about us
Our mission
Black Dog Theatre is a new nonprofit organization with the mission to create a safe space for igniting difficult conversations that spark growth in audiences, creators, and artists. We challenge biases by illuminating the narratives and talents often hidden in the shadows. We bring important and mentally stimulating topics to the forefront and foster a community where diverse perspectives are explored through the transformative power of theater. Our commitment is to create thought-provoking productions that encourage critical dialogue and deepen understanding, making the arts accessible, engaging, and relevant to all.
our vision
We are inspired by the stories of black dogs in shelters, who, despite being just as loving and deserving, are often overlooked and left behind due to misconceptions and biases. Much like these animals, many voices and stories in our society go unnoticed, unheard, and unappreciated. Our mission is to challenge these biases by bringing to light the narratives and talents that are often hidden in the shadows. Through our performances, we strive to create a platform where every story, no matter how marginalized, is given the chance to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Meet The Board
Haley unger
president
Haley is honored to be a founding member and current president of Black Dog Theatre as it’s always been their dream to start a community theatre from the ground up. Haley began participating in local community theatre on Long Island in the 9th grade, and has become even more involved since moving to Massachusetts in 2021. Some favorite roles include Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Celisse in Godspell, and Jack in Into the Woods. Haley has a Professional Certificate in Arts Management from UMass Amherst along with 18 years of acting experience, 9 years of directing experience, and a fierce passion for the performing arts. Their love for theatre lies not only in connecting with the artists that surround them, but being able to connect with the community through the stories we tell onstage.
kevin lundy
vice president
Kevin is proud to be a founding member and current Vice President of Black Dog Theatre. Kevin began acting and singing in Church plays at a young age and began involvement in a local community theater during his sophomore year of high school, engaging in all aspects of theatrical productions. Some of his favorite on-stage roles include William Barfee in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, John Utterson in Jekyll and Hyde, and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Kevin has a passionate commitment to the performing arts. His love for theater goes beyond the stage—it's about connecting with fellow artists and engaging the community through powerful storytelling and entertainment.
todd coolidge
artistic director
As a founding member and Artistic Director at Black Dog Theatre, Todd brings nearly 40 years of experience in acting and directing. Trained at NYU, Todd has received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Iago in Othello and Milo Tindale in Sleuth. He also appeared in a guest starring role in the tv series, Lost. Todd has directed several well-received productions, the most recent being The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Todd is committed to creating inclusive and thought-provoking productions that challenge and engage audiences. Outside of the theatre, Todd enjoys traveling with his wife and their own black dogs.
dusty behner
managing director
Dusty holds degrees in Theatre and Dance and Nursing from the University of Hawai'i and Virginia Commonwealth University. She was a professional actor for 'Ohi'a Productions, Honolulu Theater for Youth, The International Committee of Artists for Peace, The Murder Mystery Players, Walt Disney World, and is a current member of SAG-AFTRA. Dusty was the resident costume designer at Manoa Valley Theatre, winning awards for costume design, and a past board member at Kumu Kahua Theater. Favorite roles include Janet Hawkins in Boeing, Boeing, Catherine (Po’okela Award) in Boston Marriage, Rebecca Steinberg in It Shoulda Been You, Jovie (Po’okela Award) in Elf, The Musical, and as wife to Todd Coolidge.
joe donofrio
treasurer
Joe Donofrio is Treasurer of Black Dog Theatre, bringing a wealth of financial expertise to the board. With a background in multiple supervisory roles, he has successfully managed budgets and financial strategies in his professional career, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. While Joe is relatively new to the world of theatre, his love for the arts has grown through countless performances attended over the years, and is now driven to be a part of the arts community. He is dedicated to supporting Black Dog Theatre in its mission to create engaging and accessible theatre for the community. Joe is excited to contribute his skills to enhance the financial health of Black Dog Theatre and to help foster a vibrant arts scene in our community.
kaitlin smith
secretary
Kaitlin has been on a stage since she was 3 years old, whether she was dancing, playing trombone, or being a part of a theatrical production on and off the stage. She has developed a deep passion for theater and music throughout her life which is why it is so exciting to be a part of BDT. Some of her favorite roles include, Rosie from Bye Bye, Birdie (NHTA Best Actress Nominee 2018), Audrey in As You Like It, Frieda in Sunday in the Park with George, and Lucinda in Into the Woods. Art is inextricably linked to the soul and she hopes that BDT can provide it to a beautiful community.
jen cardarelli
director of public relations
Jen brings a lifelong passion for community theatre, which began on stage at the age of seven. She’s excited to take on the role of Director of PR, a position she loved and held for three years on her college theatre board at Saint Anselm College. Some of Jen’s favorite stage roles include Letitia Blacklock in A Murder is Announced, Lisa in Mamma Mia, and Annie/June/Liz in various productions of Chicago. She is excited to collaborate with so many passionate and talented individuals to bring Black Dog Theatre to life. Jen believes theatre plays a vital role in sharing meaningful messages and perspectives while offering a creative outlet for self-expression. Outside of theatre, she works as an RN and enjoys spending her free time with her boyfriend and their black dog, Callie.
alex surro
communication officer
Alex Surro is thrilled to join Black Dog Theatre as the company’s Communication Officer. With over a decade of experience in theater both on and off stage, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the team. His recent roles include working as a stage manager in musicals such as Beauty & the Beast and The Drowsy Chaperone. He will always strive to support the cast and crew through every step of the production’s journey. Eager to deepen his understanding of the performing arts, Alex is excited to be a part of the Black Dog Theatre board, where he looks forward to creating new connections and embracing new opportunities. Alex spends his day teaching students in an elementary school’s special education department, where he is passionate about encouraging young minds to take pride in their individuality.
olivia Minchello
bOARD MEMBER
Olivia is ecstatic to be joining the executive board of Black Dog Theatre as a member at large. Olivia has been performing since before she could talk, and is passionate about inspiring others through creating and providing opportunities that are accessible for others to do the same. Most recently, Olivia can be seen behind the podium at Beverly High School as their Choir Director and Spring Musical Co-Director and Music Director. Some of Olivia’s favorite roles include Cosette (Les Miserables), Josephine (HMS Pinafore), and Mrs. Anderssen (A Little Night Music). Olivia has earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Studies - Voice and Masters of Music in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she not only performed in the Chamber Singers and Opera Workshop, but also acted as the Assistant Conductor of the University Choir, under Dr. Jonathan Richter (‘21-22). When not performing or teaching, you can find Olivia hanging out with her fiance and pets while crafting whatever project she is on now!
nate abell
bOARD MEMBER
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Nate couldn’t be more ready to bring his energy and enthusiasm to Black Dog Theatre. Nate has been onstage for almost 15 years and is excited to be able to use that experience to help build something new. Most notably, Nate has starred onstage as Clifford Bradshaw in Cabaret and Franz in Sunday in the Park with George. When he isn’t onstage, Nate works as a middle school teacher, and furthers his artistic pursuits as director for his schools’ drama club, most recently putting up The Little Mermaid. Before that, Nate earned his BFA in Performing Arts: Theatre, and a Masters in Education. When not working on his numerous theatre endeavors, Nate enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons and reading fantasy novels.
tomi nicholson
bOARD MEMBER
From costumes and set design, to stage crew and acting, Tomiko has been heavily involved in theater for her whole life. Her love for performance was reignited when she recently returned to the stage as Christmas Eve in a production of Avenue Q in Fall 2023. Since then she has portrayed Marcy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Ella in Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Tomiko strongly believes in the power of finding community through shared artistic expression. She aims to encourage in others the passion and love that theater has always sparked in her.
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