Area Stage Company and Theatre Conservatory (ASC), an award-winning nonprofit professional theater organization, is proud to announce that its board of directors will be led by newly elected Gustavo Membiela as chairman and Sara Poses as vice chairman. Additional new appointments include: Ligia del Pino, secretary; Vanessa Hyden, Parent Committee; Mona E. Markus, Moving Committee; Jill Martin, Fundraising Committee; and Howard Pita, board officer.

“I’m very pleased to be continuing my support of Area Stage Company in my new role as chairman of the board,” stated Gustavo Membiela. “I believe in the important work this organization is doing as it strives to provide talented local youth with scholarship opportunities, theatre accessibility, and a home away from home.”

Membiela, a litigation partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth’s Miami office, is one of three co-chairs of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Program which is charged with the identification, professional development, retention, and promotion of high-potential women and diverse lawyers. In addition, he handles a wide variety of commercial matters, focusing on cross-border disputes, transnational arbitrations, and class action litigation. Membiela also serves on the board of Amigos for Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

ASC now houses a professional theatre company, a professional-level conservatory for young, aspiring performers, and a theatre program for people with developmental disabilities.

The theater company is currently working with 130 actors with developmental disabilities who participate in the organization’s Inclusion Theatre Project (ITP). ITP sends specialized coaches to schools for students with disabilities, presents unified stage performances that are open to the public, and promotes understanding and appreciation of the artistic abilities of individuals with special needs.

“Area Stage Company’s development throughout the years is beyond words,” says executive director Maria Banda-Rodaz. “We are so grateful for the assistance our board provides. Without their help, and the community’s generous contributions, we would not be able to share the transformative force of theatre with the children, young adults, and individuals with developmental disabilities who benefit from our program.”

Upcoming mainstage and conservatory performances include Disney’s The Little Mermaid, American Idiot based on Green Day’s Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum album, The Wizard of Oz, and Summer and Smoke. For more information on dates, tickets and audition opportunities please visit www.areastagecompany.com.

About Area Stage Company

Founded in 1989, Area Stage Company (ASC) is an award-winning theatre company that has presented world-class theatre productions, musicals, and plays in South Florida. The organization has extended its stage to young actors seeking professional training, higher education in performing arts programs, and/or a professional career. ASC strongly believes that theatre is a transformative force and is currently working with over 130 actors with developmental disabilities. Providing opportunities for all performers at ASC, the nonprofit organization relies on contributions to help sponsor performances and scholarship programs. One of South Florida’s most in?uential cultural groups, the company invites all individuals with a love for the arts! For more information, visit Area Stage Company.