Page 43 - July 2018 inLeague with Conference Program

very hands on and work as their own contractors. The group had a desire to see new life breathed back into
the one-screen landmark and the Theater has since been honored as one of the top Historic Preservation
projects in the state of Arkansas. The re-opening of the theater lit a spark that ignited a passion in others which
revitalized the downtown area and brought their community together. During their two years of operation,
they’ve developed programs and initiatives that have inspired others and brought their motto to life for
thousands of visitors that have come to the Melba Theater and enjoyed “An Experience to Remember”.

Michael DiBlasi is a partner and principal designer in the Minneapolis office and has been an integral part of
Schuler Shook since its inception. His hands-on understanding of performance venue requirements; including
technical, functional and aesthetic issues; provides an invaluable resource to the design of theatre facilities.
Michael’s involvement in the project begins with pre-design and programming studies that help shape the
immediate and long-range requirements for the facility. His involvement continues throughout the project
as Michael collaborates with all members of the design team to develop the project’s original vision into its
successful completion.

Barak Epstein has operated the 1931 built Texas Theatre in Dallas since 2010 which has been called “one of
America’s great movie houses” by Filmmaker Magazine. Barak also co-founded the Oak Cliff Film Festival in
2012 which has been named one of the “Top 50 Film Festivals worth the entry fee” by MovieMaker Magazine.
Barak is currently in the planning and funding stages of a balcony second screening room renovation at the
Texas Theatre.

Molly Fortune, Executive Director at the Newberry Opera House in Newberry, South Carolina, strongly believes
that historic buildings are key to the economic development and revitalization of America’s downtowns. The
Opera House is a leader in events not produced on their stage. They hosted NASA and a three-day STEAM
camp leading up to the total eclipse on August 21, 2017. This event brought over 25,000 people to downtown
and another 50,000 to the county. The Opera House helped Newberry be a NASA Designated City and was
the only place in the path of totality to have an Astronaut call the eclipse. Previously, Molly was the Director
of Restoration and Operations at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, the only in-house theatre restoration department
in the country. She was involved in the development of the Fox Theatre Institute, an outreach and consulting
division. Molly received her BFA in Interior Design from Converse College and an MFA in Historic Preservation
from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Summa Cum Laude with Distinction.

Kenneth Foster is an Account Executive for Spektrix Ltd. While at Spektrix, he has worked with both their client
support and project management team - helping clients innovate their business and develop smart solutions
for marketing and fundraising challenges. Prior to his work at Spektrix, Kenneth served as General Management
Associate, and Company Manager for Daryl Roth Theatrical Management - a Broadway, Off-Broadway, and
theatrical event management company based in NYC. While with DRTM, he had the benefit of working on
major commercial ventures, and with some of NYC’s premiere non-profit theatres.

Robert Friend is Vice President of Business Development and Consulting at PatronManager in New York, NY.
Robert has over 30 years of leadership in the non-profit and commercial performing arts and sports industries. He
has extensive experience in strategic and financial business operations with significant expertise in fundraising,
marketing, sales, and technology. As global head of business development and strategy for Patron Technology,
Robert is responsible for developing and implementing market strategies that drive sales, market intelligence,
and revenue growth for the PatronManager CRM software solution and plays a major role in the company’s
growth and transformation objectives. Robert is an Adjunct for the Brooklyn College Graduate Training Program
in Performing Arts Management. He served as Executive Director for the Arenafootball2 Mohegan Wolves,
as Director of Institutional Advancement for Connecticut’s Garde Arts Center, as Director of Marketing and
Operations for California’s Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse, and Associate Director of Marketing for
Connecticut’s Long Wharf Theatre. Robert is a graduate of Boston’s Emerson College and serves on the
College’s Board of Trustees. He is a past member of the League of Historic American Theatres Board of Directors.
And, currently serves as Secretary of the International Ticketing Association (INTIX) Board of Directors.

Samantha Giustiniani is the Director of Education & Outreach for Count Basie Theatre. Before being at the
Basie, Samantha was a Training Director for an enrichment company where she taught and developed early
childhood curricula in theatre, music, and dance. After working as a teaching artist at the Basie for many
years Samantha moved into an arts administration role at the historic theatre. There she manages educational
outreach programs and partnerships for the theatre throughout the community and state, including the
theatre’s John F. Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education team, and mindALIGNED, a collective impact initiative
that spans two counties in New Jersey. Samantha holds a BFA in Theatre Performance and a MA in Shakespeare
and Theatre and continues to act and direct throughout the region.

42nd National Conference & Theatre Tour July 2018 INLEAGUE | PAGE 41