Artistic Director
Ryan is a multi-award winning actor, producer, director and playwright. He founded Porch Light Productions in 2005 and has been dedicated to theatre education for over 15 years. He holds degrees from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and The New School University. Pifher's work has been showcased across the United States and he has appeared in Off-Broadway, television and film productions. Pifher original works have been showcased in NJ and NYC, winning numerous prestigious awards including the New York Theatre Festival. He was recently inducted into NJACT's Hall of Fame as Theatre Educator of the Year.
Managing Director
A graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in Art History, Jenn also pursued a Master's Degree in Cultural Studies from Penn State University before joining forces with Ryan Pifher as co-owner and Managing Director of Porch Light. Past professional work includes Campaign Manager for the Allied Arts Fund and Director of Marketing and Communications for the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, an 800-seat venue in Central PA, which produces dozens of annual performances, fundraising events and children’s performing arts programs. She also served as a Board Member for the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. She has remained committed to building successful connections between creative work and business strategy, focusing on the convergence of technology, art and education to create strong, vibrant arts-based institutions that serve the community.
Lead Teacher
Kirk Geritano is a professional actor and teaching artist. A NJ native, Kirk began performing on stages at the tender age of six years old, getting his start with Michael Taubenslag and Taubenslag productions. After continuing his theatrical studies at JP Stevens High School, he chose to make theater his living and obtained his BFA in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University. Since graduating college and entering the professional arena, he has been part of several National and regional touring shows for young audiences with George Street Playhouse and ArtsPower. He then established a working relationship with the National Yiddish Theater in NYC. This led to him being an original cast member in their Drama desk-winning Off-Broadway Yiddish version of Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Joel Grey, as well as many live and virtual cabarets and staged readings. As a teaching artist, Kirk has worked across NJ with children of all ages at places such as Taubenslag Theater Camp, AMARD&V, and various virtual workshops for schools. Kirk believes fiercely in the power of theater to change lives, and relishes every opportunity to bring the magic of theater into the lives of kids and adults everywhere!
Musical Director
José is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter and is extremely excited to be working with the Porch Light team. He received his BA in Music with a concentration in Jazz piano performance from Muhlenberg College. José has been involved in musical theater throughout high school and college, playing trumpet for Fair Lawn High School's 2014 production of Cabaret, music directing the FLHS Masques' production of Moliere's The Hypochondriac that same year, as well as music directing the Muhlenberg Theater Association’s 2016 Fundraiser Cabaret. In addition to working at Porch Light, José is the Arranger and Musical Director for Frank Sanchez Musicals.
Musical Director
Daniel is a New Jersey based pianist, music director, and arranger. A recent graduate of Boston University (B.M. Piano Performance, Cum Laude), he has been collaborating with singers, choirs, and performers for as long as he can remember. His favorite music directing credits include The Addams Family, Godspell, and Next to Normal, and he has played in the pit of numerous productions. He also served as the music director of the premiere community-service choir "Boston University Off Broadway,” spreading the joy of music in the greater Boston area at nursing homes, retirement homes, and other similar organizations. In addition to joining the Porch Light team in Fall 2019, he is currently the pianist for the Teaneck Community Chorus, and is part of the music ministry at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. www.danielgstocker.com