Raimondo Genna - President
A practicing theatre director for nearly thirty years, Dr. Raimondo Genna is an Associate Professor and Chair for the Theatre Department at the University of South Dakota. Dr. Genna is a graduate from the University of California, San Diego PhD program in Theatre History and Performance Studies. Prior to UCSD, Dr. Genna received his BA in Theatre with an emphasis in Performance and his MA in Theatre with an emphasis in Theatre History and Criticism. His directing credits include Eugene Ionesco’s Rhinoceros, Steven Sonheim and John Weidman’s Assassins, Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls, and William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Dr. Genna is currently working on his book, entitled Empty Sky: 9/11 and Performing Regenerative Violence.
Jiajia Jiang - Secretary
Jiajia Jiang’s enjoyment of being a patron of the arts brought her to the wonderful team and mission of Shakesperience. She first fell in love with the beauty and power of William Shakespeare’s words as a student at Georgetown University, before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area after graduation. Jiajia currently works in the health care industry, and brings a business oriented perspective to the board of directors. Prior to that, she worked as a management consultant, helping transform and execute corporate strategies at fortune 100 companies.
Kirsten Miller - Treasurer
Ms. Miller has been working in theatre as an actress, director and teacher for 30 years. Her passion for William Shakespeare's words have inspired her to share the experience of discovering his text to children of all ages. Her focus is to open the hearts, minds and imaginations of children through Shakespeare's stories, helping to discover their own voices, to build self-confidence and work in an ensemble. Credits and training include theatre education at the University of Southern California, the Venice Biennale's International Theater Festival Arts and Studies, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and the T. Schreiber Studio of New York.
Positions on our Board of Directors
Shakespearience is growing! Our goal is to have collaborative, enthusiastic board members who can help us achieve fiscal health and stability.
The primary functions of board candidates include:
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grant writing
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fundraising
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private/corporate donor development
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marketing and social media
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understanding community needs/changes
What we need from new Shakespearience Board Members:
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a one year commitment
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monthly board meetings
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dedication to financial growth of the company
If you are excited by what Shakespearience fosters in young people,
if you can see yourself helping to fortify the company,
please do contact our Founder & Director, Kitty Thompson:
“Be not afraid of greatness!
Some are born great, some achieve greatness,
and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
~Twelfth Night