2024-2025 Board of Directors

MATTHEW MOORE – Chairperson

Having been involved with HTI for the past 17 years, Matt is pleased to be back sitting on the Board of Directors.

Having been involved in theatre since the age of 12, Matt is no stranger to the stage, both performing and in the directors’ chair.

Matt is also an accomplished cook, having worked at various restaurants in the Hamilton area over the past decades.

KYLE FERREIRA – First Vice Chair

Kyle Ferreira is a local business owner with a lifelong love of theatre performance and production. Starting as a child performer in film and television, Kyle has been part of as many shows as he has had time to do over the years. Having worked in all facets of theatre, effective on stage as well as behind the scenes, he is a huge fan of the act of putting on a show. Kyle is very excited to be part of this dedicated and tireless group of people working for the continued success of this theatre they all love so much. 

PADDY SKINNER – Second Vice Chair

Paddy has been performing and helping to build sets for HTI since his debut there in the Full Monty. Paddy has been tired ever since… Please continue to support local theatre.

ERIKA BENNETT – Secretary

Erika first joined HTI in 2023 in the ensemble of Something Rotten! after moving to Hamilton in summer 2022, with the primary goal of meeting new friends and neighbours. The Spring 2023 production marked the end of a 9-year hiatus from musical theatre, and since then she has also contributed behind the scenes, co-choreographing the Winter 2024 production of Seussical. With a background in vocal performance and competitive dance and a passion for community engagement, Erika is delighted to have the opportunity to support the endeavours of HTI as a pillar of theatre in Hamilton and can’t wait to see how this community space can grow and thrive going forward.  

DUSTIN JODWAY

Dustin has been involved with HTI for over 20 years and is a committed lifetime member. This is something Dustin holds dear to his heart. When not at HTI, Dustin is the proud owner of Red Tree Performance Academy – a non-competitive place for students to learn and create. Dustin has received the Hamilton Spectator’s Readers Choice award consecutively since 2018 for Local Artist and now Art School/Instruction and is so proud and honoured to receive this award. Dustin would like to thank HTI’s dedicated volunteers and patrons; without you, there is no us. Get your season subscriptions now; you don’t want to miss out!

RIANE LEONARD

Riane joined HTI 2010 as a lighting board operator for Smokey Joe’s Cafe.  Over the years, she has steadily worked with the company in various crew and production team positions. Riane is a graduate of McMaster University’s Theatre & Film program and Mohawk College’s Event Coordinator program. She has worked on numerous productions at McMaster and with community theatre groups in Hamilton.  Riane is grateful for the many opportunities HTI has granted her, including performing onstage in her first musical – HAIR.  A lifelong Hamiltonian, Riane is thrilled to have the chance to use her passion for the arts and the Hamilton community to further the success and legacy of HTI.

VANESSA RUNDLE-FOTHERINGHAM

Vanessa is thrilled to take her involvement in local theatre to the next step by serving on the board of her favourite local musical theatre group! Her love of live theatre began as a child. That love eventually led her to help create it at university; she hasn’t looked back since. She was involved in her first production with HTI as a teenager and has worked on many shows for this fine company since then. You may never see her, as she prefers stage management and tech to performing onstage. She appreciates anyone who supports local theatre!

MALLORY TOYE

A graduate of McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Film and Seneca College with a diploma in Acting for Camera and Voice, Mallory has a rich background in the performing arts. While at McMaster, Mallory immersed herself in community theatre in and around Hamilton, where she forged lasting friendships with fellow HTI members. After college, she spent five years performing at Medieval Times, captivating audiences as both the Princess and later the Queen. Her passion for community theatre stems from the connections and camaraderie it fosters. At HTI, Mallory is committed to nurturing a welcoming environment where like-minded artists can experience the same friendship, acceptance, and sense of belonging that has enriched her life.

KAREN RACHNER – Recording Secretary & Membership Coordinator

Karen has been an active member of HTI for over 20 years. She has been our Recording Secretary and Membership Coordinator. She has been a script assistant for many shows, including Falsettos, Suds, Blood Brothers, Man of La Mancha, Into the Woods, Anything Goes, My Fair Lady and Once Upon a Mattress. She has also been the stage manager for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Sugar Babies and A Christmas Survival Guide. Karen is also an INKY winner. On top of all that, Karen has ushered and helped with concessions.