Meet the Staff
Lauren Kennedy Brady (she/her)
Executive Director
At Theatre Raleigh, Lauren has directed such shows as DRIFT, TRUE WEST, VANITIES, THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, THE WOLF and more!
As an actress Lauren appeared on Broadway in SPAMALOT (Lady of the Lake), LES MISERABLES (Fantine), SIDESHOW (Daisy Hilton, original cast), SUNSET BLVD. (original cast). Off-Broadway: VANITIES (Mary/Second Stage), GOOD OL’ GIRLS. National Tour and London: SOUTH PACIFIC (Nellie Forbush), SUNSET BLVD. (Betty Schaefer).
Favorite Original Work: THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Cathy), THE RHYTHM CLUB (Petra/Helen Hayes Award nom. for Best Lead Actress), WHITE CHRISTMAS (Judy Haines), and ZELDA (Barrymore Nomination for Best Actress/Flat Rock Playhouse/LENAPE). Recordings: VANITIES, SOUTH PACIFIC (Original London Cast), SUNSET BLVD, GOOD NEWS (with The London Symphony), THE PAUL SIMON ALBUM (Varese Sarabande).
Ms. Kennedy’s solo recordings are available on the PS Classics. Visit laurenkennedy.com
Ashley Allen (she/her)
Company Manager / Box Office Coordinator
After almost 30 years living abroad, Ashley is happy to be back in Raleigh close to family and dear friends. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill she spent 22 years in Paris working for an international organization and five years raising her two children in Stockholm, Sweden. With a passion for music and theater, Ashley grew up surrounded by thespians and has always remained close to the theater world. She is very proud to be a part of the Theatre Raleigh family and the magic it continues to bring to the Triangle.
Chris Bernier (he/him)
Production Manager / Technical Director
Chris is always excited to be working with Theatre Raleigh. Previously, Chris was the full time Technical Director for the Kennedy Family Theater at Barton College. At Barton Chris designed the scenery and lighting for the world premieres of Drift and Afric’s Muse as well as designing Macbeth, Drood, Waiting for Godot and No Exit. Chris received his BFA and MFA in design from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University where he was a 4-year Trustee Scholar. Thanks to his wife Delaina and children Susannah and Wesley for their love and support.
Allison Dellinger Hopfer (she/her)
Rentals Manager
Allison Dellinger Hopfer has been part of the Theatre Raleigh family since interning in 2014, and now joins as the Rental Manager, as well as serving as a Stage Manager for some of their productions. Graduating from Barton College with a BA in Theatre, then completing her masters degree at Virginia Tech in Theatre in Stage Management, she is thrilled to be back home in Raleigh. Her husband and daughter give her endless love and support!
Megan Clark (she/her)
Front of House Manager / Marketing Manager
Megan is a graduate from William Peace University with her degree in Arts Administration. She originally started working with Theatre Raleigh in 2021 as an administration intern, and is thrilled to now be with the team full time. When not working, Megan loves attending concerts, traveling with her partner, hiking with her dog, and searching for the best iced vanilla latte in the Triangle.
Kristin Sears (she/her)
Bookkeeper / Office Manager
Kristin is a North Carolina native who recently moved back to Raleigh after working in Television Production in New York and Los Angeles. She grew up dancing and singing throughout the Triangle area where she also performed with the North Carolina Theatre, Theatre in the Park, then went on to attend East Carolina University where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre. She is thrilled to be back home and a part of the Theatre Raleigh family!
Parker Gagnier (he/him)
Technical Associate
Parker is an NC State graduate and a Raleigh local for the last 7 years. Having worked backstage at theaters in both NC and Ohio, he is excited to call Theatre Raleigh his home. When not in the office, you can find him working on music and poetry.