BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael anthony restaino
Founder/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Michael Restaino is a multi-hyphenated creative with a diverse background in working on theatrical experiences world-wide. Performance Credits: American Idiot (Los Angeles,) Rock of Ages (Eldorado Resort,) Hot Jersey Nights (Broadway At The Beach, Palace Theater,) Broadway Christmas Wonderland (National Tour.) Creative Credits: Manager of Production Integrity at RWS Global, Rock of Ages (Director/Choreographer,) The Little Mermaid (Director/Choreographer,) Anastasia (Director/Choreographer,) Bare: A Pop Opera (Producer/Director,) Ghost In Concert (Producer/Director,) Heathers: In Concert (Producer/Director.) As an advocate for the arts, Michael actively works to mentor emerging talent by being dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming theatrical environment, prioritizing inclusivity, diversity and respect within the industry.
HEATHER WELSH
TREASURER | Lead, new works initiativE
Heather Welsh is a New Jersey native who is thrilled to be part of the Actor’s Studio of New Jersey as it starts out on its journey! She holds a BFA from New York University and an AAS from the Fashion Institute of Technology. By day, Heather is a rising force in the fashion world. As an Associate Planner for Kohl’s Corporate, she assists in the planning and financial forecasting for two of the company’s in-house brands. By night, Heather has a deep passion for the theatrical arts and has performed in several regional and community productions. Most recently, she has helped develop and bring to life several early-stage plays through her work with the New Jersey Play Lab. As a member of ASNJ, Heather is excited to bridge her business experience and love of theatre to help ASNJ grow into a premier theatre company in the state.
Coldin grundmeyer
director, development
Coldin Grundmeyer graduated from Montclair State University in 2020 with a BFA in Musical Theatre. As a performer, he has performed in multiple regional theatres and two national tours. He has also worked as a dance instructor and director for high school students in Hoboken, NJ. In addition to his career in the arts, he gained a Master’s in Business Management from Georgetown University in 2021. With that degree, he has planned events for Montclair Golf Club and the US Open in Queens. Originally from New Orleans, LA, he is thrilled to bring a new wave of exciting and innovative theatre to the Garden State.
Lauren Noack
Secretary | director of educational outreach
Lauren Noack grew up immersed in the New Jersey theater scene and she is excited to be part of something new for NJ arts. She holds a BA in Public Relations with extensive experience in communications and digital marketing; however, her passion is in education. Lauren graduated from Montclair State University with a Master's in Clinical Psychology and she works full-time as a School Psychologist. She is especially enthusiastic about bringing theater experiences and education to children from varied backgrounds throughout the Garden State. Specifically working in the area of special education, Lauren is eager to explore inclusive opportunities that ASNJ can offer to diverse communities.
CREATIVE BOARD
Tori palin
general manager
As the General Manager of ASNJ Tori is responsible for overseeing and coordinating collaborations between the Board of Directors, Creative Board and outside artists and contractors. The combination of Tori’s performing, producing, teaching, directing and managerial backgrounds have brought her to this role within ASNJ. Tori holds a BFA in Musical Theater from Montclair State University. She has performed on Cruise Ships, International Tours, National Tours, Regional Theater and Off Broadway. She is a multi hyphenated theater artist passionate about building creative communities. Tori looks forward to bringing all of her diverse experiences to the Actors Studio of New Jersey to continue the journey of collaborating with local creatives and elevating theater arts in New Jersey.
Daniel sims
director of creative vision
Dan F. Sims - is an actor, teaching artist and theatrical creative born and raised in New Jersey having performed in various TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) Tours, Regional and Community houses throughout the Metropolitan area. A Montclair State University graduate, Dan has performed and worked in collaboration with local theaters and organizations such as The Growing Stage, Pushcart Players, Centenary Stage Co, Fair Moon Stages, Third Revelation Theatre Co. and The Encore Orchestra of NJ, to name a few, as well as working as a production creative for many Michael Anthony Theatrical productions in New York City in venues such as Green Room 42 and Chelsea Table & Stage. Whether performing on stage or working behind the table, Dan has an unwavering passion for creating and sharing his love of live entertainment with audiences and theatre lovers alike. More at www.danfsims.com.
adriana negron
Creative idea lead to equality, diversity and inclusion
Adriana Negron is originally from the lovely Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. She is currently a New York based Dancer/Singer/Actor and a proud graduate of Montclair State University. Most recently Adriana was the Fortune Teller for Disney’s National Tour of Aladdin. Some of her other notable credits include The 1st National Tour of The Prom (Ensemble/Alyssa Greene Cover), CATS 1st National Tour (Rumpleteazer), West Side Story at the IHI Stage Around in Tokyo (Anita), and A Chorus Line Shanghai Premiere/Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (Diana Morales) working under the direction of Baayork Lee. www.adriananegron.com
Rebecca Monk-lapinski
CREATIVE COMPANY CONSULTANT
Rebecca Monk is a born and bred Jersey based business owner, teacher, actor, singer and musician. She is thrilled to bring her experience and passion to this amazing team at ASNJ! Rebecca received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University and has since opened a thriving music school with her husband Pat. At Noteworthy Academy of Music, in addition to managing her incredible staff she also teaches voice, piano and many group classes from Musical Theatre to Rock Band. She also is the Regional Director of The Yuletide Carolers of New Jersey. Rebecca also has a thriving performance career in addition to her entrepreneurship. Some of her favorite roles have been Sibella in Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Light Opera of New Jersey), Alice in Bright Star (4th Wall Theatre) Mother in Ragtime (Midtown Arts Center), Pattie in Beehive the 1960s Musical (Hunterdon Hills Playhouse), Elizabeth in Frankenstein the Musical (St. Luke’s Theatre) and many more.
Joey palazzo
managing company supervisor
Joey (he/him) is a New Jersey native and a graduate of Montclair State University, where he earned a BFA in acting. During his time at MSU, Joey was twice nominated for the American College Theatre Award from the Kennedy Center. He originated the title role in The Violin Maker off-Broadway, and most recently appeared in The Plot Against America for HBO. Joey taught acting at Kelsea’s Performing Arts Center, and served as music director for their children’s musicals. He previously served as artistic director of Third Revelation Theatre Co.