Members

Dominick Basso came to the Kirk Players as a guest performer in our 2006 production of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest which earned him a “Leslie” Best Actor award for his role as Randle P. McMurphy. 'Dom' has worked behind the scenes on many productions as well as on stage, including his role as Leo in Leading Ladies, earning a “Leslie” Best Actor nomination. When not working or performing, Dom can be found at home with his wife, Kathryn, and his children, Isabella and Maximilian.
Kat Basso 
Nat Brautigam made his debut on our mainstage playing Templeton, the Rat in the children’s show, “Charlotte’s Web”. Since then he has gone on to appear in a number of our productions playing a variety of roles. Nat is an avid White Sox fan and enjoys being in the spotlight!
Jeanna Daebelliehn is thrilled to be a member of the Kirk Players. Kirk Player credits include choreography for several productions, Sister Monica in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, and Director for Seussical Jr. Jeanna has extensive experience performing, directing and choreographing productions in the Chicago area. When not working in the theatre, Jeanna teaches for the Waukegan School District. She is grateful for any chance to create and perform on stage.
Chuck Fitz-Hugh began working with us in 1996, appearing in The Lark and won our "O.D." Best Actor Award for a scene from The Solid Gold Cadillac. He made his main stage debut in Done to Death, was the attendant in Dracula, understudy of Frank Gianelli in Over the River and Through the Woods, and was nominated for a "Leslie" Best Actor award for his role as Grandpa in You Can't Take It With You. Chuck has done it all but his main concentration has always been selling advertising and designing lighting. He is a Master Player and recipient of our 2003 and 2013 "Hazen" Most Valuable Player award. Chuck and his wife Carlene have three daughters, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Jeff Churchill Griffith always enjoyed performing in school productions up through Junior High, but didn't consider pursuing it further. It was upon his mother's recommendation that he auditioned for his first community theatre production at the age of 20. Looks like mom IS always right!  A lifetime love of theatre was born and just nine years later he is still involved!  He met Les Lynn by chance and ended up helping build the set for Becky's New Car in the Fall of 2014.  Next, he came back as stage crew for Sherlock Holmes and the case of the Jersey Lily in early 2015. Charlotte's Web marks his first performing role with us as well as his first foray back on stage in nearly ten years. Jeff was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Medal by the US Army for his volunteer work and is excited to be part of a theatre group that puts community service at its forefront!
Fran Hansen's  only line in high school was "Duh, what's up doc?", her love for the theatre developed in college. Her first Kirk Players' Summer Workshop in 1999, and in 2000 won the "Mary Pearson" award; in 2002 and 2004 she earned the O.D. Award for directing in Workshops.  Her favorite technical assignment developed in props. She earned our "Carter" Golden Hammer award for her work as Property Mistress for Blithe Spirit. She has artfully provided props for many of our productions. She also appeared on main stage as Ida in The Cemetery Club for which she received a "Leslie" Best Actress nomination, and as Elizabeth in Angel Street earning her a "Leslie" Best supporting actress nomination. She earned her status of A.C.T. in 2011.
Jeff Harding became a member in 2009 and is a Master Player. He has appeared onstage as Starkey in Peter Pan and Wendy, Aslan in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Mike Depky in Do Black Patent Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Max Halliday in Dial M for Murder and George Kittredge in The Philadelphia Story. His portrayal of Saunders in Lend Me a Tenor earned Jeff a Best Supporting Actor “Leslie”. His backstage credits include Technical Director, Stage Manager and Sound Design.
Vicki Herrick has been passionate about theatre ever since sixth grade when she played Fern in Charlotte’s Web.  During her teaching career, she has directed high school, middle school and elementary students in a variety of plays.  She loves co-teaching the youngest actors each summer at the Kirk Players children’s workshop. Over the years, she’s acted in a wide range of comedic productions.  Her acting debut with the Kirk Players was in the role of Philippa in the Zoom production of A Murder is Announced.  She particularly enjoys writing and adapting skits for many different situations.   
 
Vicki now teaches English as a Second Language to adult immigrants.  She has some great memories of traveling to many countries and hopes it won’t be too long until she can make her third visit to France.  Her favorite pastime is attending various performances, especially those at the Kennedy Center, where her daughter works as Accessibility Coordinator.
Martin Hill dabbled in many aspects of theatre throughout high school and college, including pit orchestra, lights, sound and set construction. He began his association with Kirk Players on lights crew during The Mousetrap and is looking forward to many great shows in the future.
Henry Hogan is a student in Mundelein and is the Kirk Players youngest current member! Henry first appeared onstage as a Wickersham Brother in Suessical Jr. The Musical and as John in Peter Pan and Wendy. Henry has worked backstage for several productions including light crew for Postmortem, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Red Herring, and has been active in Summer Workshop. Henry is excited to be back onstage as Czar Albert and as a Wild Duck in Fairy Tales and Fables.
Bev Karns came to the Kirk Players in 2011 through Adult Summer Workshop. Her on stage credits include Widow Douglas in Tom Sawyer, Tilly in It’s a Wonderful Life, Nurse Bev in I Remember Mama, and Parsons in 1984. She has worked numerous productions backstage running props, assisting with costumes, helping run lights. Bev also worked as one of the writers for the KP adaptation of 1984 for Reader’s Theatre. Bev has been a continual fixture for the Adult Summer Workshop and is an enthusiastic assistant for the Children’s Summer Workshop.
Natalie La Voie would've never fathomed that an extemporaneous speech junior year in high school (with Jon Lynn Jr, no less!!) would have been the spark to her eternal passion of theatre flame!  Some of her most memorable roles have included Anna Maurant in "Street Scenes",
Sally in “Drinking Habits”, Detective Tupolski in “The Pillowman”, Ynez in “Oscar & Felix”, Emily Brent in “And Then There Were None”,
​and Lois in “Wonder of the World”.

She's also been involved in improv for the last few years (currently a member of the Anti-Depressants), as well as participating in murder mysteries & live radio shows with the Brown-Ullstrup Performing Arts Foundation.

Other passions include the endless pursuits of knowledge & adventures, along with an unremitting love of animals (especially to that of her furry baby, Punky)
Anna Lieberman became involved with Kirk Players when her husband Mike was cast and took the assignment of Assistant Props Mistress. By then she was hooked! Summer Workshop was her next adventure, taking on director responsibilities for scenes. Back on the main stage she was Assistant Props Mistress for One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Property Mistress for Whose Life Is It Anyway? and Sherlock’s Last Case, and many other shows. She also has taken on the role of Assistant Stage Manager. She prefers the technical aspects of theatre and loves the hustle and bustle behind the scenes. 
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.
​ 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.
Randy Margison made his Kirk Players debut in 2017 as Lars “Papa” Hansen in I Remember Mama, which earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination. He has appeared as Winston Smith in the Kirk Players Special Event Staged Reading of 1984 and as Major Hartwell in Red Herring. Outside of Kirk Players, Randy has been privileged to play some of the great roles in American theater including: The Stage Manager in Our Town, Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came To Dinner, Weller Martin in The Gin Game, and John Barrymore in the one-man play Barrymore’s Ghost. Randy looks forward to entertaining Kirk Players audiences for many years
to come.
​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.
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. ​
Jessica Motyka graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance. She joined up with Kirk Players in 2010 and is thrilled to have found such a welcoming and talented group to continue exploring her passion. Jess has had many memorable onstage roles that will always be a part of her heart. Despite acting being her first predilection, she revels in the offstage skills as well, particularly stage managing. Jess is very grateful that her family has always been supportive of her theatre desires. She is married to fellow Kirk Player Brian Motyka and they are definitely raising their children, Kelsey and Jack, in the theatre spirit. Jess is excited to see what the future holds with Kirk Players and she feels proud of the community work they do to keep the arts alive.
Doris Nagel’s interest in theater began in high school and continued through college and after, until she put it aside temporarily for her career and family.  She had roles as Ernestine Gilbreth in Cheaper by the Dozen, Sharon in Finian’s Rainbow, and bit parts and chorus in Mame, Oliver, Bye Bye Birdie, The Sound of Music, and Barnum.  She also has done hair and makeup, set building, and pit band for several other productions.  With her daughter off to college, she helped Kirk Players with props in recent shows, and hopes to participate in many future productions in different capacities.
Ron Otrembiak began his involvement with the Kirk Players during the 51st Season, portraying various supporting characters in all three shows. In the fall of 2017, he was awarded the honor of Player at Large. In addition to his on stage work, Ron has also worked the sound board. Ron is particularly proud that his daughter Gina has worked backstage with make-up, his wife has run the sound board, and his son Ed is a fixture at set build and strike.
Franny Pollack has been interested in theatre since she was a young girl after seeing a number of movie stars on a visit to California! She has fond memories of singing and dancing with her Dad. She came to the Kirk Players after working with the Vernon Hills Park District and appearing in the female version of the Odd Couple in the 1990's. She has worked on props and has been involved in our summer workshops appearing in Who's the Tomato in 2012. Franny thanks her husband Michael, her daughter Julie and her son Scott for their support.
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 and Assistant Stage Manager for Black Comedy. 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 an honored to be welcomed as member of Kirk Players and is excited to see what’s in store for her both off and on the stage. ​
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Marilee C.C. Rusiniak has appeared on stage in many Kirk Player productions. Her portrayal of Pamela Fitzgerald in The Uninvited earned her the Best Actress “Leslie”. She has been seen on stage as The March Hare in Alice in Wonderland, Mrs. Harper in Tom Sawyer, Velveteen Rabbit in The Velveteen Rabbit, Lady Caroline Bramble in Enchanted April and Fox in The Little Prince. Her performance as 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, 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 Sound Design, Assistant Stage Manager, and Makeup Design. Marilee Holds a BA in Communications with an emphasis in Professional Writing from Southern New Hampshire University.
Barb Selvaggio moved to Vernon Hills and discovered Kirk Players in 2017. Previously, she had been in many theater productions in Chicago and the suburbs, including dramas, comedies, musicals and improv. Not only did she discover a wonderful theater company, she discovered a warm, genuine, caring, talented  and generous “family”. She was part of the costume crew for Red Herring, participated in two adult summer workshops and  co-taught the summer children’s workshop. She made her Kirk Players stage debut in June of 2019 playing the quirky Miss Furnival in Black Comedy, which  earned her a Leslie Best Supporting Actress nomination. She was the Assistant Stage Manager for Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and is honored to be a member of Kirk Players
 
​Betty Slack is honored to be welcomed as a member of Kirk Players and join this fine company of talented, dedicated, friendly, and generous individuals. She began acting at age seven, did her undergraduate work in Speech and Drama at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, and pursued her master’s degree in Theatre History, Literature, and Criticism at Indiana University in Bloomington. She has appeared with the Kirk Players in The Velveteen Rabbit, I Remember, Mama,Postmortem, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Red Herring. She hopes to act in many more productions—as long as playwrights continue to create roles for women of a certain age.
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.
Mandy Stebbins joined the Kirk Players in May 2003 after being active in many shows both onstage and behind the scenes. Most recently, Mandy has appeared in 37 postcards, The Uninvited and The Ladies Man. She is happy to be back behind the scenes as Assistant Stage Manager for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.
James Torbeck is a native to Mundelein. James got his start in theatre at Mundelein High School under the direction John Leslie Lynn, the third of three brothers to do so. He got his start with Kirk Players working sound on Christmas Belle's and has primarily worked behind the scenes. He made his first Kirk stage appearance in The Happiest Millionaire as Joe, a delivery driver who was accepted into this eccentric family and never left.
Lisa Rubjerg Willems is a Mundelein resident. She studied dramatic literature and acting at Deerfield High School and The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating from the UIUC with a minor in Speech Communications. In 2013 her daughter Hannah was cast as a bunny in The Velveteen Rabbit. Lisa returned to theater as a Narrative Voice in The Velveteen Rabbit in 2015. She has since provided technical assistance for children’s shows, including Make-up Design for The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and Stage Manager for Peter Pan & Wendy. Stage appearances include Florence Dana Moorehead in I Remember Mama and The Landlady in 1984.

Honorary Players

An Honorary Player is a special membership status bestowed on Kirk Players who have given outstanding service but are unable to continue active participation. This status is our sincere expression of love and appreciation for their past contributions.
Kari Ahlstrand
Matt Erickson
Roberta LaBelle
Fred O'Donnell
R. C. Slade
Floyd Baker
Carol Fischesser
June Larsen
Donna Pearlman
Royden Slade
Max Basso
Connie Green
Kyle Larsen
Holly Perry
Russ Slade
Rick Bergman
Janis Greene
Carol Loucks
Cynthia Petersen
Sarah Slade
Sheila Bourque
​Gary Gunther
Angela Lynn
Karen Peterson
Megan Stevenart
Kendra Bresley
Michael Gunther
Donna Lynn
Bill Phillips
Bob Thomas
Frank Callahan
Sara Gunther
Jeff Lynn
Mary Jo Pippenger
Jenny Tomlin
Jeanne Callahan
Josef Haas
Jesse Lynn
Wally Rish
John Tomlin
Nancy Callahan
Bev Johnson
Melanie Lynn
Kathy Russ
Suzanne Tosen
Hill Carter
Dave Kennebeck
Paddy Lynn
Terry Sapp
Rebecca Van Sickel
Jeff Carter
Patricia Kichinko
Veronica Lynn
Steve Sapp
Fred Vipond
Phyllis Carter
Andrea Kichinko
Paula Marsh
Tom Schrimpf
​Janet Walker
Patricia Cline
Angela Koch
Barbara McGreevy
Tom Schwantz
​Marjunice Weingardt
Maureen Cook-Slade
Thom Koch, Jr.
Byron Nilsson
Janie Slade
​Rae West
Kristina Edelman
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​Lisa Wilson-McIntire