BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Veronica “V” Bearce
President
Veronica “V” Bearce is a native Californian and a transplant from Southern California. She wanted to be on the stage from the time she was little and remembers seeing Bea Richards in the Amen Corner as her first live theater experience. She was captivated. “V” was involved in theater in high school. She came to be involved with Benicia Theater Group after retiring from a career as an educator. Her daughter’s involvement with the theater lured her in. She remembers Dial M for Murder as the first BOTTG production she experienced. She has since been involved in behind the scenes activities: sound, stage manager, and all around willing to do whatever is needed volunteer.
Kelsey Bye
Vice President
Kelsey joined the Benicia Theatre Group in 2022 as a front desk volunteer for the production of LAURA. After catching the acting bug, she took to the stage and performed in BTG’s 2023 production of BOEING BOEING, playing the role of an Italian flight attendant. She thoroughly enjoyed performing for her local community and getting to know more about the history and mission of BTG. Kelsey is a Southern California native and has been living in beautiful Benicia since 2018. Go Bears!
Tom Kvech
Treasurer
Tom became a member of the Benicia Theatre Group in 2023, contributing to the production of BOEING BOEING as a Assistant Lighting Designer and technical support. His passion for theatre ignited in 7th grade while working on a production of GREASE. Over the years, Tom has collaborated with the Walnut Creek Civic Arts Rep, contributing to shows like Blythe’s Spirit, ‘84 Charring Crossroads, Pump Boys & Dinettes, and The Diviners. His skill set is extensive, encompassing audio, lighting, and all facets of tech. Tom recently relocated to Benicia from Moraga with his family.
Helen Nolan
Secretary
Helen Nolan is an accomplished actor with a lifelong dedication to the stage. Her journey began as soon as she could walk, where she would perform skits and songs for any family who would watch. In school, she established herself by securing leading roles in various High School productions. Following her high school triumphs, Helen’s passion for theater led her to the vibrant world of community productions. Over the years, she demonstrated her versatility by seamlessly transitioning between leading and supporting roles in a total of nine community theater productions. Her talent for captivating audiences, coupled with her commitment to collaborative storytelling, made her an indispensable asset to each ensemble. A defining chapter of Helen’s acting career was her extensive involvement with the Bridgeport Community Theater Group. From 2007 to 2020, she stood as a dedicated member of this artistic family, contributing not only her acting abilities but also her boundless enthusiasm for nurturing the local theater scene. She continues to pursue her passion for the theater now, as a Member-at-Large with the Benicia Theater Group and is looking forward to continuing to contribute to the future of this successful cornerstone of the community.
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Donna Telepak
Member at Large
Donna became involved with the Benicia Theatre Group in 1999 and served by working with costumes including an early production of the “Benicia Follies”, and has worked on almost every production in the 22 years since she joined the group. She has also volunteered for front desk, house manager, and as a board member – most notably as a long-time treasurer for the group. Although she has no desire to perform on stage, she finds it very rewarding to be a part of the magic of theatre.
Cynthia Smith
Member at Large
Cynthia joined Benicia Theatre Group in 2008 with their production of “Sugar Babies” and helped with costumes for the dancers. The only live theatre experience she had was as a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz when she was 7 years old. What she learned from that experience was that you didn’t have to be good to have fun. She wasn’t good, but it was definitely fun. There is something about live theatre that captures the imagination and transports you through the stories, whether you are on stage or in the audience.
Benicia Theatre Group draws very talented, creative, and courageous actors who tell stories beautifully. The skills of the stagehands and crew make the magic happen behind the scenes with lights, sets, costumes and music. She’s been volunteering ever since as secretary on the Board, with props back stage, as bartender and house manager, and creating programs and e-newsletters. Occasionally she’s been on stage.
Trey McCulloch
Member at Large
Trey has recently joined the Benicia Theater Group, actively participating since the production of BOEING BOEING. He has been a resident of Benicia for over 20 years and has been volunteering for various local organizations since his retirement in 2020. Trey takes great pleasure in contributing to the lively arts culture in Benicia by volunteering for the theatre group and expressing his creative side behind the scenes. Being skilled in painting and knowledgeable about creative processes, Trey aspires to be a valuable addition to the Benicia Theatre Group.
Sandra Sandi Grey
Member at Large
Sandi brought her love of performance art to the Benicia Theatre Group first as a volunteer assisting with costumes, front desk and serving on the play selection committee. She was involved in community theatre while living in Pennsylvania before leaving to actively pursue competitive ballroom dancing. Having moved to Benicia and now retired from competition, she is excited to be a part of live theatre once again and looks forward to contributing in any way she is able and wearing as many hats as are needed.
Karyn De Souza
Member at Large
Karyn De Souza has been with the Benicia Theatre Group since 2015. Since joining the board of directors in 2016 she as been a member at large several times over and treasurer. She has always enjoyed the secrets, tricks and unseen effort that it takes to make a show come to life and even took dramatic production classes in high school. After college and returning to her hometown of Benicia, she sought out to get involved again with live theater and subsequently has become the backstage and properties manager for many productions. She can also be found doing set dressing, designing special effects, assisting with costuming, aiding front of house, and regularly serves as a stage hand.
Clinton Vidal
Member at Large
He has been involved with the theatre group since 2009, working on stage, backstage and front of house. On stage he was an actor in What the Butler Saw, Voice of the Prairie and Two Trains Running as well as a director for Sweat, Don’t Dress for Dinner, and The Game’s Afoot: or Holmes for the Holidays.
Backstage he has assisted with set construction, and functioned as light board operator, and also worked as stage crewperson. Front-of-house he has served in various capacities including refreshments and ticket operations.
He is a member of both Actor’s Equity and SAG-AFTRA.
