J. R. Simons - The Jovialities Entertainment Co., Ltd., Vincent Lighting Systems and Avon High School

J. R. Simons works full-time as an inside sales representative for Vincent Lighting Systems, a regionally recognized (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, Michigan) leader in theatrical, film, television and specialized architectural lighting sales, service and rental. In his spare time, J. R. builds sets and does lighting for the Drama Club at Avon (Ohio) High School, serves on the Ohio State Board of the Educational Theatre Association, serves as President of the Lorain County Children's Pioneer Theatre and owns and operates an acting company that performs murder mysteries, comedy weddings and Renaissance feastes called The Jovialities Entertainment Company, Ltd.

J. R. received his BFA and MA in Theatre from Kent State University where he specialized in acting, directing and theatre history, theory and criticism. Prior to taking on his current position, J. R. worked as a photo retail store manager, a substitute high school teacher and the drama club director for both Elyria (Ohio) High School and Marion L. Steele (Amherst, Ohio) High School. In addition to these high schools, J. R. has directed for Lorain County Children's Pioneer Theatre, Elyria Summer Theatre, Aurora Community Theatre and Huntington Playhouse.

All totaled, J. R. has directed 40 productions, acted in 24 and been involved in some technical aspect of 25 productions over the last 23 years. J. R. was inducted as a lifetime member of Thespian Troupe #588 at Field High School (Portage County, Ohio, Northeast Area) in 1982.

Leslie Sapp - Sandusky High School


My name is Leslie Sapp, and I am the Drama Advisor at Sandusky High School. I also teach freshman and sophomore English. I graduated from Miami University of Ohio where I received a degree in English Education. I am starting my Master's degree in Teaching and Curriculum at Bowling Green this fall.

My first year at Sandusky, I was assistant director under Rick Browne. This year will be my second year as director. I have directed "Noises Off" along with "Bone-Chiller!" and other plays at SHS. I will be directing "The Nerd" this fall.

I joined the OEdTA Board this year and also joined J.R. as a north area representative. I look forward to having a wonderful year.

Mandi Dodson, State Student Officer (SSO)- Amherst Steele High School

Mandi Dodson, SSO from Amherst Steele High School.  She can be reached by mail at Amherst Steele High School, 450 Washington Street, Amherst, Ohio 44001; and by email by emailing J. R. or Leslie who will then forward the email on to Mandi.

Due to the changes in the way in which State Student Officers are now selected, each Area is represented by their own SSO chosen within the area by an interview procedure similar to the interview procedure used to previously choose at-large SSOs. We hope to take on Student Area Reps to train for eventual SSO status. See the "What's New" page for more information on the new StAR (Student Area Rep) Program.