About Us

At Mon River Arts, the stage is set, the lights are bright, and the magic of theatre is alive! As a non-profit, we’re on a mission to bring the joy of performing arts to kids and adults across the Mon Valley and Western PA—because everyone deserves a moment in the spotlight!

We’re proud to call the historic Grand Theatre in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania our home. Built in 1902, this iconic venue hosts live theatre, movies, special events, and even birthday parties! Whether you're rehearsing, creating, or performing, the Grand Theatre is where the magic

happens.

Rehearse, create, and dream big at our studio at 206 Plum Street, then take a

bow on the legendary stage of the Grand Theatre. Whether you’re hitting the

high notes in our Musical Theatre Camp, perfecting your craft in our theatre

classes, or stealing the show with our Youth Drama Troupe (ages 8-18), there’s

always a role for YOU at Mon River Arts.

So grab your script, warm up those vocal cords, and step into the

spotlight—because the show must go on!

THE TEAM

At Mon River Arts, our talented team is the heart and soul of the show! From directors and choreographers to musicians and behind-the-scenes wizards, we’re all about bringing creativity, passion, and a little bit of theatre magic to every performance.

LORI KOLODZIEJ

executive director

Lori has been the Producer/Executive Director for all productions at the Grand Theatre and now for Mon River Arts for the past twenty years. In addition to running a full-time business, Lori worked for the Elizabeth Forward School District at Mount Vernon Elementary. She also volunteers her time on a variety of committees in the community, including Plum Street Committee (Thursday night outdoor concert series) as Chairperson/ Entertainment Coordinator. Lori and her husband Ken are the proud parents of three girls, but their newest prides and joys are their five beautiful grandchildren.

Candice Damiani

penguin project program director

Candice has served as the Program Director for the Penguin Project at Mon River Arts since its inception. Candice has a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology; she is currently an Associate Professor at Chamberlain University. Candice also currently serves as the president of the Mon River Arts Executive Board of Directors. Her love for MRA developed as she watched her own children be transformed by the power of music and the community of the theatre. As an educator, Candice believes that everyone has the ability to grow and learn when they are part of a nurturing, supportive, inclusive community.

Margaret Fleischauer

business manager

Margaret serves as the business manager for Mon River Arts. She also provides administrative support for The Penguin Project and serves as the treasurer of the Mon River Arts Executive Board. She has been with MRA since its founding in 2011, serving as the first board president from 2011-13. In her capacity as the business manager for MRA, she oversees the day-to-day financial operations of the organization. Margaret holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. When not at MRA, she works as a Billing and Reports Specialist for another nonprofit organization, Neighborworks of Western Pennsylvania.

Samantha Hawk

mra academy education director

Samantha Hawk is a performer and arts educator from the Pittsburgh area. Outside of serving as Education Director for Mon River Arts Academy, she has directed, costumed, and performed in numerous productions throughout the area. Some of the theatre companies she as performed with include Little Lake theatre, Theatre Factory, South Park Theatre, Main Street Theatre Company, Elsewhere, Stage 62, and, of course, Mon River Arts. Samantha has been involved in productions at MRA since she was 8 years old, and she is thrilled to be able to share the joy of theatre with a new generation of children!

Board of Directors

Behind every great production is a powerhouse team, and our Board of Directors is the guiding force that keeps Mon River Arts shining bright! With a shared passion for the arts and a dedication to our mission, this incredible group works behind the scenes to support our programs, performances, and future growth.

Candice Damiani, President
Diane McClintock, Vice President
Chrissy Pudleiner, Secretary
Margaret Fleischauer, Treasurer
Jason Berman

Keller Lowman
Judy McCormick
Samantha Mitchell
Lori Kolodziej, Executive Director

wanna help?

Join the magic behind the scenes! Mon River Arts offers volunteer opportunities in set building, costumes, ushering, and more—perfect for theater lovers of all ages. Get involved and be part of the show!

email: monriverarts@gmail.com to learn more!

volunteer opportunities available:

Ushering & Audience Assistance
Concessions & Merchandise Sales
Costume Design & Wardrobe Help
Props Management & Organization
Set Construction & Painting
Box Office & Ticketing Support
Data Entry & Administrative Help
Website Updates & Maintenance
Lights & Sound Crew
Marketing & Promotions
Community Outreach & Engagement
Fundraising & Event Support