Mariah Mendoza
Co Associate artistic director
Board Member Spotlight
Meet the visionary leaders driving our mission to cultivate inclusive and experimental theatrical space for young adults.
Clint Lienau
Artistic Director
Clint Lienau (He/they) has been in the theater business since he was six years old. As an actor, director, technician, and combat choreographer, he has worked on community and professional stages across the country. He first came to Speedrun as a choreographer on The Lightning Thief, and has since dedicated as much time as he can to growing the company towards a bright and prosperous future. He holds a degree in Theater for Young Audiences with a focus on Movement and Stage Combat from East Carolina University, has trained with multiple Stage Combat organizations, and is a trained theatrical pyrotechnician. To him, Speedrun is exactly what theater should be: a gathering of like-minded individuals dedicated to building each other up, providing acceptance and stability, and creating phenomenal art.
Tyler Ortega
Co Associate artistic director
Tyler Ortega aka "Ty" is a Graduate from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. Ty has been doing theatre for over 10 years with experience in High school ,College, and professional theatre in Austin. He has worked with The Vortex Austin Theatren Rainbow Theatre as well as the Paramount Theatre in Austin. When hes not working with Speedrun he is with the Paramount Theatre as a Story Wrangler ":bringing stories to life". With his experience he is excited to be one of Speedruns Co Associate Artistic Directors!
Mariah Mendoza or as the kids say "Maya" is a director and educator based in Round Rock, TX. She’s worked with Speedrun on a couple shows including; Hamlet and Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical! She now serves as one of Speedrun’s Co-Assocaite Artistic Directors and she cannot wait to watch this company grow. When she’s not doing Speedrun shows, she’s a full time Theatre Teacher in Round Rock teaching middle schoolers all about theatre.”
Lead Production Board Members
These are the brains behind all our production. Meet the team behind all the shows at Speedrun!
Co-Production Manager
Katie Birks-Kilman (KTBK) is a freelance creative based in Austin with a passion for the arts and a deep-seeded love for live theatre. Joining the Speedrun family for some of their very first projects, they have pledged themself to the whimsy, heart and soul of the company and it’s collaborators.
Katie Birk-Kilman
Co-Production Manager
Indiana Ward
Indiana “Indy” Ward (He/Him) is a stage manager, carpenter, and properties artisan from Austin, Texas. He recently graduated from Ithaca College, with a dual BFA in Theatre Production and Design and Stage Management. Previously, Indy has worked closely alongside playwrights such as Saviana Stanescu in new works showcases as well as working with Marshall Music Company to make full scale immersive entertainment for SXSW. He started his career at Speedrun Studios by working as a Scenic Designer on The Lightning Thief, and now returns to work as the Co-Production Manager!
Co-Outreach Director
Co-Play selection lead
Jude Jecker (they/she) known as Judy / Judas has been a member of Speedrun Studios since 2024, with her past contributions being Old Shady in Men on Boats, The Creature in Playing with Fire, and Wardrobe Head in Hamlet. They are excited to bring their experience of nonprofit work into this new chapter for the company, and she looks forward to playing an active role in facilitating what our future production seasons will look like alongside Mellian. Outside of Speedrun, she is a work-study student with ACC Drama, a Paramount Theatre Story Wrangler, and Program Director of the music nonprofit Girls Rock Austin, dedicated to empowering girls and gender-expansive youth through music, empowerment, and mentorship.
Jude Jecker
Co-Promotions Director Co-Outreach Director
Samantha Gade (she/her) some call her "mom" is a multi-disciplinary theatre artist and aspiring educator. Since receiving her BFA in Musical Theatre from Hardin-Simmons University, she has worked with several ATX theater companies, including Austin Scottish Rite Theater, Austin Crown Theatre, and, of course, Speedrun Studios. Samantha has collaborated on several productions with Speedrun since its inception, both on and off-stage. Most recently, she had the joy of playing “Dustin” in Stranger Sings!, as well as co-music directing. She is honored to be on the board alongside such talented artists, and looks forward to creating more unique theatre with Speedrun! Get to know her better at samantha-gade.weebly.com :)
Samantha Gade
Secretary / Treasurer
Liz Stratton (Secretary-Treasurer) is a theatre artist from Dallas, Texas currently residing in Austin. Liz holds a B.A. in Theater Arts from Texas Tech University and has been involved in community theater for over a decade. Performing in Men on Boats was Liz's introduction to the Speedrun family, and since then they have been involved in several more shows, most recently in Hamlet as Laertes and Guildenstern. Liz is looking forward to being a part of more exciting Speedrun projects in the near future!
Liz Stratton
Co-Promotion Director Co-Play selection lead
Mellian Rosenbusch is a local Pre-school teacher, Singer, and Actor based in the local Austin area. They have been doing theater since they popped out of the womb in both roles, and (very minor) tech positions. Mellian has recently taken on the roles of Co head of marketing and Co Play Selection Lead, and couldn't be more excited to help this company blossom and bloom!
