Members

Nicholas Ahlstrand follows after his great aunt, Bobbi LaBelle, and mother, Kari, into theatre. He first appeared in the 1995 production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. His passion for the stage earned him Thespian status in high school and a degree in Dramatic Arts. Nicholas came to the Kirk Players in 2014 for summer workshop. He has also appeared in Charlotte's Web, It's a Wonderful Life Radio Show, Sounds and Sweet Aires, and 1984. Nicholas enjoys working set construction, box office and serving on the Hospitality Committee. Nicholas lives in Mundelein and works at Jewel-Osco.
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 has a Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in acting and directing. She first worked with the Kirk Players as Assistant Director for Over the River and Through the Woods, which continues to be one of her favorite shows. In her 10+ years with Kirk Players, she has been on stage in many roles including Bella Manningham in Angel Street, Liza/Damion in Sherlock’s Last Case, Evelyn Sutton in 37 Postcards and Masha Hardwicke in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Kat has a passion for directing and has been at the helm of many productions including The Mousetrap, The Hollow and The Ladies Man. She is proud of this organization which gives so much back to the community, both charitably and culturally.
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!
Patrick Blake  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.
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!
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.
Peter Grassl has been involved with theatre off and on since high school. He met his wife (Kirk Player Gretchen Grassl) in a community production of Tartuffe and is proud that their son, Dylan, has been in theatre since he was four. Peter has been involved with the Kirk Players since 2010 and is a Master Player. Over the years he has performed in several productions including The Kirk Players productions of Becky’s New Car and Enchanted April. Outside of KP, Peter has been seen in productions of Woody Allen's Don't Drink the Water and The God Committee. Backstage credits include Assistant Director and Stage Manager.
Sara Gunther is the resident lighting & set designer for Mundelein High School.  While with Kirk Players she has Directed, Assistant Directed, Designed lighting and acted. For the past two seasons she appeared as the Velveteen Rabbit in The Velveteen Rabbit. She also was Barbara in David and Lisa, Brunhilda in The Glass Slipper and Myrtle May in Harvey. She received Kirk Players “Carter” Golden Hammer award in 1997 and 2006, when she also received our “Hazen” Most Valuable Player award.
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.
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.
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.
Meghan Lane is honored to be a member of Kirk Players, an organization working diligently both on and offstage to give back to our community by sharing its members' passion for the arts.  Meghan has played many roles over the years with Kirk Players, such as Louise Parradine in Postmortem, Katherine, Helena and "Wall" in Sounds and Sweet Aires, part of the Shakespeare First Folio tour, God and Violet Bick in It's a Wonderful Life a Live Radio Play, as well as in the role of Stage Manager and House Manager for several productions. Meghan looks forward to many more years with Kirk Players..
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.
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.
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.
Amy Sharer became a member in 2014. She has been seen onstage as Train in The Velveteen Rabbit and Sigrid in I Remember Mama. One of Amy’s favorite memories include hanging out with her onstage sisters from I Remember Mama. Backstage credits include Stage Manager and Costumes.
Lisa Soare discovered Kirk Players in 2010, when she assisted with costumes for The Philadelphia Story. She had never been involved with theatre before then, but she was immediately hooked. Next, she participated in Summer Workshop where she played Bethany in the one-act Controlling Interest. Lisa went on to serve on the props team for Dial M For Murder and as costume mistress for Christmas Belles. She is so excited to be performing with her daughter Ellie in The Glass Slipper. She is having a wonderful time working with Kirk Players and is looking forward to participating in many more shows, on or off the stage. 

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.
Mike Stebbins was introduced to Kirk Players back in 2009 by his now wife, Mandy.  He attended nearly every rehearsal and performance of Up The Down Staircase and has been interested in theatre ever since.  He has worked House on several shows, including Up The Down Staircase, Sherlock's Last Case, Lend Me a Tenor, Jack and the Magic Beans, and The Happiest Millionaire.  He has also participated in several set builds and strikes.  Mousetrap was his first experience as part of the tech crew where he worked as Assistant Lights Designer.  Mike is very excited to be on stage for his first time as Avery in 37 Postcards.
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.
Fred Vipond makes his home in Mundelein, where he serves as director of music for St. Mary of the Annunciation Church. He has been seen onstage in many of our productions, most recently as Sherlock Holmes and as William Gillette, who made his career portraying the famous detective. He has designed and decorated sets, costumed many productions, assistant directed, and has served on the KP board as Communications Director. He is honored to have received several KP awards, including Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor, the Hazen Award for technical excellence, and the Most Valuable Player award.
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.

Players at Large

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.
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.
​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.

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
Josef Haas
Jeff Lynn
Mary Jo Pippenger
Jenny Tomlin
Jeanne Callahan
Bev Johnson
Jesse Lynn
Wally Rish
John Tomlin
Nancy Callahan
Dave Kennebeck
Melanie Lynn
Kathy Russ
Suzanne Tosen
Hill Carter
Patricia Kichinko
Paddy Lynn
Terry Sapp
Rebecca Van Sickel
Jeff Carter
Andrea Kichinko
Veronica Lynn
Steve Sapp
Janet Walker
Phyllis Carter
Angela Koch
Paula Marsh
Tom Schrimpf
Marjunice Weingardt
Patricia Cline
Thom Koch, Jr.
Barbara McGreevy
Tom Schwantz
Rae West
Maureen Cook-Slade
Amanda Kochenash
Byron Nilsson
Janie Slade
Lisa Wilson-McIntire
Kristina Edelman