(She/Her) Kristine graduated with her BA in Theatre Arts: Directing & Acting with a Costuming concentration & Fine Arts Business minor from DeSales University and has been working in all aspects of theatre ever since. After living in Philadelphia for 10 years, Kristine moved back to South Jersey and jumped right back into the performing arts community. Here she noticed a desire for reviews to acknowledge the hard-working and extremely talented theatre community and decided to take matters into her own hands; thus South Jersey Theatre Critics was born.

(She/Her) Lisa is thrilled to be joining the South Jersey Theatre Critics team and would like to thank Kristine and Mike for the opportunity! She has been involved in South Jersey theatre for many, many, (and many more "many"s) years. Lisa started dancing at the age of 4, and has been in love with theatre since the age of 14. She was a musical theatre major at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, and after spending about 10 years in New York City, she moved back to the area and jumped into the community theatre realm. Lisa is primarily a performer, and can mostly be found on the stage; however, she has also tried her hand at directing and choreographing from time to time. She also serves as Recording Secretary on the Board of Directors at Bridge Players Theatre Company. Her real-life, no-fun, job is working as a Quality Assurance Analyst in the mortgage industry. She also enjoys game night (board games), movies, reading, cats, tattoos, and especially ice cream. She is "theatre mom" to one and all, but her number one love of her life is her daughter, Lana.

Lana Croce (she/they) is so excited to be joining the SJTC team. She is currently a chemistry major, but has enjoyed graphic design classes in the past. She has been raised within the musical theatre community through her mom, and music through her dad. Lana enjoys D&D, makeup, and hanging out with family and friends.

(She/Her) Aimee is honored to be a part of South Jersey Theatre Critics. She joined at the start of 2024 and has found a great joy in supporting the arts locally while utilizing her writing minor. Aimee is an elementary music teacher and a music director/performer with 20+ music direction credits and 50+ performance credits. Aimee also is working on creating her own musical and is thrilled to have so many different works and writing styles to learn from. Her favorite part of reviewing is getting to see performances that she otherwise might not have gotten to see and sharing the evening with her husband. 

(She/Her) Cassidy is a full time student at Binghamton University, Cassidy plans to receive her BFA in musical theatre. She has been performing since she was 5 years old, and has worked at theatres across South Jersey, including Haddonfield Plays and Players, the Ritz, and Voorhees Theatre Company. Cassidy has worked with Kristine a couple times and was honored when she asked her to be a part of her review committee! 

(She/Her) Amber is proud to be a reviewer with South Jersey Theatre Critics! Amber is a South Jersey-based playwright, director, actress and theatre reviewer. In the past ten years, Amber has been a part of over 200 shows in the local community, Philadelphia, NYC, and virtually. Amber holds a degree in theatre from Montclair State University. At 30 years old, Amber has directed more plays than years she’s been alive and she has written more than 100 plays ranging from one-minute to full length pieces. Amber is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and is also a regional reviewer for BroadwayWorld.com. When Amber is not working on a show or writing, she enjoys bowling with her mom, building Legos with her fiancé Tony, and spending time with their cats Gatsby and Cleocatra. 

(He/Him) Stephen started in theater in 2018, and has been in numerous productions since that time. Recent credits include “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” (Schmendiman) and “Doubt: A Parable” (Father Flynn), both at Masquerade Theater. He played Phil Bennett in  “Epic Proportions” at Playmasters Theater Workshop (September 2023), “Sordid Lives”(2023) and “The Shadow Box”(2022) at Haddonfield Plays and Players, “Natural History” performed at BCF in 2021, and the role of Mr. Wilson in “Harvey” at Village Playbox (2020). He is a local public school teacher with two adult daughters (Abigail and Victoria) and his son-in-law, Matthew. He is in a long-term relationship with Lisa Croce. Stephen is an advocate for raising awareness about heart disease, and would like to encourage everyone, if you have not done so already, to talk to your doctor about a cardiologist consultation: “The life you save could be your own”.

(He/Him) MJ is new to the New Jersey theatre scene and is so glad to have found South Jersey Theatre Critics! As an artist, actor, and now writer, he’s been thrilled at the opportunity to dive deep into the art that he has seen so far thanks to this organization and his amazing boyfriend Will Reid. After growing up in the theatre and pursuing theatre and American Sign Language at the University of Virginia, MJ has been seeking the chance to get back to it after moving to New Jersey and found that chance with South Jersey Theatre Critics! MJ is grateful to his boyfriend, Will Reid, for pushing him to apply to be a writer and supporting him through every line, and for his family and friends who have cheered him on at every moment in his life!

(He/Him) Mike grew up in Burlington NJ and has been a fan of theater since his Aunt took him to a small church play when he was younger. He’s seen large Broadway productions and enjoyed them, but he became a fan of local community theater while watching a production a few years ago that friends were a part of. Mike has also always enjoyed writing, and telling a good story. When he is not enjoying local community theater he is probably playing video games, eating good food with Kristine, or spending time with friends and family. Mike is excited for the opportunity to join SJTC and share the magic of not only theater, but local community theater with others. He feels it is important that everyone knows how easily they can find good, quality shows right in their own South Jersey backyard. It is also important that everyone knows how much work and passion go into manufacturing these many entertaining and essential productions.

(She/Her) April is a lifelong resident of south Jersey. She works for Exelon Corporation and has her own brand, Dope Churchy Girl, as a life coach/content creator/beauty business. April and wears various hats in the SJ Theatre scene as a performer, director, and stage manager. It is a pleasure and an honor to serve as a reviewer with South Jersey Theatre Critics. Thank you Kristine! 

(She/Her) A South Jersey resident for over thirty years, Lori fell in love with theatre in her youth, and decades (and decades) later, her passion for the arts shows no sign of subsiding. Lori has performed in countless shows throughout her life, as well behind the scenes work doing costume design, events production, video production, graphic design, marketing, and sound design. By day, she is Temple Beth Sholom’s Communications Manager, mother of three and grandmother (Bubbe) to two gorgeous babies. Many thanks to Kristine Bonaventura for the opportunity to bring attention to the tremendously talented theatre folk here in South Jersey.

(She/Her) Angela is a Philadelphia based actor of stage and screen. She frequently acts in independent films which can be seen in various film festivals and on streaming services. After graduating from college Angela wanted to continue to explore her passion for theatre so she got her start in community theatre in the Delaware County theatre scene. Since the pandemic she’s primarily been acting at theatres in New Jersey. Angela is secretary of the Blue Moon Theatre in Woodstown and MTM Players based out of Kelsey Theatre in Mercer County. She is also a reviewer for NJACT. Angela is excited to review with South Jersey Theatre Critics and bring this committee across the river to Pennsylvania! As a reviewer she hopes to highlight things that the average audience member wouldn’t notice and give credit where credit is due for exceptional work! 

A BFA graduate of Hofstra University’s theatre performance program, Ash finally returned to theatre in 2023 after a twelve-year hiatus of career building, mothering, and life-ing. By day, she channels her love of people problem-solving by leading Human Resources for small to mid-sized businesses (but she’s not like a regular HR, she’s a cool HR). By the light of the moon, she’s a poet, performer, and the Community Education and Outreach Officer of For The Whim Productions. She’s beyond grateful to the South Jersey theatre community and SJ Theatre Critics for bringing her into the fold with open arms. Looking forward to joining this dialogue that moves the heart of local theater to center stage.

(He/Him) Josh was born and raised into Theatre and always loves being around the arts. Currently enrolled at Georgian Court University for a Bachelors in Sports Management, is on the Men's Soccer team at Georgian and plays on the Esports team. He was recently on stage at Haddonfield Plays & Players. He has a strong passion for anything theatre and always will sing karaoke with his friends. Josh is happy to be a part of this lovely group and will continue to spread love for theatre. He would love to thank Kristine for this opportunity as well as his friends and family!

(She/Her) A native of Marlton, Laura has been involved with community theatre in South Jersey for almost 15 years. After graduating from Gettysburg College in 2023 with a BA in Theatre Arts, she returned to the area to complete a year-long apprenticeship at the Arden Theatre Company in Philadelphia. She has also become involved with several regional theatres post-grad, including the Ritz Theatre Company and the Broadway Theatre of Pitman. Her expertise in the field ranges from performance to administration, and she has held positions in Marketing, Front of House, and Production, among other departments. When not on stage, Laura can be found at the zoo, wrapped in the nearest blanket, or watching the Jurassic Park movies over and over and over. She has fostered a love for writing from a young age, and she is ecstatic to blend two of her passions together as a reviewer for South Jersey Theatre Critics! 

(He/Him) Dominic is thrilled to be a reviewer for SJ Theater Critics!  He is currently a junior in high school and loves to do theater! He often works with the Broadway Theater of Pitman as a crew member and actor in their shows! Outside of theater Dom wants to attend college to be a psychologist for teens with autism!

(He/Him) Don has served as a director and teaching artist for a number of theatre organizations around the Southern NJ region, including Cape May Stage and the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company, with a total of over thirty directing credits for student and community productions. Favorite acting credits include Twisted (Djinn/Sultan/Ensemble, October Ensemble), The Spongebob Musical (Sheldon J. Plankton, OBSP), Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged) (Daniel, Brigantine Lighthouse Players), and The Santaland Diaries (Crumpet, Cape May Stage). He holds a BA in Theatre Education from DeSales University, and resides in Mays Landing. He is humbled and grateful to assist SJTC in supporting the arts in NJ.

(She/They) Meg is so honored to be a part of the South Jersey Theatre Critics team. They graduated from the University of the Arts in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and a Minor in Music Education. She has been a lifelong theater fan and long time performer with theaters such as The Ritz Theatre, Bridge Players Theater Company, and Haddonfield Plays and Players. Along with performing, she has also worked as a director in the Ritz’s One Act Play Festival and worked as a Sound Engineer for a few shows. They have also been involved in the Ritz Summer Camp program as Assistant Director (2022-2023) and Music Director (2025). When Meg isn’t doing all things theater, she enjoys writing music and stories, spending time with her family, and playing Stardew Valley.

(He/Him) Aidan Rowe is an artist, poet, and singer originally from McDowell County, West Virginia and now rooted in South Jersey. His work has been shown in the Flow Forward NJ exhibition The Beast, The Beauty, featured in Lunar Faire’s zine, recognized as an Editor’s Pick on PoetBay, and appeared in promotional material for last year’s Appalachian Queer Film Fest. He publishes zines online under the name @silly.lugosi and loves an evening spent at the theatre with his partner. 

A former military brat and self-proclaimed nomad Deitra has spent much of her life traveling the world. During these travels she has always been involved in theater and the arts. After many years, she has returned to her first love of acting and has been in several shows in South Jersey. A consummate multitasker, Deitra keeps herself busy with work in the insurance industry and the event and entertainment industry managing teams. She currently hosts and produces the Fictionary Podcast and is working on her first novel. Her love of theater and writing have come together in the opportunity to be a reviewer for South Jersey Theater Critics, and she couldn’t be happier. 

(She/Her) Megan is excited to join the SJTC team and become a reviewer! She was born into a musical family in the Philadelphia area and carried on that legacy at an early age through several exciting roles in high school musical theater productions and through her time at Penn, working in a box office, acting and being a costume designer. Since college, her involvement in theater has consisted of being an audience member. She continues her love of singing by participating in choirs and frequent solo car concerts. Megan is excited to get involved in theater again in this capacity and shout out to Kristine for leading this awesome endeavor!

Sarah is a full time high school English teacher and middle school theatre director and choreographer. After her first performance at age 5 in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, she has been hooked on all things theatre. Some of her favorite productions include: Steel Magnolias (Shelby), The Producers (Ulla), and Mamma Mia (Ensemble). When she's not on the stage, she loves annoying her husband, reading classic novels, watching old films, going to yoga classes, or hanging out on the beach.

(They/Them) Ellorah Maeve is a South Jersey theatre artist. Community theatre has always held a special place in their heart. They are honored for the opportunity to be a reviewer for the South Jersey Theatre Critics! They have done work as an actor in community theaters and with the independent renaissance faire group "Swords & Stories" as a fighter. They are excited to support community theaters through their reviews as well as get more patrons to support live theater!

Devion Watson is an emerging theater critic and performer based in New Jersey. With a background in musical theater, he brings firsthand experience and a strong understanding of storytelling, performance, and stagecraft to his writing. His time on stage informs his perspective, allowing him to recognize both the technical skill and emotional depth behind each production.

As a member of the South Jersey Theatre Critics, Devion approaches criticism with thoughtfulness and honesty, aiming to highlight what makes each performance unique while respecting the work that goes into it. He is especially interested in how theater connects with audiences and creates meaningful experiences. Through his work, he hopes to contribute a fresh voice to the local theater community while continuing to grow as both a critic and performer.

(She/Her) Abigail is ecstatic to be joining the South Jersey Theatre Critics team! A lifelong resident of Mullica Hill, she graduated from Saint Joseph's University in 2025 with a double major in Musical Theatre and Art. Abigail is dedicated to engaging with theatre both as an artist and audience member. Her favorite past roles include Mary Flynn in Merrily We Roll Along, Ophelia in Hamlet, and Rizzo in Grease. Abigail has a passion for arts education, serving as a Teaching Artist in Theatre and Dance at Swedesboro Performing Arts Academy. In 2027, she will be moving to New York City to attend Circle in The Square Theatre School on Broadway. When she's not performing, you can find Abigail creating clay trinkets, filming a coffee review, or watching reality TV.

Lucinda Fisher graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BA in Acting. She is a teacher at Delaware Township School where she advises Middle School Drama Club, Elementary School Drama Club, NJ Jr. Thespians, & Dance Academy. She teaches private dance, acting, singing, and piano lessons. She teaches at Kidz Gym & Dance in Lambertville and is the Summer Theater Director at Perkiomen School. She evaluates/reviews for Rising Stars (Papermill Playhouse) & Central Jersey Marquee Awards & is the Festival Director for the NJ Jr. State Thespian Society. She directs/choreographs for local theaters and performs. Past favorite roles include Tracy (Hairspray), Rona (25th...Spelling Bee), Miss Honey (Matilda), Carrie (Carousel), Gertrude McFuzz (Seussical) & Luisa (Fantasticks). 

(She/Her) Elizabeth is a New Jersey based actress, director, writer and full-time student studying her passion at Rider University. She has been acting since 12 years old in all different sorts of short films, musicals and plays. She has performed with New Jersey and Philadelphia theatre groups such as Hammonton Towne Drama and Theatre on the Verge. Her passion for directing is just as strong, serving as an occasional Assistant Director at her alma mater Gloucester Catholic High School alongside her mother. Elizabeth is an artist that specifically looks to create and uphold stories that specifically highlight women in an authentic and genuine light. Her work is rooted in giving voices to those who often go unheard. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to write about what she loves most with South Jersey Theatre Critics, and cannot wait to continue to keep the arts alive and thriving in the area!

Piper Byrne has been passionate about theatre since she first stepped onto a dance floor at two years old. A graduate of Cabrini University, she earned both her bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in theatre and her MBA. Piper works at Graham Media Partners, a marketing agency in Wayne, PA, and spends nearly all of her free time immersed in the arts. Whether she's performing, directing, choreographing, teaching, or simply attending productions, theatre remains at the center of her life. Some of her favorite past roles include Jo March in Little Women, Cassie in A Chorus Line, the Leading Player in Pippin, and Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. In addition to her work onstage, Piper teaches dance at Chez Dance Studio in Turnersville, NJ, where she enjoys helping the next generation of performers grow in confidence and skill. Piper is thrilled to join the team and looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for theatre while
celebrating the incredible talent found throughout the South Jersey arts community.

Jacob Graves is beyond excited (and incredibly grateful) to join the South Jersey Theatre Critics as a reviewer. A singer, actor, dancer, and all-around artist, Jacob is a rising junior in the Drama Program at Gloucester County Institute of Technology. He has been actively involved in theatre for over five years and is a proud member of the International Thespian Society (Go Troupe 5480!). Jacob is also part of “Acting Out,” a performing arts group at his school dedicated to raising awareness about important social issues through performance. His experience spans stages across South Jersey, including the Levoy Theatre, the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, and the Dennis Flyer Memorial Theatre. In addition to performing, Jacob works with “My Own Magical Moments” as both a performer and staff member, bringing a little extra magic to every event he’s part of. When he’s not on stage, Jacob can usually be found baking, spinning vinyl on his record player, or making a latte and watching old reruns of Glee. Jacob plans to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre and hopes to build a career as a full-time performer.

​Robert Banskter: (They/Them) Banskter is excited to join South Jersey Theater Critics! Banskter was born and raised in Runnemede NJ, however they started their theater career in college with the JWUPlayers in Spring of 2018 where they continued until Covid 19 put a pause on everything. Upon Graduating during the Pandemic, Banskter took a brief Hiatus from theater. Then in 2024 Banskter entered their Theatrical Renaissance  in MainStage Center for the Arts production of Something Rotten! where they had the Pleasure of Playing Shylock. Banskter is relatively New to the Theater Community and is always ready and willing to give feedback and to see their local Theater Community THRIVE!

Shannon Reed (she/her)  A lover of theatre from the first time she saw a school plan in elementary school, Shannon’s passion for theatre has only grown through the years. After receiving a BA in elementary education and fine arts in music from Rider University, life took some turns away from the stage. In recent years, however, Shannon has re-entered the theatre remembering that the theatre is a place for everyone.  Shannon is thrilled to be joining the South Jersey Theatre Critics team and looks forward to getting to highlight the talent of the local theatre community on and behind the scenes in South Jersey. 

​Shirley is a theatre enthusiast who grew up in West Windsor, New Jersey and still resides in the area. She had friends who were musical performers or members of the stage crew in high school. While not an official part of the stage crew, she did help out with set and background painting because of her friends in art class. Shirley still tries to attend a musical performance at one of the West Windsor-Plainsboro high schools each spring. Her husband has been on the cast or crew of several musicals at Music Mountain Theatre since the summer of 2025. Shirley finances her theatre fix by working as a hospital pharmacist. She is also an avid volleyball player and welcomed her daughter in May 2026. Shirley is looking forward to experiencing and highlighting local community theatre as a reviewer!

​Talia is so excited to be apart of South Jersey Theater Critics! She started in theater at the age of seven and has been in many shows. More recently, she has played Katherine Plumber in Newsies the Musical Jr., Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins the Musical Jr., Shrek in Shrek the Musical Jr., Barbara Maitland in Beetlejuice Jr., Grandma Addams in The Addams Family, as well as Ensemble in the South Jersey premier of Groundhog Day the Musical. She attends Camden County Technical School in their Performing Arts Academy. When she is not on stage, you can find her seeing lots of local and Broadway shows or singing karaoke (very loudly) in her room. After high school, she plans to get her BFA or BA in Musical Theater and a minor in Sign Language to become an ASL interpreter for musicals.

CJ Higgins (they/he) is a theatre artist who was born and raised in Burlington County, NJ, and keeps Jersey in his heart at all times while currently living in Philadelphia. They have worked as a theatre critic with Philadelphia Weekly, as well as being an actor, director, musician, playwright, intimacy director, producer, props designer, and arts administrator. He is currently the Artistic Director of The Bards Theatre Troupe, which creates queer-centric DIY original musicals, and the Director of Operations and Programming at Theatre Philadelphia.

​(She/Her) Amber is thrilled to join South Jersey Theatre Critics! A Philadelphia native and current resident, her performances as an actor have spanned across both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Amber has been performing for the past twenty-five years, most recently treading the boards at Bridge Players Theatre Company and Burlington County Footlighters. When not in rehearsal, she is a store manager at Lush Cosmetics and a dog mom of six. Thank you to Kristine for the opportunity to become a reviewer! And thank YOU, dear reader, for supporting local theatre!

​Lindsey Devol is a passionate performer and creative artist who is excited about bringing her perspective and love of theatre to South Jersey Theatre Critics. She has over a decade of experience in theatre, as an actress, director, and more. She is currently pursuing her BFA in musical theater at Lancaster Bible College. Outside of performing, Lindsey is committed to exploring new creative outlets, and always seeking ways to inspire others through her art. 

Addi Geisler is an incoming Senior at Cherry Hill HS East and a young artist based in NJ & NYC. A lover of the arts, Addi can often be found either onstage or off, exploring theatre in all its aspects. In the summer, Addi attends French Woods Festival of The Performing Arts in Hancock, NY. In the upcoming years, she plans to pursue her passion of Musical Theatre in college, as well as explore other artistic ventures such as directing, stage management, design, and more.