About Us
Ashleigh Benois- President
Ashleigh has been with Showtimers Theatre since 2019. She has been involved with multiple productions in many different roles including stage manager, lighting or sound technician, and run crew. Ashleigh also served as the membership chair for the 2022 season. When not at the theatre, Ashleigh enjoys reading, dominating trivia nights with her friends, and watching Netflix with her cats, Harry and Watson.
Betsy Quillen- Board Member at Large
Born in the Deep South, raised in Virginia, and married in the mountains of Colorado, Betsy found herself back in Roanoke with her family. She is a stay (rarely) at home mom, homeschooling her three boys, and knitting, reading, and writing in her spare time. She has her degree in Theatre Arts from Roanoke College and has worked in many different capacities at many different theaters. She has been proud to call Showtimers her community theater home since 2018.
Deena B. Sasser- Board Member at Large
Deena holds a BA in music with a theatre minor from Winthrop University and a Master of Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University. A Warren, Ohio native, she has performed with community theatre companies in every place she has lived including Winchester Little Theatre, Halifax County Little Theatre, Page to Stage, Two Muses, Attic, V-Day Roanoke, and more. She is the Director of Operations and Communications for Clean Valley Council. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, Doug, and their two black cats.
Cole Schraitle- Parliamentarian
Cole Schraitle is a Construction Project Manager with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Akron. He has been involved with technical theatre in both a professional, educational, and volunteer compacity for 13 years, with a focus on scenic design & construction. He has been the president of two theatre organizations and has produced or technical directed over 30 theatre, dance, and vocal performances.
Jamie Stewart- Vice President
Jamie is a graduate of the University of New Orleans with a bachelors in Theatre Arts. She moved to Roanoke in 2018 and was stage managing at Showtimers less than 2 months later. Jamie is a founding member of V-Day Roanoke, a grassroots organization using theatrical performances to raise money for local charities dedicated to ending gender-based violence. She loves coming up with innovative fundraising ideas and community events to ensure that Showtimers remains a vital part of the Roanoke art scene.
Julie Wheeler- Secretary
Julie Wheeler has been a theatre lover since childhood and involved with Showtimers since 2018. She lives in Vinton with her husband and two teenagers and works for HomeTrust Bank helping to lead their volunteer efforts. Julie is also a fierce advocate for volunteer work in the community and blood donation. You may have seen her around town assisting with the Vinton Chamber of Commerce or at various events around Roanoke.
Volunteer Committees
Ashleigh Benois
Deena Sasser & Betsy Quillen
Ashleigh Benois
Our members are the heart and soul of Showtimers. Membership allows you to have a voice in the theatre as well as special events and discounts.
Jamie Stewart
Deena Sasser & Betsy Quillen
Ashleigh Benois
Community theatre needs community support to thrive. Donate today or advertise your business with a playbill ad or becoming a Spotlight Sponsor.
Jessie McKeon
Deena Sasser & Betsy Quillen
Deena Sasser & Betsy Quillen
Focused on inclusion and diversity as well as essential theatre education, it is our goal to promote growth in wisdom and knowledge within our community.
Deena Sasser & Betsy Quillen
Deena Sasser & Betsy Quillen
Deena Sasser & Betsy Quillen
This dynamic duo is responsible for spreading the word for all events but we would love some help! Follow us on social media and sign up for our mailing list to keep up!
Elliot Raff
Raynelle Lankford
Raynelle Lankford
Playreading Committee helps the Board of Directors choose shows for the upcoming season. This committee is only open to active members. Join today!
Raynelle Lankford
Raynelle Lankford
Raynelle Lankford
Every business needs a financial officer to keep finances in order. If you are a professional with a desire to volunteer, we would love to talk about opportunities.
Deena Sasser
Raynelle Lankford
Corey Stewart
At over 70 years old, Showtimers has A LOT of history to preserve. If you have a piece of Showtimers history to share, please let us know!
Corey Stewart
Raynelle Lankford
Corey Stewart
Helping maintain our building and the surrounding green space is a great way to maintain your active membership. Volunteer today!
Cole Schraitle
Joel Gruver & Sean Neff
Joel Gruver & Sean Neff
Well-designed sets are a vital part of any production. The set committee is open to anyone with construction knowledge or a willingness to learn. Volunteer today!
Joel Gruver & Sean Neff
Joel Gruver & Sean Neff
Joel Gruver & Sean Neff
Have you ever wanted to learn more about how lighting and sound is used in the theatre? Let some industry folks teach you the basics in a workshop.
Jamie Stewart
Joel Gruver & Sean Neff
Jamie Stewart
Use your sewing skills to help us maintain our huge selection of costumes or learn some design skills in a workshop. Interested in donating items? Drop us a line!
Denise Pappas
Joel Gruver & Sean Neff
Jamie Stewart
Props give our actors something to do onstage. Proper care and creation of props is important to any production. Learn more about design in our workshops!