retired attorney, brings nonprofit theater experience to the board as a member and vice chair of the Arena Stage board of trustees in Washington, D.C. Locally, he is a member of the organization committee for Rehoboth Beach Main Street and the finance committee of Seaside Jewish Community. Bieber and his wife Linda Rosenzweig reside in Rehoboth Beach.

As a native Sussex Countian, Jessica Bain has always had a passion for getting involved in the community. Whether through chairing events for many local nonprofits or creating beautiful spaces for special events and weddings through her event design company, Styled, she loves to see a project come to life. When her hands aren’t in flowers, Bain enjoys traveling with her husband and two boys, and spending as much time on the water as possible.

After 40 years serving as a schoolteacher, community outreach educator and university administrator, Richard Byrne retired and has been serving the larger Rehoboth community as a board member with Delaware SPCA, Sussex Family YMCA, Cape Henlopen Senior Center and Rehoboth Beach Main Street. He also served as an elected City of Rehoboth Beach commissioner from 2018-21, providing leadership for environmental and animal issues. Byrne has lived full time in downtown Rehoboth Beach since 2009, serving as president of his homeowners association. He lives with his wife Sherri Wright, and a rescue dog and cat.

Laura Howard grew up in a theatrical family, with parents very involved in community theatre throughout her youth. She has continued her involvement as an adult with behind-the-scenes support of local theater including assistant directing and board service. She also supports the theatrical endeavors of her two daughters, recognizing that onstage talent has skipped a generation. Howard works as a director at the National Committee for Quality Assurance remotely from her home in Lewes, where she lives with her husband Geoff, two daughters and their dog.

Judith M. Ramirez first became involved with Clear Space Theatre using her healthcare and management experience as a collaborator for the play, “Wit.” She quickly became a patron and supporter. Now Ramirez brings her career experience and skills working at Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health COVID Epidemiology Team as the public health administrator to the board of directors.

Ida Rowe is a retired New York City school administrator. She volunteers much of her time to multiple nonprofit organizations in the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach areas.

Clear Space Theatre is a nonprofit regional theatre serving residents and visitors to Southern Delaware since 2004.

Clear Space performs 13 shows during its season and has year-round performing arts opportunities for children and adults. Clear Space is located at 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach. To learn more, go to clearspacetheatre.org.