Meet Our Staff and Board of Directors
2026 Summer Theater Staff
*^Director- Dana Cheadle
* Set Design/ Stage Manager- Renee Mizger
*Props Master/ Assistant Stage Manager: Nikki Harrison
*^ Choreographer- Dana Teague
*Music Director SWLT Players- Paul Sommers
Music Director Rising Stars- Patrick Walton
Customer/Social Media/Playbill: Heidi Becht
Assistant Stage Manager: Christopher Gasparon
Production Assistant: Dylan Ford
Rehearsal Assistant:
Ginny Messick
Madelyn Benjaminson
Cammie Tatam
Avery Forst
Sophie Verdinelli
Leah Blatt
Brennen Brown
Camp Rock
Instructor: Jimmy Cheadle
Assistant: Ginny Messick
Assistant: Abby Wojciechowski
*Certified Education Professional
^ CPR and First Aid Certified
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Lighting Effects/Sound- Jim Oldt - Sound n' Company
Videography- Artistic Hands Productions
Thank you to Swedesboro-Woolwich School District for their continued support of our program.
Our Creative Team
Dana Petrini-Cheadle (SWLT Founder/ Artistic Director/Director) is the Founder and Artistic Director of Swedesboro-Woolwich Little Theater (SWLT). She graduated from Rowan University with dual bachelor's degrees in Early Childhood Education/Special Education and American Studies, along with a minor in Child Drama. She also earned a Master's degree in Education with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Dana's love of theater began in first grade when she made her stage debut as the "Mother in the Shoe." From that moment on, theater became a lifelong passion—one that helped shape her confidence, creativity, and love for working with children.
Since 2008, Dana has proudly served as a special education teacher in the Swedesboro-Woolwich School District. With the encouragement and support of former principal Jim Marchesani, she founded the Stratton School 2nd Grade Drama Club in 2009. The following year, the district helped bring another dream to life by supporting the launch of a summer theater program. Thanks to overwhelming community enthusiasm, that program continued to grow and, in 2012, officially became the nonprofit organization now known as Swedesboro-Woolwich Little Theater.
Today, SWLT has become much more than a theater program—it is a place where young performers build confidence, develop lifelong friendships, discover their talents, and experience the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves. Watching thousands of children step onto the stage for the very first time has been one of Dana's greatest blessings.
Dana is forever grateful for the unwavering support of her family, friends, volunteers, and the incredible SWLT staff, whose dedication and passion have helped make this dream a reality. She especially treasures the love and encouragement of her husband, Jim, whose constant support has been by her side every step of the way. She also carries with her the memory of her parents, knowing they are watching from Heaven with pride as SWLT continues to grow and inspire future generations.
One of Dana's greatest joys has been watching SWLT become a family tradition. Her oldest son, Robbie, made his stage debut during SWLT's 10th Summer Season as the Baby Elephant Bird in Seussical Jr., and she looks forward to the day her youngest son, Benny, joins him under the stage lights....sooner than later!
Dana believes that every child deserves the opportunity to shine, and she is honored to help create a place where children of all abilities can discover their confidence through the performing arts.
"Hey... let's do a show!"
Dana's love of theater began in first grade when she made her stage debut as the "Mother in the Shoe." From that moment on, theater became a lifelong passion—one that helped shape her confidence, creativity, and love for working with children.
Since 2008, Dana has proudly served as a special education teacher in the Swedesboro-Woolwich School District. With the encouragement and support of former principal Jim Marchesani, she founded the Stratton School 2nd Grade Drama Club in 2009. The following year, the district helped bring another dream to life by supporting the launch of a summer theater program. Thanks to overwhelming community enthusiasm, that program continued to grow and, in 2012, officially became the nonprofit organization now known as Swedesboro-Woolwich Little Theater.
Today, SWLT has become much more than a theater program—it is a place where young performers build confidence, develop lifelong friendships, discover their talents, and experience the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves. Watching thousands of children step onto the stage for the very first time has been one of Dana's greatest blessings.
Dana is forever grateful for the unwavering support of her family, friends, volunteers, and the incredible SWLT staff, whose dedication and passion have helped make this dream a reality. She especially treasures the love and encouragement of her husband, Jim, whose constant support has been by her side every step of the way. She also carries with her the memory of her parents, knowing they are watching from Heaven with pride as SWLT continues to grow and inspire future generations.
One of Dana's greatest joys has been watching SWLT become a family tradition. Her oldest son, Robbie, made his stage debut during SWLT's 10th Summer Season as the Baby Elephant Bird in Seussical Jr., and she looks forward to the day her youngest son, Benny, joins him under the stage lights....sooner than later!
Dana believes that every child deserves the opportunity to shine, and she is honored to help create a place where children of all abilities can discover their confidence through the performing arts.
"Hey... let's do a show!"
Renee Mizger (set design/stage manager) graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a BA in Music Education and a focus on vocal studies. In the past, Renee has appeared in productions such as “Saturday Night”, “Gallantry”, “Jesus Christ, Superstar!” and even SWLT's dinner theater production of "Clue:The Musical!" While in Pennsylvania, she was an instructor of dance, music, and theater at Experimental Movement Concepts as well as piloting and instructing the studio’s Glee Club program. Renee is the choir director at Salem High School and she was awarded 2017 Teacher of the Year! Renee has been working with SWLT since 2013. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a great organization!
Dr. Dana Teague (SWLT Players Choreography) a 2001 alumni of Glassboro High School and Thespian Society Troupe 1418 member, went to Rowan University where she received a degree in both Elementary Education with a coordinate in Music and a degree in Special Education. She has her Masters of Arts in Reading and Administration, and has recently earned her Doctorate in Education. During her time at Rowan, she was part of the Rowan University Dance Team and Dance Company, and dance and theater continue to be a huge part of her life. Currently, she is a Full Time Instructor at Rowan College of South Jersey, the Instructional Facilitator for the Swedesboro-Woolwich School District, and an adjunct professor at Rowan University. She currently teaches at Noelle's Dance Academy in Mantua and is head choreographer for Swedesboro Woolwich Little Theater. Dana has choreographed over thirty shows over the years, but some of her favorite choreography credits include The Wedding Singer, Legally Blonde, Shrek, Footloose, and Beauty and the Beast. She has been married since 2007 and has two boys, Anthony and Jeremy, who also have the same passion for the arts.
Ryann Ferrara (SWLT Stars Choreographer) is currently a senior at Coastal Carolina University, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Science with minors in Marketing and Public Health. She has been dancing since she was two years old and spent 19 years as a competitive dancer, training in a variety of styles. In addition to dance, Ryann has been involved in musical theater since the age of six, developing a lifelong passion for performing both on stage and in the studio. At Coastal Carolina, Ryann is a proud member of the Coastal Carolina Dance Team, where she continues to grow as both a performer and leader. Alongside her collegiate dance experience, she is passionate about sharing her love of dance with the next generation by teaching and inspiring young dancers. Ryann is thrilled to be joining the Swedesboro Woolwich Little Theatre creative team as a choreographer for the first time this season. She is excited to combine her performance background, creativity, and enthusiasm to help bring the production to life and looks forward to many more opportunities with SWLT in the future.
Nikki Harrison (Props Manager) is going into her 4th year as an elementary school art teacher in Vineland. She graduated from Rowan University with her BA in Art Education & Fine Arts in 2023. While she was in high school, she starred in 6 shows, including her debut show "A Christmas Carol" and her senior performance in "Mary Poppins". Nikki was the head of props for all 6 of the shows she was in. Nikki has a true passion for the arts and she is a visual artist who loves to paint, draw, and be creative. Nikki’s first show with SWLT was Seussical, she’s so excited for the opportunity to work with SWLT for her 5th summer and is grateful to collaborate with such an amazing group of fellow artists and theater-lovers!
Patrick Walton (Music Director- Rising Stars) is so excited to be back for his 4th Summer with SWLT! A lifelong performer, Patrick loves any chance to ditch his 9-5 and return to stage. Addams Family holds a special place in Mr Patrick’s heart thanks to his experience as Uncle Fester in a recent community theater production.
Paul Sommers (Music Director - Beetlejuice, Jr.) is thrilled to return to SWLT after a seven-year hiatus! Mr. Sommers originally joined SWLT in 2012 with his long-time friend and high school classmate, the amazing Mrs. Dana PeCheadle. Mr. Sommers is the Director of Gateway Regional High School’s spring musical along with the Director of Haddonfield United Methodist Church’s “Drama Ministry” program. Much love to his wife, Lindsay, and his children Wyatt (Gomez in Addams Family Kids) and Cayden (Ancestor #1 in Addams Family Kids).
Heidi Becht (Costume Assistant) fell in love with theater when she went to see Winnie the Pooh by Oakwood Summer Theater at age 4. By middle school, she enjoyed being part of the summer program in the ensemble for "It Happen in Hamlin”, “Pinocchio, and “Snow White”. She was also an active member of Walnut Street Theater while attending Salem High School. Heidi graduated from The College of New Jersey with a B.A. in Marketing. While she has spent most of her career in retail marketing, recently she has focused her efforts to support local nonprofits organizations that are devoted to improving the lives of families in South Jersey. She has enjoyed practicing yoga for over 10 years and has gained her 200 RYT certification this summer. She's grateful for the opportunity to be involved with the SWLT program to help ignite passion for the arts among the young campers.
Christopher Gasparon (Assistant Stage Manager) Chris found his love for theater when he was a member of SWLT in elementary school! He graduated from Kingsway Regional High School in 2023. He did stage crew for Addams Family my freshman year and Wedding Singer my junior year of high school. During my senior year he became the stage manager for Big Fish. After the production of Big Fish, he loved working behind the scenes even more. In addition to my love for music, he loves the 5 major sports teams in Philadelphia which include the eagles, 76ers, Phillies, Union, and Flyers. He is currently a junior at Mount St. Mary's in Emmitsburg Maryland with a major in sports management and a minor in business. I am a part of their pep band that travels with the basketball team.
Madelyn Benjaminson (Rehearsal Assistant) is excited to return to SWLT this summer for her second year as a Rehearsal Assistant after spending five amazing years as a participant! This fall, Madelyn will begin her freshman year at New York University (NYU) to study acting in the Stella Adler Studio of Drama. Her theater journey began in 2nd grade as Tina Time in the school's musical directed by Mrs. Cheadle, and she’s been in love with performing ever since! Some of her favorite roles include Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, Katherine Plumber in Newsies, Cinderella in Into the Woods, and Elsa Schrader in The Sound of Music. She’s thrilled to be back at SWLT to help create the same magical experience that first inspired her years ago!
Ginny Messick (Rehearsal Assistant) is a sophomore Biology major at Rowan University. Ginny has been involved in the arts in all of her years at Woodstown Middle School and Woodstown High School. Some of Ginny’s past roles include Jo Spoonaple in Dear Edwina, Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables, Meg Brockie in Brigadoon, and Rusty in Footloose. In her senior year of high school, Ginny was the co-director of Woodstown High School’s 2024 fall play production of The Wizard of Oz and the alto section leader in Concert Choir and Chamber Choir. This is Ginny’s second year working with SWLT and is excited to be continuing working with such an amazing team!
Cammie Tatam (Rehearsal Assistant) This is Cammie's first year as a rehearsal assistant for Swedesboro-Woolwich Little Theater! She is a senior at Woodstown High School, and has been doing theater there since the 8th grade! Former roles include Urleen in Footloose, The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, along with a couple of other roles! She is also currently in the ensemble for Grease at Oakwood Theater! She hopes to become a teacher after high school, and is so glad to be here helping out this year!
Avery is so excited to be joining the SWLT team this year as a rehearsal assistant! She is a rising Senior at Kingsway. This is her first year on staff, but she did her very first show here as a camper when she was 8! She's recently been in her school's productions of Anastasia and Harry Potter, as well as some community theater productions. Avery is also involved in choir and runs her school's acapella group. Outside of performing, she loves baking and reading, and she hopes to pursue law in college. Avery is so excited to meet everyone and have a great summer!
Sophie (rehearsal assistant) is thrilled to get to work with SWLT this summer! Sophie is returning to SWLT after playing a Bird Girl in Suessical the Musical in 2022, and has absolutely loved getting the chance to come back as an assistant to work with the cast of The Addams Family! She is a rising senior at Kingsway Regional High School and is a part of the choir and musical program. Her recent roles include Marci in Almost Maine, Eric in Matilda, Helga in Cabaret, and is currently playing Lisa in Mamma Mia for WDCSP. Outside of theater, she loves painting, baking, and playing guitar. Sophie is looking forward to watching the kids show off the weeks of hard work they've put into these shows, and is so incredibly proud of every single one of them!
Leah (rehearsal assistant) is thrilled to get to be a rehearsal assistant at SWLT this summer. Having grown up doing theater camps each year, it’s an absolute dream for her to work with kids getting into theater for the first time. Leah is returning to SWLT after being in Disney’s Descendants last summer as a camper. She is a rising senior at Kingsway Regional High School and is a part of the choir and musical program there. Some high school drama performances include Bye Bye Birdie, Matilda, and Anastasia. Leah is looking forward to many more summers of theater with SWLT.
Brennen Brown (Rehearsal Assistant) is elated to be a rehearsal assistant with SWLT this summer. Brennen started his theater career at SWLT in 2021 during The Wizard of Oz. This sparked his love for performing and he has gone on to be in his highschool productions as Bruce in Matilda and Vlad in Anastasia, as well as performing in various professional shows such as Michael in Billy Elliot and Flounder in the Little Mermaid at the Broadway Theater of Pitman. He also still loves theater and is currently playing Fletcher in The Bodyguard at the Broadway Theater of Pitman, so it only feels fitting to come back to the place that started it all! He is a rising senior at Kingsway Regional Highschool and is a part of the choir program. He has had so much fun helping with the kids this summer and is more than proud of all their hard work to put these shows together!
Jimmy Cheadle (Camp Rock) a professional musician whose primary instruments are guitar and bass, but he can also play and teach a variety of other instruments. He has been teaching students of all ages and skill levels at Swedesboro Music Studio for over 30 years.
When he’s not playing music, Jim works as a paraprofessional to special needs students at Gateway Regional High School. His is creative, patient, and passionate about helping learners of all ages and abilities build confidence, develop skills, and discover the joy of making music.
When he’s not playing music, Jim works as a paraprofessional to special needs students at Gateway Regional High School. His is creative, patient, and passionate about helping learners of all ages and abilities build confidence, develop skills, and discover the joy of making music.
Our Board of Directors
Artistic Director/Founder- Dana Cheadle
President- Patti Martin
Vice President- Lisa Campbell
Treasurer- Ed Martin
Secretary- Colleen Sabo
President- Patti Martin
Vice President- Lisa Campbell
Treasurer- Ed Martin
Secretary- Colleen Sabo
Patti Martin (Board President) has been delighted to watch Swedesboro Woolwich Little Theater become a success within her community. Patti an elementary school educator, received her BA in Elementary Education from Glassboro State College, and has a MA in Elementary Education from Walden University. Patti and Ed’s daughter expressed an early passion for musical theater when she was part of Miss Petrini’s second grade drama program. Since then, the Martins have been eager to support Swedesboro Woolwich Little Theater as an organization that gives students the opportunity to continue to develop their interest in all facets of theater.
Lisa
Campbell (Board Vice-President) graduated from Rowan University with a BA in
Special Education, Elementary Education, and Language Arts. Lisa has been an
English Language Arts teacher for over 10 years. She has over 20 years of
experience in working with individuals with disabilities. She is the Yearbook
Advisor/ Editor in Chief, PRIDE chairperson (establishes a Positive
Relationship between School and Community). Lisa has organized and recruited
volunteers for ice cream socials, book fairs, literacy nights, and welcome back
to school events. Lisa is the proud mother of Corrie who has been part of the
program since its inception.
Ed Martin (Board Treasurer) has loved being a part of Swedesboro Woolwich Little Theater since it’s beginning. Mr. Martin, an engineer with PSEG, earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Polytechnic University and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University. Ed grew up on Long Island, New York where his family had a great deal of involvement in the performing arts. As a resident of Woolwich Township, Ed wanted to help establish a forum where his daughter and friends could have the opportunity to grow and perform in theater.
Colleen Sabo (Secretary) is honored to be part of the Swedesboro Woolwich Little Theater team. Currently a Marketing Communications Manager for Advance Publications, Colleen has more than 15 years’ experience in Communications and Event Planning, and earned her BS in Marketing from the University of Delaware. Colleen and Tony’s daughter thankfully did not inherit her stage fright and has a tremendous passion for theater and music. A 10-year resident of Swedesboro Woolwich, Colleen is thrilled to contribute to the great opportunity that SWLT offers young people in our community with an interest in the performing arts.
Positions on the SWLT executive board are a non-paid, volunteer position. Board members are dedicated to making SWLT a successful theater program for our community.
If you would like to be part of the SWLT board, please visit the employment & volunteers page for information.
If you would like to be part of the SWLT board, please visit the employment & volunteers page for information.
Committees
Registration/Tickets- is responsible for creating the registration forms and collecting forms and payments at SWLT registrations. They will organize the information and input the information into a program, such as excel, on the computer. A member of the committee will make sure all of the monetary collections are given to the treasurer the same day as registration. They will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Fundraising- will be responsible for organizing several fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for SWLT. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Advertising- is responsible for advertising SWLT’s performances and programs to the public, They will design and create/purchase items such as brochures, newspaper articles, posters, lawn signs. The committee will contact newspapers/news stations prior to performances in attempt to set up an interview. They will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Technology- will keep the website updated; create graphic designs and logos for the organization, research equipment the board is looking to purchase to find the best quality and price. They will keep the organization up to date with new technological advances that could benefit the program. If needed, they will assist during performances by setting up and running sound/electronic equipment. They will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Ad Book/Program- will solicit local businesses and families’ of SWLT members for advertisements in the program. The committee will decide on a good price for each ad size, create forms to give to local businesses and families’ of SWLT members. They will create the ad book/program for each show. The committee will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Costumes- Within budget they will organize, design, create, sew, pick-up, purchase/rent all costumes necessary for SWLT productions. They will work with the Artistic Director to design costumes for each production. They will keep electronic records of the costume information indicated on the audition forms. They will attend dress rehearsals and assist cast members in trying on costumes. At least two (2) committee members will attend 100% of a performance in order to mend any costumes and answer questions. Following each performance, they will see that all costumes are hung up/folded neatly. Following the final performance, they will clean, store (return if borrowed/rented) all costumes to the correct places. The committee will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Set Design/Construction- they will design, build, purchase, and borrow the set pieces needed for each SWLT production. They will work with the Artistic Director to design the set for each SWLT production. . At least two (2) committee members will attend 100% of a performance as stage crew. Following the final performance, they will clean, store (return if borrowed) all set pieces in the correct places. The committee will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Fundraising- will be responsible for organizing several fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for SWLT. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Advertising- is responsible for advertising SWLT’s performances and programs to the public, They will design and create/purchase items such as brochures, newspaper articles, posters, lawn signs. The committee will contact newspapers/news stations prior to performances in attempt to set up an interview. They will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Technology- will keep the website updated; create graphic designs and logos for the organization, research equipment the board is looking to purchase to find the best quality and price. They will keep the organization up to date with new technological advances that could benefit the program. If needed, they will assist during performances by setting up and running sound/electronic equipment. They will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Ad Book/Program- will solicit local businesses and families’ of SWLT members for advertisements in the program. The committee will decide on a good price for each ad size, create forms to give to local businesses and families’ of SWLT members. They will create the ad book/program for each show. The committee will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Costumes- Within budget they will organize, design, create, sew, pick-up, purchase/rent all costumes necessary for SWLT productions. They will work with the Artistic Director to design costumes for each production. They will keep electronic records of the costume information indicated on the audition forms. They will attend dress rehearsals and assist cast members in trying on costumes. At least two (2) committee members will attend 100% of a performance in order to mend any costumes and answer questions. Following each performance, they will see that all costumes are hung up/folded neatly. Following the final performance, they will clean, store (return if borrowed/rented) all costumes to the correct places. The committee will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.
Set Design/Construction- they will design, build, purchase, and borrow the set pieces needed for each SWLT production. They will work with the Artistic Director to design the set for each SWLT production. . At least two (2) committee members will attend 100% of a performance as stage crew. Following the final performance, they will clean, store (return if borrowed) all set pieces in the correct places. The committee will also complete any other tasks the board deems necessary. At meetings, a committee member will present ideas created by the committee members to the officers for approval.