Uptown Players Board
Brian Jansen
President
Brian is a retired Human Resources leader with over 30 years of experience in retail, real estate, and litigation support. An avid theatergoer, Brian developed a passion for live performances as a child. He has been a proud supporter of Uptown Players since its inception and looks forward to contributing to the company's continued growth and success for many years to come.
Kate Newman
Vice President
Kate is a retired CPA who actively serves the community in various leadership roles. She is the Immediate Past President of the Resource Center’s Board of Directors, Vice-Chair of Nominating and Governance for TACA’s Board of Directors, and a board member of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. A dedicated ally, Kate is committed to advancing equal rights and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
David Gifford-Robinson
Treasurer
David is a Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging consultant with professional experience at global companies such as Brinker International and Ericsson. He leverages his expertise to support nonprofits and boards in areas he is passionate about, including LGBTQI+ advocacy, mental well-being, business equity, and the arts. David vividly recalls his first Uptown Players production, Southern Baptist Sissies, and is thrilled to contribute to its mission and long-term growth.
Barbara Rosenberg
Secretary
Craig Lynch
Founder & Executive Producer
Craig has dedicated his life to the arts and entertainment industry. Raised in Duncanville, Texas, he studied at Baylor University and the University of Texas at Arlington. Craig is a co-founder of Uptown Players and serves as its Marketing Director. His rich background includes performing at Six Flags Over Texas and with the Baylor Men's Chorus at Carnegie Hall.
Jeff Rane
Founder & Executive Producer
Jeff began his acting journey in high school and later attended Southern Methodist University, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in music. After a career at American Airlines as a Manager in Revenue Management, Jeff co-founded Uptown Players with Craig Lynch in 2001. Since retiring in 2016, Jeff has devoted his full time to supporting Uptown Players.
Doug Dorey
Board Member
Doug is a retired business owner with over 40 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. A long-time Uptown neighborhood resident, Doug has been a loyal patron of Uptown Players since its early days. He is enthusiastic about supporting the next chapter of the organization's growth and success.
Janelle Gray
Board Member
Janelle is a creative writer, producer, and university educator whose work focuses on justice, equity, and authentic representation of marginalized communities. Having grown up in the Dallas theater community, she is excited to join Uptown Players in its mission to foster cultural understanding through diverse storytelling.
Nancy Rubin
Board Member
As a native New Yorker, theater runs in Nancy’s veins. Since moving to Dallas in 1998, Nancy co-founded the Uptown Players Guild and transitioned into a staff role as Box Office and Patron Services Manager. She also co-chaired the annual fundraiser Broadway Our Way. Nancy’s connection with patrons has been vital in building a dedicated audience base.
Tri McBath
Board Member
Tri is the Director of Marketing for Prism Health North Texas, a healthcare organization serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Previously, he served as the Director of Marketing for the Turtle Creek Chorale and was an active member for over ten years. Tri is passionate about amplifying inclusion and access through his work and community involvement.
Phil Perry
Board Member
Phil holds a BS in Pharmacy, an MBA in Marketing, and has completed an Acute Care Pharmacy Residency. With extensive experience in pharmacy management, healthcare contracting, and national accounts, Phil also volunteers actively in professional and civic organizations. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Oak Lawn Committee as City Liaison. A lifelong theater enthusiast, Phil has been a dedicated fan of Uptown Players since its first season.
Tomas Soto
Board Member
Tomas retired after 40 years in telecommunications and has been a dedicated volunteer with various Dallas and Oak Cliff organizations. A loyal Uptown Players season subscriber since its second season, Tomas looks forward to helping the organization achieve even greater success.