WRTC’s mission is to embrace and enrich community diversity among the performance arts, and promote accessibility and inclusivity for artists among Southern Vermont, the Berkshires, Rensselaer County, and other local areas.
We strive to expose local communities to educational opportunities through performance art that both highlights and enriches local artists of all kinds. By collaborating with artists from local and surrounding areas, we cultivate and nurture an equal opportunity for the community to engage with the performance arts.
We strive to expose local communities to educational opportunities through performance art that both highlights and enriches local artists of all kinds. By collaborating with artists from local and surrounding areas, we cultivate and nurture an equal opportunity for the community to engage with the performance arts.
Who are we?
Walloomsac River Theatre Company is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit community theatre company that was founded by Vincent Tatro and D. Mark Blank in July of 2022. WRTC plans to produce 4 full-scale community theatre productions a year.
Community engagement is the heart of WRTC. We can't wait to connect with the local surrounding communities, just like the Walloomsac River, and create theatrical experiences together.
Community engagement is the heart of WRTC. We can't wait to connect with the local surrounding communities, just like the Walloomsac River, and create theatrical experiences together.
Board of Directors
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President/Artistic Director- Vincent TatroVinny Tatro was born and raised in Bennington, VT, and he could not love his hometown area more. He fell in love with the theatre arts in elementary school, and went on to be very involved in Mt. Anthony Union High School’s music and drama departments. From there, he went on to earn a BA in Acting & Directing and a BS in Public Relations from local Castleton University. With rich roots in Southern Vermont, Vinny is unbelievably excited to be a part of WRTC and help spread accessible and inclusive opportunities for everyone to get involved with the theatre arts on a local scale.
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Vice President - Peter MichelsenPeter Michelsen is from Winthrop, Maine. He has been heavily involved in theatre and other performing arts since his first middle school musical. His passion for the arts, and his need to spread that love led him to Castleton University in Castleton, Vermont, where he received a BA in Technical Theatre and Design. Since then, he has toured with Arenacross setting up lighting. He has also designed the lighting for a few shows for Midcoast Actors’ Studio in Belfast, ME. He is now teaching math, coaching, and building sets for a school in central Maine.
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Treasurer- Bryce StellerBryce Steller grew up in a small town near Bennington, VT. Throughout high school he fell in love with performing arts, first as an actor in his school's performances and later taking on the role of stage manager. After graduation, Bryce attended the Community College of Vermont in Bennington then went on to pursue a BBA in Finance at the University of North Texas. He has always held onto his love for the performing arts and looks forward to assisting WRTC grow and prosper.
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Secretary/Production Manager- Emily RanttilaEmily Ranttila grew up in Bennington, VT and has been involved in the arts her entire life! Starting in a community chorus at the age of 4, she continued on to play piano and saxophones in bands, orchestras, and small ensembles, sing in groups and independently, and perform in many music theater productions throughout her school years. Emily graduated James Madison University with her BA in Music, with a focus in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education. Emily taught elementary school general music for 5 years. Living in Alexandria, Virginia, Emily is currently a full-time private music instructor for piano, voice, saxophone, and early childhood music classes. Emily also loves working with marching bands and accompanying school choirs. Aside from her career in arts education, Emily loves to sew and cross stitch. She spends as much time possible with her family and cats.
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Production Committee
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Marketing Manager- Courtney Ausschnitt
Courtney was born and raised in Texas but has officially been a Vermonter since 2014 and is so proud to call Bennington, VT home. Courtney is so excited to be a part of the Walloomsac River Theatre Company both on stage and off. She attended Baylor University where she earned a BA in Public Relations and Graphic Design and has worked with several theatre companies on marketing including the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
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Social Media Manager- Collin KirdahyCollin is the Social Media Manager for WRTC. They are a native New Yorker. Collin has been on stage and screen since middle school. Whereafter they graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a BA in Arts and Letters. Collin has been working in social media marketing for various industries including financial institutions. telecommunications platforms, local entertainment venues and individuals, cosmetics, and real estate.
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Technical Director- D. Mark BlankMark Blank is the Technical Director/Resident Old Person for WRTC! Mark came to Bennington in 2018 and currently serves as the pastor of Second Congregational Church on Hillside Street - up from where the Friendly’s used to be. Mark’s lengthy acting resume includes musicals, dramas, comedies, improv across seven states. Mark believes that theatre can transform lives and so he is thrilled to help provide opportunities for local actors to perform. Mark holds a BA in Performing Arts from the Univ. of Tampa and a MDiv from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
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