About Us
About Us
About Us
About Us
Our staff
AUSTIN SHAY, MA MPS
Artistic Director
Austin Shay is an IT professional. He received his B.Hum. in English from Penn State Harrisburg in 2017 and received his MA in Interdisciplinary Humanities with a focus on Creative Writing and Theatre in 2019 and a MPS in Sexual Health at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in 2024.
Theatrical Specialties: Playwriting & Directing
JOSH GERST, MA
Operations Director
Joshua Gerst, M.A. is a professional Polymath that earned a degree with a trans-disciplinary focus in Phenomenology, Dramaturgy, and Sci-fi Screenwriting. Josh currently serves as a full time 8th Grade Research Teacher and Middle School Theatre Director locally, jut outside of Harrisburg city limits. Josh never forgets to remind us of his time as a laborer and line-cook. He is an experienced Actor, Singer, and Musician. Favorite Past roles: Director (CINDERELLA’S GLASS SLIPPER Musical), Medical Patient/Background (Schimberg’s 2018 film CHAINED FOR LIFE), Uncle Ben (DEATH OF A SALESMAN), Brian (AVENUE Q), Robert (PROOF), Franz (PRODUCERS Musical), Roy Cohn (ANGELS IN AMERICA).
Theatrical Specialties: Directing, Dramaturgy, & Stage Management
SARA VOLK, MA
Resident Dramaturg / 2024 Resident Playwright
Sara Stevenson drinks copious amounts of coffee in order to keep up with her six children. She received her B.Hum in English and and her B.Hum in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Penn State Harrisburg in 2017, and she received her Master of Arts in Humanities from Penn State Harrisburg in 2018. While she plans to attend graduate school to get her PhD in the future, she is looking forward to time off where she can spend time with her children and work on writing her next book.
Theatrical Specialties: Dramaturgy
NICHOLAS SHAY
Social Media/Marketing Director
Nicholas Shay has been involved in community theatre since his role as Fender in Antietam High School's production of Hairspray in 2013. Most recently he stage managed A Doublewide, Texas Christmas with the Hershey Area Playhouse. He is a current student in Penn State University's Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management Bachelor's Program.
Theatrical Specialties: Stage Management & Costume Design
Meet our board
JOYCE GERSTENLAUER, MMEd
Joyce Gerstenlauer has always supported community creative arts. She has over 40 years of teaching school and college choral music & directing music theatre and plays on many levels. Joyce has sung professionally and continues to direct choirs and perform on piano and pipe organ at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Dillsburg.
RITA SMITH
Pharmacy Theatre credits: Boys Go to Jupiter, The Breast Monologues, and Stripped. Hershey Area Playhouse favorites: A Doublewide Texas Christmas, A Christmas Carol, The Winter's Tale, and The Apple. Open Stage: EFF (erotic fan fiction) Live! Rita can also be found sharing stories and creating content at the Hershey Public Library as their children's and teen librarian. She lives in Hershey with her husband, sons, and cats.
RACHEL TELLER
Rachel Teller is excited to join the board of The Pharmacy Theatre! Although her daily life has nothing to do with the art world, she has always been fond of the performing arts. Rachel has experience both on stage and back stage, mostly participating in productions while growing up. She looks forward to becoming more involved in community theatre and spreading the importance of having a creative outlet.
CHRISTY QUEZADA
Christy Quezada is honored to join the Board. She has always enjoyed the arts and watching local theater. When she is not working, she loves to read, spend time with her granddaughter and traveling. She is looking forward to being part of and supporting local theater.
PAUL HOOD
"Paul Hood is a multifaceted artist from Harrisburg, PA, and is celebrated as a Playwright, Author, Director, Freelance Writer, Photographer, and Actor. In 2022, he earned a Broadway World Nomination and was named Simply the Best Actor by Harrisburg Magazine. Hood's acclaimed plays include "Pieces," "Apostle of Freedom," and the film adaptation of "Freedom's Eve." As Artist in Residence at Narcisse Theatre Company, he produced the critically praised drama "Kill Keller." Hood's directorial works feature productions like "Superior Donuts," and as an actor, he's been part of notable plays and short films. Additionally, he contributes as a guest artist and staff writer, represented by Central PA Talent Agency for film and TV commercials.
ALY TRAN, M.S.
Alyson "Aly" Tran is honored to join Pharmacy Theatre! Despite never performing on stage, she never misses the opportunity to catch a show. Aly's professional focus has always included community involvement and "beyond the classroom" education. She has a MS in Counseling and her undergraduate degree focused on creative writing and psychology. She loves connecting people and experiences! Nothing does that like theatre!