Executive Director

Lisa Paynter has a B. A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Akron. She has been a member of the North Canton Playhouse since its inception in 1976, and is now the Executive Director and Youth Programming Director. Lisa has previously served on the Board of Directors. She has enjoyed teaching acting classes for over 40 years. She directs and musically directs for the North Canton Playhouse.

Office Administrator and Voice Teacher

Lexi received her Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus in voice (teachers include Dr. Katherine Rohrer and Dr. Laurie Lashbrook) from the University of Akron (2020). While earning her degree, she taught as a music teacher and tutor with Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS) working with immigrant and refugee families. During the pandemic, she was a freelance vocalist working on remote projects around the globe. She is currently a vocal instructor at the North Canton Playhouse and has also assisted with and participated in various workshops and productions since 2004. She first started at NCP when she was seven years old and is thrilled to be a long-time member of the Playhouse family! In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, spending time with family, and hanging out with her cat.

Social Media Manager

Board President

Mark Vandegrift is the chief operating officer and a principal of Innis Maggiore. He stewards the brands of several of Innis Maggiore’s largest clients, directs the agency’s marketing technology offering and oversees agency operations. During his more than 20 years with the agency, he has overseen numerous successful campaigns. He won Microsoft’s Gold CD Award for Vendor Excellence for one direct marketing program he coordinated for the technology giant. He also collaborated with Bank of America to design, deploy and evolve one of the nation’s first SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platforms. Other notable successes include playing a key leadership role in developing websites and SaaS products and in launching new products for clients such as Midwest Industrial Supply, Maximal Strategist, GuideStone Financial Resources and Radio Frequency Systems.

Mark has two bachelor’s degrees from Hillsdale College, one in German and one in accounting.

Board Vice President

Ted Paynter has been a member of the North Canton Playhouse since 1995 when he started doing college theater productions with NCP founder Mary McManaway. Ted has contributed to the NCP in many ways over those 30 years and remains committed to its mission today. Seeing the impact the NCP has had on its community, including family, is incredibly motivating and rewarding.

Ted is the President of Clum Creative, a video marketing and creative agency based in Cleveland. He has spent his entire career in marketing and advertising, helping great brands and organizations tell their stories.

Board Member

Tricia Dever is the Owner and Lead Event Planner for Always Eventful, Inc, a wedding and social event planning company based in North Canton. She has planned hundreds of weddings and events in the Northeast Ohio area and beyond. She has been a member of the NCP Board since 2020 and loves to help in any capacity needed (except sing!). Tricia is an avid volunteer for her children's schools, her church - St. Paul's in North Canton, and the community in general. Tricia lives in North Canton with her husband Rich, her two daughters - Katie and Molly, and her adorable dog Lucy (she doesn't claim the rest of the animals in the house!)

Board Member

Board Member

Dana Durr is happy to have a left-brain activity to contrast with her right-brained accounting career. She currently works at The J.M. Smucker Company. Dana is happy to join the board of the Playhouse in 2023 since she has been involved at the North Canton Playhouse since 2015 when her 4th grade daughter, Lauren, auditioned for Elf. They have both been hooked ever since. Dana enjoys costuming challenges as well fundraising for the Playhouse. She also enjoys hiking with the Hilltop Hikers of Stark County or any friend or family member who is willing to go. Dana resides in Jackson Township with her husband, Craig, daughters Hannah, Haley & Lauren, dog Louis and cat Milo.

Board Member

Tyler Jensen has been involved with theatre for the past 20 years. He has performed at various theatres in the northeast Ohio area. He received a merit in vocals and acting from the Ohio Community Theatre Association. He is now a director for the Barberton City School District and here at the North Canton Playhouse. He works full time as the Family Ministry Director at Grace Church Barberton Campus.