Artistic Director (Play Selection, Artistic Development, Awards)

Gretchen Grassl has performed in many plays and musicals beginning at a young age.  Since joining the Kirk Players, Gretchen has performed in The Glass Slipper, Enchanted April, David & Lisa, The Hollow, Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily and I Remember Mama. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike marked Gretchen’s KP Directorial debut. She has assistant directed The Happiest Millionaire, Velveteen Rabbit, Jack and the Magic Beans, The Mousetrap and Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? and has co-directed Velveteen Rabbit and Becky’s New Car.

 President, Membership Director (Membership, Hospitality)

Peter Grassl and his wife Gretchen have been with the Kirk Players since 2009.  Peter currently serves as the Kirk Players President, Communications Director and Strategic Planning lead.  He has directed, performed in and provided backstage support for multiple productions including The Dining Room; Clue: The Stay-at-Home Version; Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike; The God Committee; Actor's Nightmare;  Enchanted April and The Night of January 16th.  He met his wife Gretchen (Kirk’s Artistic Director) many years ago in a community college production of Tartuffe.

Sales Director (Sales, Sponsorship, House Mgmt.)

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Pat Blake is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, was also active in their theatre group. He started with the Kirk Players as a guest performer in But Why Bump Off Barnaby?, which earned him a “Leslie” Best Supporting Actor award. Patrick has appeared in shows for over 20 years now! He received our “Leslie” Best Actor award for his performance in The Nerd and a “Leslie” Best Actor nomination for his role as Inspector Rough in Angel Street. He also worked backstage for many of our shows as well as assisted with our children's summer workshop. He would like to thank his wife, Kathy, for her love and support throughout the years.

Public Relations Director (Public Relations, Marketing, Social Media)

Mandy Stebbins' first time onstage was in KP's production of The Clown Prince of Wonderlust when she was 11 years old.  She joined the Kirk Players in May 2003 after being active in many shows both onstage and behind the scenes. Recently she worked behind the scenes as assistant stage manager in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and Red Herring where she also appeared as a sassy counter clerk. Her performance as Carol Melket in A Black Comedy earned her a Best Actress "Leslie" award. She's adapted to the times along with the Kirk Players in the Zoom performances of Tidings and Traditions and as Yvette in Clue: Stay-at-Home Version. 

Vice President, Administrative Dir. (Administration, Grants, Scholarship)

Jessica Rattanasena has been a resident of Mundelein since 2014. Her experiences in acting have been in films, television shows and commercials. She discovered Kirk Players in 2018 through the casting call for Red Herring. Since then, she has volunteered as costume crew for Red Herring, Prop Master for Fairy Tales and Fables, Assistant Stage Manager for Black Comedy and Video Tech Director for Clue: The Stay-at-home Version. Her continued commitment and her work as Prop Master have earned her a Golden Hammer Award nomination for technical excellence. She has also participated in the adult summer workshop and hosted our annual summer picnic. She is honored to be welcomed as a Board member of Kirk Players and is excited to see what’s in store for her both off and on the stage. 

Financial Director (Finance, Facilities, Safety)

Terry O'Brien recently performed in the production of Night of January 16th and grateful to be a part of the Kirk Players ongoing history.  Terry recently performed in the Kirk Player’s virtual shows, Clue: Stay-At-Home Version and Evening of Mystery. Additionally, Terry has performed as the Mad Hatter in the Kirk Player’s production of Alice in Wonderland and as Bill Lesley in the PML Theatre production of It Runs in the Family.  During the pandemic, Terry had adapted and directed A Study in Scarlet, Plan 9 from Outer Space, and A Christmas Carol.  Terry would like to thank Kat Basso and her outstanding production team, who created a wonderful show as Kirk Players return to live theater. 

Communications Director

Mindi Billock is excited to be joining the Board of the Kirk Players. Her childhood was full of participating in theatrical performances at the Players Workshop of Burlington, Iowa. She sings tenor in the Riverport Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines. She happily lives with a zoo of animals and her favorite daughter.