Our Team
Brandon Hanks
Executive Director | Producing Artistic Director
Brandon Hanks is the CEO and Founder of Rebel Stages/The Rebel Initiative and the Executive Director of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, organizations dedicated to creating accessible educational and performance opportunities in the arts while celebrating diversity and fostering community engagement.
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A 2024 NAACP Arts Award recipient, Brandon was honored for his outstanding contributions to the arts and his profound impact on the community through education, advocacy, and creating inclusive opportunities for performers and audiences alike.
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As a director, choreographer, and performer, Brandon has earned acclaim for his work both regionally and professionally. His most notable productions include Romeo & Juliet, Dog Sees God, Of Mice & Men, and The Secret Garden. Director/Choreographer credits include the 2019 summer production of Mamma Mia! at The Shawnee Playhouse, which garnered Broadway World Regional Theatre Awards for Best Director, Best Choreographer, and Best Production. Additional directing and choreography highlights include Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mary Poppins, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Oliver, and Thoroughly Modern Millie (2012 NEPTA Award winner for Best Overall Show and Best Choreography).
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As an actor, Brandon’s professional credits include roles such as NoMax in Five Guys Named Moe, Ken in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Schroeder in Charlie Brown, Belize in Angels in America: Part One, Nathan Detroit in Guys & Dolls, Marcellus in The Music Man, and Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
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Brandon’s passion for the arts drives his commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for performers of all ages and skill levels, empowering them to grow and shine through Rebel Stages and the School of Visual and Performing Arts.
Board of Directors
Chair
Flora Schubert
A mother who loves learning about/experiencing the world of performing arts through her children's experiences. Flora is an educator who currently works as a Community Manager and Homeschool Evaluator. She is passionate about volunteering for organizations that speak to her heart, which is how she became involved with SVPA/Rebel Stages as well as a variety of other local non profit organizations.
Treasurer
Suzanne Perry
Suzanne Perry spent 18 years in banking including 8 as Information Security Officer, prior to choosing to dedicate her time to being a stay-at-home mom. She started volunteering with Rebel Stages due to her daughter’s involvement with this theater group, and is thrilled to help support this incredible team in fulfilling Rebel Stages mission.
Board Member
Lori Flanagan
Lori Flanagan, born and raised in the Stroudsburg area, is a music teacher in Bangor Area School District. She has been actively participating in local community theatre for 35 years, as well as directing children’s shows in area schools.
Vice Chair
Lawrence Joseph
A retired professional dancer, actor and singer from NY that has lived in the Poconos for 10+ years. Lawrence loves the theatre and has been seen performing on many stages across NEPA. During the day he is the Director of Operations for a company that produces investor conferences in biotech and life sciences.
Board Member
Gary Schubert
A veteran teacher for 30 years. He has taught both 3rd and 4th grades in the Stroudsburg School District. He is also the science department chairperson for grades K-6. Gary is also an adjunct Professor with Northampton Community College teaching Early Childhood Ed. course.
Secretary
Kate Booth
Associate Vice President, Major Gifts at Geisinger Health. A lifelong resident of the Poconos and supporter of the arts with over a decade of fundraising experience.
Board Member
Sonji Patrick
Sonji Patrick is a seasoned non-profit professional, with over twenty years of experience in higher education program management. She is a 20-year resident of East Stroudsburg and has been an active volunteer in community and school theatre programs for 10 years.