ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty) at Albright College strives to spread resources, information, and knowledge of the arts to a wider audience, specifically to people who may not have an abundance of artistic outlets with which to explore their creativity. Explore, create, learn, and grow--these are just a few words that our team firmly strives for. Especially in today's world which seems to be constantly experiencing a decrease and/or complete lack of art programs in our public education, access to various artistic mediums is vital. ASTEP at Albright College just recently built a partnership with Olivet Boys and Girls Club in Reading, PA, and we currently provide a number of workshops for several different clubs. Through our involvement with Olivet, we have been able to take a step towards our goal of spreading artistic resources to others.
what we strive for.
meet our team.
Nate Rothermel is a current undergraduate student studying Theatre at Albright College. Nate is a theatre artist: He loves to explore the world around him and collaborate with others using theatre as his artistic medium, always allowing for creative growth in the process. Nate is heavily involved with several art organizations at albright: He is Vice President of the Domino Players Theatre Company (the resident theatre company at Albright), treasurer of Less Than or Equal To ( one of Albright's Improv troupes), and an active member in Albright's choirs. Recently, Nate gained experience as a teaching artist at Yocum Institute of the Arts.Ultimately, Nate plans to pursue a career as a professional theatre artist after graduating from Albright. He strives for creative growth and expression. For more information, visit:
Nate Rothermel (President)
Currently studying English and Secondary Education at Albright, Garrett Solomon loves ASTEP because of the opportunities for artistic communication and growth. He hopes to bring this sensation with him for the rest of his life. He strives for happiness.
Garrett Solomon (VP of Community Outreach)
Lani Panico (VP of Campus Outreach)
Lani Panico is an incoming Junior at Albright College and serves as the Vice President of Campus Outreach on ASTEP's E-Board. She studies English and Communications and hopes to one day become a journalist. She is thrilled to watch ASTEP grow and to be a part of such an amazing and beneficial organization. I strive for equality among all individuals!
Rianna Salm (VP of Finance)
Rianna Salm, a current sophomore at Albright College majoring in Political Science with additional interests in Philosophy and International Relations, is from Levittown, PA. Rianna is the Vice President of Finances for Artists Striving To End Poverty, holds a seat in the Class of 2018 Senate, and is on the E-Board of the National Organization for Women. She is also involved with the Philosophy Club and the Big Adventure Domain. Rianna aspires to complete her undergraduate degree and then volunteer for the Peace Corps. After a couple years of international volunteering, Rianna would like to complete her graduate degree, successfully completing college with a doctorate in Political Science. Rianna would like to one day have a seat in the UNHRC. She will use her knowledge of policies to pull through legislation that works efficiently with the pure intent of the commonwealth.
Alexis Jenofsky (VP of Intercollegiate Outreach)
Alexis Jenofsky is a current junior at Albright College co-concentrating in Theatre and Arts Administration. Alexis has been with Albright's ASTEP chapter since 2013 when it was first developed. Since then she has been invited to participate in ASTEP's inaugural Artist as Citizen Conference at the Juilliard School, received the CURA award for outstanding contributions to Albright and its surrounding community, and was most recently selected to serve as chair for the Mid-Alantic Region of ASTEP! Alexis is filled with joy to be apart of the ASTEP team, and cannot wait to pursue her time with the organization even after college. She plans to volunteer internationally with ASTEP directly after graduation, and shortly after apply for the Peace Corps. Her ultimate goal is to bring art to new places as she strives to create new possibilities through art.
Tabby Spina(VP of Communications)
Tabby Spina is a current junior at Albright College studying Theatre. She is currently performing the role of Sister James in a Domino Players production of Doubt.
Mackenzie Tansey(VP of Public Relations)
Mackenzie Tansey is a junior at Albright College, studying History & Arts Administration. Actively involved on campus, she also serves as the VP of Fellowship for Alpha Phi Omega Co-Ed Service Fraternity: Mu Eta Chapter, and is a Co-Coordinator for Events for the Lion Diplomats. In addition to her involvement with clubs on campus, Mackenzie is also a Resident Assistant and a student worker in the Alumni Relations Office and the Freedman Gallery. She is excited to be a part of the ASTEP team this year and see how the organziation grows in the months ahead!
Jeffrey Lentz (Advisor)
Photo credit Dan Z. Johnson.
Jeffrey Lentz serves as the Artist in Residence for Albright College's Departments of Theatre and Music where he teaches courses in acting, directing, musical theatre, and dramatic literature. A graduate of Albright College, he received his Master of Music degree in Opera Performance from Yale University's School of Theatre and has subsequently graced many of the world’s finest opera houses and concert stages including: Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall (New York), the Barbican Hall (London), Theatre de La Monnaie (Brussels), Teatro Avenida (Buenos Aires), Memorial Hall (San Francisco), and both the Glyndebourne and Glimmerglass Festivals alongside such illustrious artists as Renee Fleming, Andre Previn, Lorin Maazel, and Philip Glass. He has been seen numerous times on PBS (Great Performance and Live From Lincoln Center) and received a Grammy Award nomination in 2004 for his work on Ed Thomas’, Desire Under the Elms. For the Domino Players Company, Jeffrey has directed over 35 productions (including five original plays) many of which have received critical recognition from the Kennedy Center's American College Theatre Festival -- pinnacled by his production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot that was invited to the Kennedy Center in 2007. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including: The Lucy G. Moses Fellowship (Yale University); the Kolosvar Prize (NYCOpera), the Pagoda Award for Artistic Achievement (Berks Arts Council); and both the Annadora Vesper Shirk Award for Creative Scholarship and the Lindback Award for Excellence in Teaching at Albright College.