After being closed for almost four years, Bill Hanney finalized the purchase of Theatre By The Sea on June 26, 2007. A producing partnership was quickly established by Mr. Hanney with theatre veterans Amiee Turner and Joel Kipper in the hopes of putting up a show just 6 weeks later! Stephen Sondheim’s nine-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was chosen for this 2007 sneak preview summer event because it is not only one of America’s greatest and best loved musical comedies but a true celebration of theatre.

Mr. Hanney has independently produced theatrical and musical events and operates movie complexes in four New England states. Having seen numerous productions over the years, Theatre By The Sea has always held a special place in Mr. Hanney’s heart, and he remains committed to continuing the legacy of professional summer theater in Matunuck, which began in 1933.

Ms. Turner, a veteran of the Broadway stage, comes to Rhode Island from her work with a professional theatre in south Florida. Turner has a background in film, television and both commercial and non-profit theatre. As Producing Artistic Director for Theatre By The Sea she combines her eclectic variety of skills in producing, directing, choreography, development and business management.

Mr. Kipper is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Southwest Missouri State. Kipper, the Managing Producer for Theatre By The Sea, is a well-traveled actor who's performed in professional regional theatres across the country and around the world. In addition to his extensive performance experience, Kipper also has a strong background in technical theatre.

On the National register of historic places, Theatre by the Sea has once again been gloriously brought back to life. With an eye to the past and a vision for the future, the Producers will continue to meld traditional classic theatre with the newest award winning favorites.

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2008 Ocean State Theatre Company Staff
Producer: Bill Hanney
Producing Artistic Director: Amiee Turner
Managing Producer: Joel Kipper
Business Manager: Tom Senter
Director of Marketing and Public Relations: Karen Gail Kessler
Development Associate: Karen Woodbine
Production Manager: Ryan McGinty

Technical Director: Rob Hartz; Properties Mistress: Barbara Lassiter; Scenic Artist: Tricia Green
Costume Shop Manager: Amanda Downing Carney; Master Electrician: Michael Pohl; Wardrobe Supervisor: Polly Bilski
Box Office Manager: Ayla Ocasio; House Manager: Robert Barossi; Music Contractor: Michael Sartini 

Company Managers: Todd Eskin & Jason Parrish; Master Carpenter: Michael Sabourin; Carpenter: Anthony Sublett
Cutter/Draper: Deirdre McCabe; Stitcher: Lydia Frantz; Stitcher/Wig Mistress: Jessie Darrell   
Sound Technician: Daniel Fisher; Assistant Stage Manager: Jennifer Hartman    
Properties/Technical Assistant: Harold Ashton; Assistant Company Manager: Kim Morgan and Vincent Lupino

Volunteer Coordinator: Ottis M. Winslow; Landscaping: Richard Rocco
Director of Operations; Live Theatre: Keith Ash; Maintenance: Nate Bamford and Brewster Cole
2008 Intern Staff: Colleen Arnold, Jonathan Cooper, Caroline Cuseo, Asha Brownie-Gordon; Kimberly Kalunian,
        Kevin Martin, Sylvie Re, Kevin Sagamang, Kevin Schaefer, Chelsea Diggs-Smith, Jessica A. Wockenfuss

Box Office Associates: Vincent Lupino, Jennifer Asselin, Sheila Fowler, Lauren Ustaszewski