Andrew Lidestri
Founding Artistic Director
Andrew comes to Theatre UP and the North Country after living for several years in New York City. A graduate of the University of RI with a BFA in Theatre and focus in Acting, his first love has always been the stage. He has been delighted to work in theatre in both Los Angeles and NYC. He is excited to work to mix the broad spectrum of theatre into a more intimate and collaborative community setting.
Previous roles include Leading Player (Pippin), Perchick (Fiddler on the Roof), Manos (OPA!), Giles Ralston (The Mousetrap), Tinman & Lion (The Wiz), Adolpho (The Drowsy Chaperone), Proprietor (Assassins), James (Corpus Cristi), Rev. Parris (The Crucible), Kulygin (Three Sisters), Professor (Tracers), among many others.
Andrew has directed the majority of the Theatre UP offerings for the last 8 years. Serving as director for Shrek, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Over the River & Through the Woods, The Mousetrap, Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, Almost Maine, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Drowsy Chaperone, Romeo & Juliet & many more. Having made his debut with the Theatre UP performing as John Adams in "1776", Andrew has given his multi-talents to multi-tasking, first as board member and now director. As the first person to hold the position of Artistic Director for Theatre UP, Andrew is excited to bring a new theatrical experience to the local community here in the North Country. He would like to invite all those interested in theatre to come enjoy a show with us, either on the stage or in the audience, and bring a friend, bring two.
Contact Andrew at [email protected].
Lynne M Grigelevich
Executive Director
Executive Director
Lynne Grigelevich brings to the role of Executive Director of Theatre UP more than 25 years of experience in education and administration in public & private schools, as well as non-profit organizations. She began her career in education teaching English in public middle schools, which earned her Florida’s English Teacher of the Year. She then entered the private school sector and moved to an independent, K-12 college prep school to work with high school students. In addition to spending 14 years in the classroom, she held advisory and administrative positions including Assistant to the Principal at North Country Charter Academy, Associate Director of Education Services for Granite State Independent Living’s IMPACCT Program, and most recently Dean of Students at Gorham Middle High School. Lynne also helped restructure and teach the education courses for students seeking Driver’s Education Instructor certification at White Mountains Community College.
As Executive Director of Ledyard Charter School (LCS) from 2011-2014, Lynne was tasked with overseeing the operations of a non-profit, public charter school founded to serve at-risk youth. Her tenure at the school was successful, and she left the organization in excellent standing. Today, LCS is thriving in the pursuit of its mission to partner with community members and organizations to provide a rich educational experience for students in the Upper Valley.
Lynne’s passion for theatre began in high school and continued at the CW Post Campus of Long Island University, where she majored in Theatre and learned the ropes both onstage and behind the scenes. She performed in many productions, including summer performances in New York City, and worked on set construction, sound, and assistant directing. Eventually, Lynne changed majors and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education and her Masters in Education. Thirty years later, she found herself stage managing “The Drowsy Chaperone” for Theatre UP, and her love of theatre was reignited. Lynne is thrilled to be part of the UP organization.
Contact Lynne at [email protected].
As Executive Director of Ledyard Charter School (LCS) from 2011-2014, Lynne was tasked with overseeing the operations of a non-profit, public charter school founded to serve at-risk youth. Her tenure at the school was successful, and she left the organization in excellent standing. Today, LCS is thriving in the pursuit of its mission to partner with community members and organizations to provide a rich educational experience for students in the Upper Valley.
Lynne’s passion for theatre began in high school and continued at the CW Post Campus of Long Island University, where she majored in Theatre and learned the ropes both onstage and behind the scenes. She performed in many productions, including summer performances in New York City, and worked on set construction, sound, and assistant directing. Eventually, Lynne changed majors and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education and her Masters in Education. Thirty years later, she found herself stage managing “The Drowsy Chaperone” for Theatre UP, and her love of theatre was reignited. Lynne is thrilled to be part of the UP organization.
Contact Lynne at [email protected].
Abby Cramer
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Abby Cramer has been playing with UP since the fall of 2022 when she joined us as an assistant stage manager for "Oliver!" If you recognize her last name, it’s because her dad, Scott Cramer, has been playing the piano in our pit bands and helping us build sets for many years now! After living and working in the Boston area for a number of years, Abby relocated back to this area three years ago. She might not love the snow or cold, but really enjoys being close to family. In fact, she lives right across the street from her dad and loves the small town community feel. From here, Abby uses her Masters in Library and Information Science to work remotely for the Harvard Library. When asked to explain the essence of a job in Library Sciences like that she says ,“It’s being trained to figure out what the question people are REALLY asking instead of the one they do ask.” Abby feels passionate about UP and is excited to be able to contribute continually and be a part of it.
Contact Abby at [email protected].
Contact Abby at [email protected].
Level UP Education Staff
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Jonathan Verge
Jonathan Verge holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University and trained at The Globe Theatre in London. He also attended Roundabout Theatre Company's Theatrical Teaching Institute in New York City. He performed & directed professionally for more than 20 years, serving as Producing Intern at The American Theatre Company and as the Producing Director of Bailiwick Chicago, both located in Chicago, IL. Jonathan served as The Director of Choral Music and Dramatic Arts at Lebanon High School in Lebanon, NH and also the Director of Drama at Camp Pemigewasset in Wentworth, NH. He joined Theatre UP as an actor in productions of "Children of Eden," "42nd Street" and "Oliver!" Jonathan is excited to lead the push to provide extended learning opportunities for students of all ages in the North Country. Kayla Granger Kayla is an incredibly talented local artist whose Visual Arts journey began at a young age, disposable camera in hand, developing the desire to represent moments in a tangible form. Love for photographs further evolved passion for The Arts as a whole, from doodling in the margins of notebooks, discovery of theater & performance, to pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts. Time in the studio would show that playing with crayons, colored pencils & paint didn’t need to remain a childhood past-time. Those tools became those used to create portraits of playful four-legged pals, capture children in bold vibrant color, and create fantastical murals on theater sets. Kayla has taught theatre workshops for K-6 children in school, the Boys & Girls Club and summer camp. |
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