Board of Directors
Kate - President
Kate Neubert-Lechner has been involved with theatre for nearly 40 years and first worked with Footlights back in 2004 & 2005, as the choreographer for Grease and Annie Get Your Gun.
She was very happy to reconnect with Footlights as an instructor, vocal director, and choreographer over the last few years, but most importantly, as a parent to kids on the Footlights stage.
Kate believes very strongly in helping to forward Footlights mission to provide a safe, respectful, welcoming environment for all to create.
Nathan - Vice President
Born and raised in Erie, PA, Nathan J. Nitczynski currently works in the Higher Education industry supporting college students as an Academic Advisor. A performing arts lover, Nathan grew up involved in the Erie theatre community, which led him to help choreograph the Footlights summer production in 2012. For the last 15 years, Nathan has choreographed and taught dance in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Expanding access to the arts, building community, and inspiring the next generation of leaders are important to Nathan and seamlessly align with the mission and vision of Footlights.
Kat - Secretary
Kat McMahan is an actor represented by Docherty Talent Agency, whose journey with Footlights began at just 17 when she performed in Romeo and Juliet.
Kat's relationship with Footlights has grown into a lasting commitment. She later returned as a teacher, mentoring young performers, and now serves as the proud Secretary of the Board.
Kat is deeply dedicated to fostering safe, supportive performance spaces where children feel valued, empowered, and heard - ensuring their voices and ideas are always respected and considered.
Marti - Treasurer
Marti Deufel first met KC 15 years ago when they were both part of a production at Westlake Middle School. That experience started her and her daughter on a path into theatre from all aspects. Her daughter Sami stayed involved in theatre through school and at Footlights until she graduated, and later continued working with Footlights during college.
Marti has witnessed firsthand how Footlights helps young people build the strength and courage to step beyond their comfort zones.
When KC asked her to join the board, her answer was an immediate YES!
Tony - Board Member
Tony Lewandowski is a longtime Erie performer who has been active in local theater and entertainment for more than 25 years. He has served the Erie community in the lending and banking industry for 2 decades while continuing his passion for the arts.
Tony is excited to be on the Board of Directors of Footlights because he believes live theater has the power to bring people together, inspire creativity, and create lasting connections.
He is proud to support Footlights’ mission of expanding access to the arts and helping create new opportunities for local performers, audiences, and creative voices in Erie.