The Off Broadway Players are proud to introduce and welcome four new members to our Board of Directors. Each brings unique talents, experiences, and passion for community theatre.
By Jean Fiske
James Kiser — Director of Music
James Kiser joins the Board as our new Director of Music. A native of Harrisonburg and graduate of Spotswood High School, James went on to study Music Education with a concentration in voice at James Madison University’s School of Music. During his time at JMU, he participated in numerous musical ensembles and became a member of the Gamma Alpha chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a professional men’s music fraternity.
In 2008, James founded V.O.I.C.E., a volunteer nonprofit vocal ensemble offering charitable benefit concerts. He directed the group until 2022 and is proud that it continues to thrive. In 2024, he returned to community theatre to direct The Witness at Harrisonburg Baptist Church—a lifelong dream. Shortly after, OBP invited him to direct a musical. He accepted and went on to direct Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat followed by The Wizard of Oz. We’re excited to see what James has in store next!
James enjoys camping (especially at Cape Cod), hobby gardening, and spending time with his close-knit family. He extends heartfelt thanks to his parents Jim and Susan, his sister Christa, and his partner Ritchie for supporting his passion for music and theatre.
Laura Fly — Front of House Manager
Laura Fly joins OBP as our new Front of House Manager. She is an 8th-grade English teacher at J. Frank Hillyard Middle School and lives in Broadway with her husband and two children, Josh and Betsy. Her ideal day includes bad weather (no school!), delicious treats, and a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle.
Laura has participated in several productions at Harrisonburg Baptist Church, including The Witness, where she played the Narrator and memorized many lines—even falling asleep while rehearsing! After that production, a friend and OBP Board member Ron Smith encouraged her to audition for the next OBP production, and she landed the role of Suzanne in Dearly Departed. From there, she was hooked. Laura has since performed multiple roles and worked in several areas of front-of-house operations. One of her most memorable moments was playing a flying monkey during A Christmas Story—a role she dreaded at first but ended up loving.
Laura encourages others to take a chance and step on stage:
“Something magical happens once you’re out there. You grow, you learn, and you find an incredible community. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a role or make a mistake—we’ve all been there. You never know what you can achieve unless you try.”
Ian Cherry — Board Member
Ian Cherry is no stranger to The Off Broadway Players. He lives in Broadway with his wife, Heather, and their daughters Addison and Cora, all of whom participate in theatre with OBP and in local schools. He works in Information Technology—though he considers it more of a hobby than a job.
Ian began working on lighting crews in high school in Pennsylvania. Since OBP’s Dearly Departed in 2022, he has contributed to every OBP set, as well as all JFHMS productions. His skills in set construction and stage management are invaluable to the organization. Ian notes that The Play That Goes Wrong was the most challenging set he worked on, and The Wizard of Oz was the most demanding for stage crew due to constant movement on stage—often with actors aboard!
Ian and his family enjoy traveling, with Iceland being a favorite destination they hope to visit again soon.
Seth Simmers — Board Member
The Board also welcomes Seth Simmers. Seth grew up in a close-knit Christian family in Broadway and has extensive experience in school and community theatre. Before joining OBP, he acted, built sets, worked backstage, and assisted in directing productions at Blue Ridge Christian School, J. Frank Hillyard Middle School, and Broadway High School.
Seth first connected with OBP in 2015 when his former teacher, Michele Reger, invited him to stage manage Tuna Christmas. He immediately felt the warmth, respect, and community that OBP is known for. Seth calls memorization, improvisation, creativity, reliability, and encouragement among his strongest skills. He loves working with people from all walks of life.
He has been involved in more than 20 OBP productions, including Over the River and Through the Woods, The Play That Goes Wrong, and A Christmas Story—his favorites due to their chemistry, storytelling, and the joy they bring to audiences.
Seth’s advice:
“Don’t be intimidated. Whether you want to act, work backstage, usher, or help front of house, there’s a place for you here. Theatre builds confidence, creativity, and lifelong friendships. OBP truly is a family.”
The Off Broadway Players are grateful for these four talented individuals and are proud to welcome them to the Board of Directors.
