Administrative Director and Vice President

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.

 Artistic Director

 Jon Leslie Lynn, the eldest son of our Founder, was first a member of our Acting Company in 1969-72. His enthusiasm and hard work caused his fellow Players to name their annual performance awards after him. As an Honorary Player, he earned an “O.D.” award as Best Director. Les has served 13 years on our Board of Directors, won Best Actor “Leslies” for the title roles in Death Takes a Holiday and Liliom, and a Best Actor “O.D.” for The Lark. He has been on our stage in I Hate Hamlet, Rumors, It Runs In The Family, The Foreigner, You Can’t Take It With You, Jake’s Women and Harvey, four of which won him Best Actor “Leslie” awards. He has directed Romantic Comedy, Death of a Salesman, The Odd Couple (Female Version), Dracula, Whose Life Is It Anyway?, Noises Off, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Up The Down Staircase.

Communications Director 

Marilee C.C. Rusiniak is a Master Player. She has appeared on stage in, Alice in Wonderland, Tom Sawyer, The Velveteen Rabbit, Enchanted April and The Little Prince. Her performance as Pamela Fitzgerald in The Uninvited earned her a Best Actress “Leslie” and her portrayal of Stacy in A Nice Family Gathering earned her the Best Supporting Actress “Leslie”. Best Actress nominations include: Mary Hatch-Baily in It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show, Mother in David and Lisa and Honey Raye Futrell in Christmas Belles. Best Supporting Actress Nominations include: Midge in The Hollow and Frances Egan in Up the Down Staircase. Backstage credits include Production Manager, Sound Design, Assistant Stage Manager, and Makeup Design.

Financial Director

Mike Lieberman and his wife Anna have been Kirk Players since 2006. Mike has appeared in numerous shows including: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, I Remember Mama, It's a Wonderful Life Radio Show, The Ladies Man, and Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Jersey Lily, for which he won a “Leslie” for Best Supporting Actor. Backstage, Mike has served as Tech Director, Stage Manager and co-Prop Master and worked light crew. Mike has served as Financial Director on The Kirk Players Board of Directors since 2011.

Membership Director

Brian Motyka is a native of Vernon Hills. His true beginnings in acting come from such roles as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny at local malls, and assorted characters at Great America. As a Player he appeared in Rumors, An Inspector Calls, All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten and also took on several technical assignments. Most recently he has been on stage in Over The River And Through The Woods, Noises Off and Up The Down Staircase. Brian has earned five nominations for our “Leslie” Best Supporting Actor award for his stage performances. In addition he has served three years on our Board as our Sales Director. ​

Publicity Director

Jon Matousek's long association with Kirk Players includes serving as Membership Director and Communications Director and leading the Publicity and PR committee for the past 10 years. Jon has been active in the building up of the Kirk Players community presence over the years by assisting in the early development of the Free Summer Workshops and helping establish the John W Lynn Performing Arts Scholarship. He has been a recipient of the Hazen Valuable Player Award and Leslie Best Performer Awards. His wife, Sue, has received several Helen Awards for her continued support of the organization. Presently Jon’s stage work has centered on directing our children’s shows. His recent directorial efforts include Tom Sawyer, Charlotte’s Web, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Peter Pan and Wendy, where his 7yr old granddaughter, Lucy, performed as a Mermaid.

Sales Director and President

Brenda Sparks is our graphic designer and primary set designer. She has mostly worked back stage and has worked on all but 4 shows since joining the players in 1993. Brenda has served on the Board of Directors twice and is currently the President and Sales Director.