Meet Our Board Members: Passionate Leaders of Speedrun

In the fast-paced world of Theatre, where every act counts, the leadership behind the scenes plays a crucial role in shaping the community and its future. Our board members are not just leaders; they are passionate individuals dedicated to the arts and the community. They bring diverse backgrounds, unique skills, and a shared love for Theatre that drives the community forward. In this post, we will introduce you to these remarkable individuals, highlighting their contributions and visions for the future of Speedrun!

The Eyes Behind Speedrun

1. Clint Lienau

Role: Artistic Director

Clint Lienau is the Artistic Director for Speedrun Studios. Starting as Speedrun's associate artistic director and with many shows under his belt now leads an amazing group of individuals on Speedruns course. Clint has been helping Speedrun grow into its potential and pushing the vision of an inclusive and interactive space for young artists. "My experience in theatre has provided stability and structure". He would love to see Speedrun become a proper, self sufficient company that can produce the high level of production our talent deserves

Key Contributions:

• Leader / Coordinator: Clint has been on of the leaders in Speedrun for a while and has been a staple to our community. By showing initiative and stepping into this role we are more confident in the way Speedrun will be heading.

• Fight Choreographer: Under Clints eyes he has been one of our most experienced fight choreographer through many shows. His tactical ways of movement and safety measures insure everyone is safe and understands their task at hand. Clints experience has earned him multiple awards including "Outstanding Graduate for Excellence in Stage Combat". Each and every show has been a memorable experience for the audience and actors alike.

  
  

2. Tyler Ortega

Role: Co Assistant Artistic Director

Tyler Ortega, AKA "Ty" is one of Speedruns Co Assistant Artistic Directors. Ty has been around theatre for over 10 Years with experience starting in middle school, all the way to the University of Concordia Texas, where he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts In Theatre. He been in the professional scene in Austin for about 6 Years and has been with Speedrun for 2. He has stepped into the shoes of the Speedrun board where he hoped to create a path for Speedruns future and to show "Everyone can do theatre".

Key Contributions:

• Veteran: Ty has been involved with many types of theatre from children's plays to live adaptations of Frankenstein. So his experience has helped many other actors think of ways to move, portray emotions, and think of things other young actors may not of experienced yet.

• Communitive Experience: Ty has had experience around Austin theatre with the Paramount, The Vortex Theatre in Austin, Rainbow Theatre and multiple other organizations around Austin. He knows a lot of people and is excited to meet many other people in the future.

  
  

3. Mariah Mendoza

Role: Co Assistant Artistic Director

“Mariah Mendoza is a director and educator based in Round Rock, TX. She’s worked on two Speedrun shows so far; 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.”

Key Contributions:

• Educator: Maya's biggest contribution to Speedrun so far has been her directing experience! "I’ve directed at many levels (college and educational across multiple grade levels) and I bring a variety of viewpoints to different productions. I also have a vase experience in directing plays and musicals, which are two completely different beasts in directing."

4. Jude Jecker

Role: Play Selection Committee Co-Leader, Outreach

Jude Jecker (they/she) 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.

Key Contributions:

• Choreographer: Jude has experience with Choreography outside of Speedrun and is always looking to add their own flare to Speedrun

• Wardrobe: Jude has costumed Speedrun in Hamlet and is always ready to step up and take the lead.

5. Liz Stratton

Role: Co Assistant Artistic Director

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!

Key Contributions:

• Treasurer: Liz is one of the backbone of Speedrun and is in charge of all the funds we get so we have the opportunities to put these shows on! Liz is an amazing talented actor as well and we are glad to have them on the team.

6. Katie Birks-Kilman

Role: 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.

Key Contribution.

• Building / Carpentry: Katie has been doing carpentry for multiple theatres and has graced us with their skills and experience to the Speedrun community.

7. Indy Ward

Role: Co-Production Manager

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!

Key Contribution:

• Scenic Design: Indy has impacted Speedrun with their Scenic Design and has brought more eyes to Speedrun and increased the community with Speedrun!

8. Mellian Rosenbusch

Role: 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!

Key Contributions:

• Graphical Designer: Mel is one of our graphic designers on the team and they are also the creator of the logo for Speedrun. She is an amazing talent that we are lucky to have on our team at Speedrun!

9. Sami Gade

Role: Co Assistant Artistic Director

Samantha Gade (she/her) 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 :)

Key Contributions:

• Veteran: Sami has been involved with Speedrun since the beginning and is known by everyone in the company as the mom of the group. She is a wonderful addition to Speedrun and we are glad to have her.

• Communicator: Sami has always been talking about Speedrun and spreading the name to anyone and everyone and has grown the company in her own way!

The Future of Speedrun

Embracing Diversity

One of the board's primary goals is to embrace diversity within the Speedrun community. By creating a welcoming environment for Actors of all backgrounds, the board aims to foster a culture where everyone feels valued and included.

Initiatives:

• Acting Workshops: The board has plans to launch workshops aimed at supporting multiple styles in theatre, providing resources and mentorship opportunities.

• Inclusive Events: Events are designed to cater to a wide range of skill levels and interests, ensuring that everyone can participate.

  
  

Expanding Reach

The board is committed to expanding the reach of Speedrun beyond traditional platforms. By leveraging new technologies and social media, they aim to attract a broader audience and showcase the excitement of Speedrun.

Strategies:

• Partnerships: Collaborating with our sponsors and social media platforms to feature Speedrun's events and highlight Actors.

• Social Media Campaigns: Engaging with fans through creative content and interactive campaigns that promote upcoming events.

  
  

Conclusion

The board members of Speedrun are not just leaders; they are passionate advocates for the Speedrun community. Their diverse backgrounds and unique contributions help shape the future of Theatre, making it more inclusive and accessible for everyone. As they continue to innovate and engage with the community, the future looks bright for Speedrun Studios.

By supporting these leaders and participating in community initiatives, you can help drive the growth of Speedrun Studios. Whether you are a seasoned actor or just starting, there is a place for you in this vibrant community. Join us in celebrating the passion and dedication of our board members as we continue to push toward the furture of Speedrun Studios together.