Sherry J. Ingbritsen, President:
Sherry’s love for theater began at a very early age when she was able to participate in church
Christmas Pageants and school plays. She carried that love forward where she was involved in
high school theater productions. She was hooked when she was given the role of Cassandra in
a HS production of “Trojan Women”, which later was sent to PBS and then placed in a national
contest. After a long break of raising her family, she became involved with theater again. For the
last 11 years, Sherry has been consistently involved with different theater productions. She has
been seen in roles such as Ouiser in “Steel Magnolias”, Chick in “Crimes of the Heart”, Veta
Simmons in “Harvey” and Martha Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace”. (Yes a definite pattern of
psycho roles). Sherry has also enjoyed directing several shows, such as “Ten Little Indians”,
“Seven Year Itch”, “Mousetrap, “Deathtrap”, “Perfect Crime” and “Father of the Bride”. Sherry is a
founding member of the New Dawn Theater Company and currently serves as its President.
When Sherry is not doing theater she enjoys spending time with her loving husband Paul of 23
years, and 3 beautiful children: Ronnie, age 29, Jacob age 22 (currently serving in Iraq), and
Amanda, age 21, (a very busy new mom), and her first grandchild Colton, now 2 year old. She
wishes to thank them all for all the years of love and support during show times, and everyday
life. She hopes you will continue to support the theater and will come and enjoy our many
planned future productions.
Nichole White, Treasurer:
Like an old friend who welcomed you back after a long absence as if only a moment had
passed, so too was Nichole’s return to the invigorating embrace of the theater. Early in life,
this rather demure girl form Louisville, KY discovered an outlet for her rampant imagination in
the undulating shadows and spotlights of the stage where impossibilities found life or at least
a willing voice. Over the years Nichole has delighted in contributing to a variety of companies
and productions with roles in everything from ballets and musicals, to Shakespeare in the
park, as well as traditional dramas and comedies in KY, OH, and GA. Aside from theater,
Nichole leads a rather subdued life; she is an old soul charmed by the solace and laughter
she knows when in company with friends and the pleasure she derives from books, classic
movies and the occasional bit of travel. Renewing her passion for theater, Nichole has
recognized in herself a real desire to share this magic that has been her companion
and comfort with the community she has chosen as her home and the family she has made
within New Dawn Theater. Nichole hopes her ventures on this Board will sustain NDTC’s
promising future and foster creativity which encourages others to transcend reality, to rekindle
their own ethereal wonders, or simply to see the beauty of everyday angels in our midst.
Jerry Knoff, Recorder:
The acting bug bit Jerry about 8 years ago, when his daughter, then 10, wanted to audition for
a community theater production. Not only did his daughter get a part, but Jerry got his first role
that night, too – Professor Digory/Father Christmas in “Lion, Witch and Wardrobe.” After that,
there was no stopping him! Some of his roles include Lt. Brannigan in “Guys and Dolls,”
Kolenkov and Mr. Kirby in “You Can’t Take it With You,” Owen Musser in “The Foreigner,”
Jonathan Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace,” the Bishop of Lax in “See How They Run,”
Lionel in “Perfect Crime,” Harry in “Prisoner of Second Avenue,” a troll in “The Hobbit,” several
characters in “An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe,” a winkie soldier/Ozian in “The Wizard of Oz,”
Reverend Hooker/Norval in ”Dearly Departed,” and several characters in “The Coarse Acting
Show.” When Jerry’s not acting, he enjoys time with his lovely wife, Rebecca, who shares his
love of the theater, as well as his daughter, Heather, who got him started on stage and
continues to be involved in the arts at college. By day, Jerry “acts” as a full-time professional
Realtor for Re/Max Greater Atlanta. Jerry is very excited to be a part of the future of New Dawn
Theater as it grows into a “Fine Arts Force” in
Marsha Hunter, Associate Board Member:
Marsha Hunter is currently a school library media specialist at Duluth High School.
She has been a doll collector for over 35 years and loves music, reading and the theater
– naturally. She is the mother of two boys, Robbie and Chris as well as one daughter-in
law, Alison. AIW is Marsha’s third appearance with New Dawn and Red Clay Theater.
She was Mother Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life and Martha Brewster in Arsenic and
Old Lace. When cast as the Queen of Hearts for Alice in Wonderland, far too many of
her friends said, “Well, of course!” Thank you to all of my friends who have been so
supportive and to all of the actors at New Dawn who are such a blessing to work
with on and off stage!
Beth Peters, Associate Board Member:
Beth is a busy mother of five children, Katie (17), Kari (15), Kali (13), Abby (7) and Alex (6), not to
mention her foreign exchange student from Thailand, Chalie (15). She works as the
Administrative Assistant at Brookwood Elementary. Beth participates on a competitive adult
dance team, a student artist at Spruill Art Center in Dunwoody, and continues to work with
community theater. Beth has always said you are never too old to learn something new. She
has made it her personal mission to encourage her children to continue to learn, experience
and thrive on their talents throughout their life. Beth was last seen in “Steel Magnolias” as
Annelle, directed by Bill Miller. Growing up in Gwinnett and being raised in both
community and professional theater, she is proud to serve as an elected board member
of New Dawn Theater Company.
Board of Directors
Martha Sosebee, Associate Board Member:
Martha has been involved in numerouscommunity theater productions as a choreographer,
dancer, singer and actress since she moved to Georgia in 1996. Her favorite roles include Dr.
Margaret Thorne Brent in“Perfect Crime”, Amanda in “Glass Menagerie”, Miss Hannigan in
“Annie” and Aunt Eller in “Oklahoma”. Her choreography has graced the stage in “Hello, Dolly”,
“Anything Goes”, and “Kiss Me Kate”, among others. Martha danced professionally with the
Aurora Dance Company in Columbia, Maryland. She directs the Aurora Glory Dancers and the
Imagination Dancers at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Lawrenceville. Martha travels with
her dance ministry to churches and nursing homes, and is regularly seen performing in Myrtle
Beach, SC. When she is not at a rehearsal of some sort, Martha can be heard as “the voice of
Georgia Gwinnett College”. Martha Lives in Winder with her Dalmatian, Paige and husband,
John.
Martin Gravely, Vice President:
Martin was recently seen in his second performance with New Dawn Theater as Capt. Crewe
in A Little Princess with wife, sister AND daughter. It was a very proud moment for Martin. He
played Capt. Jack Ross in “A Few Good Men” and has decided that he is becoming
accustomed to military roles. Martin is honored to serve as New Dawn Theater’s newly elected
Vice President and is looking forward to the upcoming season.
Chuck Mason, Pubic Relations Liaison:
Chuck got into acting strictly by accident last Christmas. When Sherry needed someone to
play Father Michael and told Shelly at Red Clay, Shelly did not hesitate and called Chuck. As
they say, the rest is history. Chuck has played an Irish catholic priest in “Yes, Virginia There is
a Santa Claus”, Capt. Whitaker in “A Few Good Men”, and also played the prosecutors
"second chair" in “A Few Good Men”, as well as, a wheelchair bound Tom Carrisford in “A little
Princess”. He is currently sharing the role of Sir Francis Chesney in “Charley's Aunt”. Chuck
has worked for Amsan Custodial Supply Company for the past 27 yrs. He feels very fortunate
to be a member of New Dawn and honored to be on their board. As Chuck sees it, New Dawn
is getting better and better, and as the saying goes. "You aint seen nothing yet."
Aliza Gravely, Associate Board Member:
My inspiration for this little endeavor is my daughter. She brought me on to the stage in her first
production of Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus. I became friends with the cast of that play
and then became hooked. I never dreamed that I would come this far. Once I stepped foot on
the stage I loved it. I have worked back stage on two productions, first was Yes, Virginia there is
a Santa, then I was the stage manager for A Few Good Men. But finally I got my chance to act,
and to me it was a dream come true. I shared the stage with my daughter and my husband in
The Little Princess. I loved it!! I also loved the people involved. They have become some of my
very special friends. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me next.
Mike Yow, Associate Board Member:
Mike is a proud, new Associate Board Member for New Dawn Theater. He is an experienced
haunted house actor, medieval rein-actor, with some moderate background in film and
stage, and is also in pursuit of other creative endeavors such as writing and music. Mike has
enjoyed immensely his recent return to stage acting. Being born and raised in the foothills of
North Carolina, Mike moved to the Atlanta area many years ago due to his fathers job
transfer. He hopes to assist New dawn and his fellow board members in its future
endeavors.
