Donald Rupe (Writer) is the co-founder of Renaissance Theatre Company with Chris Kampmeier (and a lot of help from their friends). An accomplished theatre-maker based in Orlando, Donald has written and helped to create a number of successful theatrical productions, including: Nosferatu; Bright Young Things; From Here (fromhere.com); Flying Lessons (critically-acclaimed at the New York Musical Festival in 2019); Oscar Wilde and Jesus Christ Walk into a Gay Bar; Once I Laughed; Lenox Ave. and others. Donald also founded a community theatre program at another company in Orlando, where for five years he ran a traditional season of productions with much success. Donald's numerous directing credits span the better part of twenty years and many wonderful companies throughout Central Florida. Rupe was also an accomplished educator, having served on the part-time faculty of Valencia College for over a decade and as an award-winning high school educator. Donald received his degrees in Theatre from New York University and Florida State University. 

Jacob Lawhon(Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back working with the Renaissance Theatre Company. Previous productions include: 54, Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show, Oscar Wilde and Jesus Christ Walk Into a Gay Bar, Nosferatu, Bright Young Things, and Flying Lessons. Much Love to Donald and the hardworking staff of The Ren. 

Nick Bazo (Director) is a Cuban American director, professor, teaching artist, and arts administrator originally from South Florida. He wears many hats at the Ren including coordinating the monthly RenFair, Fringe at the Ren, and our queertastic after parties at 54 and Vbar. He is super excited to be Assistant Directing the Office Christmas Party and The Late Night Party. Other recent directing credits include Metamorphoses (Rollins College), Make Way for Ducklings (Orlando Family Theatre), and On Your Feet! (Garden Theatre). 

Erin McNellis (Prop Acquisitions) She’s great. We love her. 

Joey Coombs (Scenic Charge) recently surpassed a full second year working here at the Ren. Originally brought on as general overhire, he has been part of the main staff since March of 2022 when he took over the responsibility of the scenic charge. As many others here do, Joey wears many hats at the Ren. Other than painting he also does some carpentry work, makes all the neon signs, does some design work, and oversees the lights and photo op sets for our weekly drag show, Off The Record (Wednesdays), as well as some other special events/projects. Some of Joey's previous work includes designing the Church and VBar for Nosfera2, the Cataco(o)mbs and the Conservatory for Nosf3ratu, and now the Winter Wonderland for the Winter Late Night Party Drag Exxxtravaganza Show ("who names these?"); the photo op sets for both annual fundraisers, Money, Please; and lights for the internet breaking RENAISSANCE @ the Renaissance drag show amongst other things. ig: @poetictoast

Stephen Jones (Sound Design)  is excited to return to the Ren after a couple of years away! Stephen is originally from Arkansas, where he was a company member at the former Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre for four seasons after graduating from NYU with a degree in film production. After moving to Orlando, he served as the resident sound designer at the Ren for its inaugural year. Stephen most recently worked at Orlando Family Stage as the Production Technology Manager. 

Ben Lowe is a lighting and video designer based in Orlando with experience in themed entertainment, theatrical productions, touring, opera, and ballet. Recently with the Ren, Ben has been on the Lighting Team for 54, Nosferatu, V Bar, and last year’s Office Holiday Party! He is also a member of the lighting and video/projection teams with Universal Creative working on an upcoming experience! BFA in Theatrical Lighting and Video Design from University of Central Florida. benloweportfolio.com

Philip Lupo (Scenic & Lighting) is a regional Lighting, Sound, and Video Designer whose previous work at Renaissance includes Nosferatu and Office Holiday Party.  Other design credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Orlando Shakes), Monster Stomp (SeaWorld Orlando), and Into the Woods (DreamCatcher Theatre).  His non-theatrical lighting projects can be seen in television stations from Palm Beach to Las Vegas.  Philip also serves as the Production Manager and Technical Director for Florida State Junior Thespians, helping develop the performers and designers of tomorrow.  He  could not be more excited to be working with Renaissance to bring this exciting work to Central Florida audiences. Get in touch at www.philiplupo.com.

John Rawlins (Lead Carpenter) joined The Ren in 2022, having previously worked with Donald at CFCArts Theater. As Lead Carpenter, John helps to create unique sets for each production, converting all the different spaces of the Ren into new worlds. John leads the construction team in planning and executing Donald, Philip, and Joey’s crazy ideas.

Kelsey Forero (she/her) is excited to make her Ren design debut for Office Holiday Party! She is a member of the P:L Theatrical design team, and a graduate of UNCSA. She'd like to thank Philip for his support.