FOUNDING MEMBERS

Matthew Anderson: Co-Founder/Artistic Producer/Grants Specialist

Born and raised in Minnesota, spiced up and seasoned in Long Beach, Matthew has always been on board, shaping and shifting The Garage Theatre into what it is today. The resident sound designer, with a degree in acting and directing, if you’ve been to The Garage, you’ve certainly had yourself a taste of the deliciousness that Matthew Anderson brings to the stage, in front of and behind the scenes. Fascinated by the shared experience and unique dynamic between the audience and the performers, as well as the collaborative nature of theatre itself, he hopes to continue to alter and evolve your expectations on what theatre could be, and what you expect to experience.

Eric Hamme: Co-Founder/Managing Director

Eric was there with friends when The Garage Theatre was conceived over a few pints in college and has been involved with every production since day one. He received his Master's Degree in Theatre Management in 2008 and is currently the Director of Productions at the Orange County School of the Arts. His directing highlights include Goose & Tomtom by David Rabe (twice), Killer Joe by Tracy Letts, the West Coast Premiere of  Almost An Evening by Ethan Coen, and the World Premiere of Darkside by Tom Stoppard.

Jamie Sweet: Co-Founder/Lord Duke of Technology

Jamie Sweet (aka Jaminus Sweetimus, aka Yammy Swoot, aka King Cobra vs Mongoose, aka Lord Duke of Technology, aka Benjamin Sweet) has directed a plethora of shows at the Garage, lit more, and has even deigned to act in a couple.  His melodrama saga spanned 5 years (twice, and about to embark on his third) and as one of the founding members of the Garage, he's pretty certain you missed at least one of his shows.  At least one.  So that means you might as well subscribe and catch up because there's a lot more of this bad-assery to come.  Personal highlights include The Water Engine and Mr. Happiness, The Bald Soprano>The Chairs, and the second melodrama...no the 4th...no the second third one.  Ahh they were all a lot of fun!

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for supporting the arts in these, our modern times.

BOARD MEMBERS

PRESIDENT
Matthew Anderson

SECRETARY
Victoria Bryon

TREASURER
Eric Hamme

Thomas Amerman

Sherry Diamond

Catherine Elrod

COMPANY MEMBERS

Rob Young: Co-Technical Director

Rob Young, originally a Bay Area hood rat, moved to Southern California in 2006. He studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood. Rob joined The Garage Theatre in 2009. He acts, he designs and constructs sets, he loves GLITTER!

Thomas Amerman: Co-Technical Director/Facilities Manager

From his humble beginnings in a small desert town you've never heard of, Thomas grew up giggin frogs and wrastlin hogs. But it wasn't all glitz and glamor out there in the sticks so he struck out west to make his way as an actor. Apple of his parents eye and the pride of his High School drama club, Thomas quickly discovered the harsh realities of Hollyweird and retreated to the safer shores of Long Beach. It was there that he met the degenerate alcoholics and chronic gamblers of the Garage Theatre who took him in as one of their own and bestowed upon him the title of "Co-Technical Director" (a mostly symbolic position). He hates GLITTER!

Emily Formentini: Communications Manager

Emily hails from Tuscon, AZ where she studied… architecture! A few years later though, she moved to California and joined an improv troupe, eventually finding her way to The Garage in 2019. Since, she’s appeared in Revenge of the Baron’s Revenge; Love Thunder & Dynamite: A Roadhouse Parody; Psycho Beach Party; Private Lives of Imaginary Friends; and Venus in Fur. She also brings those good ‘ole architecture skills into the mix, helping with sets from time to time, and using improv every single day. She’s so happy to be here!

Matthew Julian: Volunteer/Street Team Coordinator, Production Liaison

Matthew Vincent Julian has been a loyal member of The Garage Theatre community for over a decade.  He has directed and appeared in many amazing productions during his time here, and is thrilled to be part of the Garage’s inner circle.  

Alyssa Felix Garcia: Media Marketing Manager

Alyssa has been a frequent actor at The Garage since 2016, appearing in The All-American Genderf**k Cabaret, Kill Climate Deniers, Roadhouse, and more, as well as working offstage as an assistant director, social media pro, and intimacy consultant. They’re a certified Consent-Forward Artist with IDC Professionals, providing safer spaces for artists and advocating for stronger integrity-based practices in Theatre. Alyssa can’t get enough of this place for some reason, and we’re mad grateful for that.

Joe Howells: The Final Say Director

Joseph Howells was born on a dewy morning in March. He loves hockey and Indian food, and is often regarded as being breathtakingly talented as well as modest. You’ll usually see him after shows with an equally modest beer in his hand.

Alexi McGinness: Subscriptions/Box Office Manager

Alexi has been working with The Garage Theatre for a time. She’s an actor, stage manager, prop master, stitcher, techie, student, mentor, assistant, and director! (she’s pretty much Wonder Woman around here). She has enjoyed it so much here and has no plans to leave. You are all stuck with her. Muahahaha!

Catherine Elrod: Development Director/Resident Costume & Makeup Designer

An accomplished FX Makeup Artist and Costume Designer, Cat Elrod's career began in the theatre, with design & management for the Richard and Karen Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts, International City Theatre, Long Beach Shakespeare and LB Playhouse! She transitioned to film after college while attending Joe Blasco Makeup Center West, and has even served as personal make artist for Margaret Cho and Charlie Wilson. She’s now Resident Costume/Makeup Designer for The Garage Theatre as well as Head of Makeup and Costume for Delusion: Haunted Play and teaches the Fundamental, Intermediate and Advanced makeup programs at The Orange County School of the Arts. She hopes to continue in makeup, theatre and film, meeting her childhood idols and making pretty (gruesome) pictures...

Diana Kaufmann: Public Relations/Resident Photographer

Longtime patron - first time company member, Diana has worked steadily in theatre as an actor, dancer, director, stage manager for the last 30 years. Realizing resistance was futile, she finally succumbed to The Garage’s gravitational pull in 2022. She also runs her own photography business and brings her talents to The Garage every chance she gets, providing headshots and promo footage for our productions! She’s rad.

Craig Johnson: Print Marketing Manager

Craig has lived in Long Beach for most of his life, having studied acting at CSULB and CalArts University. After performing at far too many theatres in LA/Hollywood for about a decade, Craig finally found in The Garage, a place that shared his sensibilities. Well, neurosis really. He is happy and proud to call these weirdos his theatre family. Craig has performed in many productions on the Garage stage and is hoping to direct sometime soon. He is grateful to the awesome patrons who have supported The Garage all of these years. Here’s to many more years together!

Lola Binks: Marketing Coordinator, Copywriter

Originally from Salt Lake City, Lola graduated from American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her past shows the Garage include Revenge of the Space Pandas, Almost an Evening, and Wet Hot American Summer: The Play? She is also the author of The River God and Other Stories, a horror-fantasy anthology as well as the recent World Premiere play, HAT BOX.