BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Ruth Schmidt came to Imperial Theatre Arts as an ensemble member of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  She also appeared in Jekyll & Hyde The Musical as “Lady Glossop” and later as “Emma Carew,” her favorite role to date.  She has been a resident of Whiting, New Jersey since 1985, working as Administrative Assistant to the President at America’s Keswick.  She is a 1980 graduate of Lancaster Bible College, where she studied voice under Warren W. Whitney, and later under Diane Robinson at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania.  She spent two years post-college traveling the US, Canada, and Europe as a singer with “His Ambassadors.”  She has enjoyed working with ITAA over the past years, and is excited to serve as Board President. 
Alumnus:  Lancaster Bible College 


Graeme Mark Wilson, Board Vice President
Graeme Mark Wilson is an Audio Engineer who was trained and works at the renowned, America's Keswick.  He started his audio career at the age of thirteen under the guidance of Glen Zigrang.  Graeme went-on to study “Audio for Electronic Media” at the Ocean County Technical and Vocational School, where he graduated at the top of his class.  Graeme is now the full-time Manager of the Audio/Visual Department at America's Keswick.  He is very passionate about working in the field of professional audio/visual technology.  Graeme has been the Audio Engineer for ITAA’s Productions of Oklahoma, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, RENT, and Annie.  He is very pleased to rejoin the cast and crew of ITAA as they embark on their best and biggest production yet, Annie.  Graeme is thrilled to work with cutting-edge technology to engineer the best sound possible for the show. 
Alumnus:  Ocean County Vocational Technical School


Ira Warhaftig, CPA, Board Treasurer
Ira graduated Rider University in 1996, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.  Since then, he has worked for both public and private companies within his specialty.  He received several promotions while working as a Staff Accountant for a large marketing company in Cranbury, ultimately becoming their Corporate Controller.  He currently works as the Corporate Controller for PF Miami Developers, which manages all of the Planet Fitness clubs in Miami; Ira also owns an accounting practice.  He serves on the board of the Jamesburg Revitalization Coalition, an organization dedicated toward the revitalization of the downtown area in Jamesburg, New Jersey.  In his sparetime, he loves spending time with his lovely wife.  Ira is a true patron of the arts who enjoys the arts flourishment that ITAA continues to bring to his hometown and the surrounding area.

Alumnus:  Rider University


Brynn Sheehan, Board Secretary
Brynn comes to ITAA with a life-long love of Broadway Musicals.  She excels as both a vocalist and actress and has appeared on the middle school, high school, college, and community theatre stages.  Brynn wows audiences with her powerful and emotional vocals and dramatic and comedic acting styles.  After graduating from Montclair State University, Brynn accepted employment with a government contracting firm.  Although she is "corporate" by day, Brynn admits that her true career passion is still on the "Broadway Stage."  Brynn's love for the performing arts and her corporate experience make her an ideal Secretary/Treasurer for Imperial Theatre Arts Association. 
Alumnus:  Montclair State University 


Trustees Emeritus:
Tina Vairo Byrnes
Janet Mulero