Artistic Director

Josh Landis

Josh has been performing, teaching, directing and choreographing for over fifteen years. His passion for the performing arts is seen through the care he takes for his students and performers both on and off stage. His award winning choreography has been seen from churches and high schools to professional stages. He is also one of the founding producers for Cleveland’s own Schultz and Schultz Production Company. Josh holds a B.A. in Dance from Eastern University where he specialized with theatre as well. He loves taking the time to perfect his own craft by being on stage, taking class and dancing around his living room with his two boys, Gabe and Eli, his daughter Selah.

Directing Staff

Managing Director

Matthew Wilks

Matthew is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. He has been performing, directing, and teaching theatre arts professionally throughout NE Ohio and surrounding areas for the past 12 years. He is excited to bring is passion for theatre to AFDA as they continue to nuture and guide the next generation of theatre artists.

Board of Directors

I joined AFDA because I believe in community theatre. I loved theatre so much when I was young that I majored in Speech/Theatre at Baldwin- Wallace. I especially loved directing and costume design and construction. Those skills served me well. Interesting fun fact about myself is that I have a black cat with no tail which is especially fun at Halloween!

I am Rich Spinner. My role is to take minutes and help with strategic planning and grant requests. I love the arts. In high school, I was the lead in the play primarily because no one else wanted to do it and the Drama teacher was my homeroom teacher. The play was based on the book, 1984. While I think I did a good job, the play was a bomb. So my acting crew came to a quick halt, but my willingness to support young people who want to give it a try is my lifelong desire.

My name is Jeff Smith. I am a founding member of AFDA and, over the years, have done set design and construction as well as graphic design for our productions. I graduated from BW with a BA in Theater Arts (acting emphasis). Being involved in AFDA has revived my love for theater and my commitment to involving the youth of our community in that experience.

Hello I am Rev. Joel Montgomery and I am the co-pastor of Christ United Church and an AFDA board member. I have been involved with performing arts for as long as I can remember, so when I learned that AFDA was a part of this ministry context, I immediately wanted to be a part of it. A fun fact about me is that in my spare time, I enjoy playing games of all kinds, geocaching, and trying to keep up with my four children.

I have been involved in theatre for many years, performing in shows through Westlake schools, Clague theatre and Lorain Community College ! I joined the board at AFDA after the first show! I learned about AFDA when I was a Girl Scout Leader. Some of my scouts were involved in the show! The president of AFDA at the time (who’s daughter was a scout) asked me to join the board. She referenced my theater background, work with kids and experience with fundraising! I have truly enjoyed working with the current board . Although I recently started my own business, I try to help anywhere I am needed, and for the upcoming play you will see me selling tickets!

My name is Fran Vozar. The first time I was involved with theater was in elementary school. My siblings and I put on Little Rascals for the neighborhood gang, which cost a two-cent pop bottle to come and watch. I joined the AFDA board to provide the youth with the same opportunity. As an elementary school teacher, it is important to help students explore and grow confidence in themselves, and I want to ensure that AFDA creates this same atmosphere. My role on the Board is advertising, marketing, and fundraising. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy camping, yoga, and volunteering for several other organizations in my spare time.