OUR MISSION
Studio Theatre Worcester is committed to a differentiated, professional theatre experience that reflects
the diversity and vibrancy of Worcester communities. Our high quality, theatrical productions and education
programs inspire and challenge our audiences while providing compensated opportunities for artists.
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OUR VALUES
Produce QUALITY productions that elicit VISCERAL experiences for our patrons.
Foster INCLUSIVITY, DIVERSITY, and EQUITY throughout all areas of our organization.
Encourage continued learning by providing EDUCATION opportunities.
Promote and invest in the use of LOCAL talent.
Invest in INNOVATION to keep the costs of our productions and classes affordable.
Develop a strong bond with the COMMUNITY.
Identify and DISMANTLE SYSTEMS that inhibit access to theatre.
Build SUSTAINABLE VALUE through fiscal responsibility.
OUR TEAM
JOHN SOMERS
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
John Wayland Somers has over 30 years of experience in theatre as a performer, director, and educator. He grew up in the Northern Virginia area and holds a B.A. degree from the College of William and Mary and an M.F.A. in Acting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Professional Theatre Training Program. Outside of his theatre experience, John brings over 20 years of new business development and project management experience into his role with Studio Theatre Worcester. John was in the Leadership Worcester cohort of 2021 and is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association (AEA), Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), and SAG/AFTRA.
LYDIA COCHRAN
LITERARY AND NEW WORKS DIRECTOR
Lydia Cochran joined the Studio Theatre Worcester team in July 2022, having returned to her hometown after spending a year in Wisconsin as the Literary Resident at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. She earned degrees in History and Theater from Carleton College, and continues to use both backgrounds in her current work as a dramaturg, director, archivist, and administrator. Lydia is grateful to her peers at Studio Theatre Worcester and their nomination of her as Co-Artistic Director of the company this season. She is looking forward to continuing to grow alongside this new and amazing company she now calls her theatrical home.
MORGAN FITZPATRICK
CLERK
Morgan has been immersed in the performing arts since childhood, primarily as a performer, taking classes in dance, acting, and singing. She continued her education at Sacred Heart University, gaining a BA in Theatre (Acting) and Media Arts (Film, TV, and Media Production). Since graduating in 2023, Morgan has almost exclusively worked in a stage management role for local professional and educational theaters including Studio Theatre Worcester. Her work with STW includes Proof (2024), and The Thanksgiving Play (2023). Among these credits she has recent experience in stage management, prop design, and children’s theatre education with other local theaters and performing arts organizations such as 4th Wall Stage Company, The Lyric Stage Company of Boston, and Hopkinton Center for the Arts. In addition to her stage management and education experience, Morgan brings coordination, organization, and hospitality knowledge to the STW board from her position as Office Coordinator for The Prior Performing Arts Center at College of the Holy Cross.
ROB KLIMECZKO
PRESIDENT
Rob graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and a minor in Theater from the State University of New York College at Fredonia. After graduation, he was hired on a 7-month contract as an entertainer for Show-Biz International at the Double JJ in Rothbury, MI. Returning to NYC after fulfilling his contract, Rob was hired by the Mac-Haydn Theater Company as an Actor/Singer. In 5 months, he performed in 6 main stage shows including the Northeast premier of State Fair and 3 children shows. Due to a family illness, Rob headed back to his home town of Niagara Falls, New York and in 1998 was hired by CBS Radio as an Account Executive where he produced, wrote and sold commercials. In 2000, Rob was transferred to CBS Radio affiliate WZLX in Boston, MA. He began to perform again and was in the 2001 Boston premier of Big the Musical at the Footlight Club in Jamaica Plain. Some of his Boston highlights include: featured soloist in Carousel starring Shirly Jones at Reagle Players; Will Parker in Oklahoma at Turtle Lane Playhouse; Pippin in Pippin at Longwood Players; Ethan in The Full Monty at Turtle Lane Playhouse; and El Gallo in The Fantasticks at WSP. In 2003, Rob was hired by Comcast Spotlight, the advertising division of Comcast/NBC Universal, as a Television and Internet Executive. After 13 years, Rob left Comcast/Universal and was hired by and currently working with Screenvision Media who produces the show “Front and Center” on movie screens across the country. Rob brings over 20 years of experience to both the Adverting and Theater field and is excited to join the Studio Theatre Worcester team.
KIM DEXTER
DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
Kim is an experienced trainer, facilitator, and program developer on topic areas around equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and social justice and also brings significant knowledge and practice in evaluating and responding to regulatory and statutory obligations in the areas of equal opportunity including development and implementation of policies and procedures designed to promote and maintain environments free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence. Kim has worked at Framingham State University since 2005 where she currently serves as Executive Director of Equal Opportunity. Kim holds a Bachelor’s in Finance from University of Maryland College Park and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Worcester State University. Kim is committed to questioning and challenging “common sense” ideas and approaches, knowing that marginalized groups have not historically been at the table to establish the status quo. Kim continually endeavors to bring those voices into the development and restructuring of our current systems. While Kim has limited personal or professional experience in theatre, Kim recognizes and appreciates that performing arts provide a critical lens for exploring equity issues and serve as a powerful conduit for social change.
MEGAN LUMMUS
ACCESSIBILITY COORDINATOR
Megan Lummus (she/her) is very excited to be joining the board of Studio Theatre Worcester! Megan is an openly neurodivergent theatre director and dramaturg focusing on creating accessible theatrical spaces and representation for marginalized identities on and off stage. She also works in marketing and social media for both theatrical and non-theatrical projects alike. She graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Film Production and Theatre Directing from Keene State College in 2020. Some of her favorite theatrical credits include: Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare (FRIGID NYC's Little Shakespeare Festival), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Simon Stephens (A Common Thread Theatre Company), and Love Isn't Real by AJ (The Gordon Community Arts Center). She has been featured in Playbill, The Theatre Times, and Howlaround Theatre Commons for her work in accessible theatre, and looks forward to bringing that passion to Studio Theatre Worcester.
SANDY CLANCY
MARKETING DIRECTOR & TREASURER
Sandy (she/her) is an actor, writer, and marketing professional with a passion for crafting story-driven media. Through her photography, graphic design, and video editing, she loves to create unique ways to highlight STW’s artists and productions for audience members. Sandy most recently starred as Catherine in Studio Theatre Worcester’s production of Proof, for which she received the Best Performer in a Play (Professional) award from BroadwayWorld Boston. Outside of theatre, she is a women’s sports enthusiast with a background as a personal trainer, currently in the process of learning to play every sport under the sun (ask her about her tennis journey). Sandy graduated from Johns Hopkins University as a Pre-Law student with degrees in English, Writing Seminars, and Theatre Arts & Studies and is humbled to continue building her marketing skills with STW.
ELIJAH LIDONDE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Elijah Lidonde is an actor and writer from Worcester, Massachusetts. His first experience in theatre was in high school (St.Andrew's School - RI). At that time he discovered his voice, as well as his passion for the arts. Elijah earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Communications with a focus on TV/Video from Hofstra University. He currently works in live production, with clients that include ESPN, ABC and MTV. Outside of work, Elijah is still acting, landing roles in Good Burger 2 (Paramount +), Amica Insurance, and Stop and Shop. He plans on continuing to pursue acting, as well as producing and directing shows and films with a goal to encourage others that they can also turn their dreams into reality.