Richard Lambert has been the Executive Director of the New Phoenix Theatre on the Park since he purchased the property in 1996. Since coming to Buffalo in 1988, Richard has appeared on most city stages as an actor (over 40 productions). He has directed many productions in the United States as well as Canada, and is the author of several plays. He has received over a dozen nominations in the city’s yearly “Artie Award” competition, in addition to winning Best Actor for Brad Frasier’s Poor Super Man. While living in Manhattan, Richard performed on many stages including the Tomi Theatre, Village Performers Theatre, and the Manhattan Theatre Club. It was while living in New York that he met and began a long-term relationship with noted actor/director/playwright Maxim Mazumdar, whose plays continue to be performed in both the U.S. and Canada, including a production of Oscar Remembered, directed by William Hutt at Stratford. It is for Mr. Mazumdar, who at one time operated the Phoenix Theatre in Montreal, Canada, that the New Phoenix Theatre is named. In addition to his work at the Phoenix, Richard has hosted the local television show Human Touch for Adelphia Communications and has appeared in many commercials in Western New York.  Also a film actor, recent credits include Give and Take, Checkmate, and the hit film Marshall.

Franklin LaVoie has been working in theater for twelve years. He works as a set and costume designer, builder, and painter for many theater groups throughout Buffalo, including The Kavinoky Theatre, The Irish Classical Theatre, Shakespeare In The Park, The New Phoenix Theatre, Pick of the Crop Dance Company, et al. Franklin is the founding member of Skeleton in the Closet Theater Company, where he has currently written, directed, and starred in The Bedeviled Chest, and for which he served as costume and set designer as well. For over ten years Franklin has been developing a series of lectures entitled “Sacred Geography of Western New York,” which examines the legends and folklore of his hometown. As a storyteller, Franklin has performed at The Chautauqua Institute, Lilydale Assembly, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo State College, and at other venues throughout Western New York.

Betsy Bittar joined the New Phoenix Theatre Company in the summer of 2001 as a Board member and Treasurer.  In addition to those responsibilities, Ms. Bittar has acted in many shows (most recently My Three Angels and Kalamazoo), and she has also costumed several productions at the New Phoenix.  Recently Ms. Bittar directed the 2018 production of Way Back When, and in 2019, she was appointed to Managing Director. Ms. Bittar acts and directs in other Western New York theatres.  

LORI MICHAELS has been producing graphic art in one form or another most of her life; she primarily enjoys using her computer to create artwork and videos by manipulating existing images.  Lori is grateful to have been asked to design the graphics for the New Phoenix's 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons.

Mr. Roy Walker is the head Sound Designer, Co-Scenic Carpenter and a Technical Assistant for Niagara County Community College. He is the Technical Theatre Director for both the Lockport City School District and ArtPark Theatre Academy as well as a professional designer and actor in the Buffalo area. He has earned several degrees, accolades and certifications while studying Studio Recording Technology & Vocal Performance from SUNY Fredonia and SUNY NCCC. He is a NCCC Alumnus and received the Excellence in Audio Recording and Production Award in 2013. He owns & operates a sound company, “RJWSounds” and spent two years designing theatrical sound systems around the United States. Roy is known for being a passionate songwriter and avid musician in his local bands, “FoxCity Kicks”, “The Trabbs” and “aRe Oh whY”. Roy is honored to be New Phoenix Theatre’s resident Sound Designer for the 2019-2020 season.

Chris is the set designer for Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf? Chris is also the resident lighting designer for The New Phoenix Theatre.

Paul is the set designer for Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.

Chris is the set designer for Kiss of the Spiderwoman

Matthew is the set designer for Izzy! and the stage manager for Jimmy Dean.

Don is the musical director for Izzy!

Tara is one of the stage managers for the 2019-2020 season.

Mike is one of the stage managers for the 2019-2020 season.

Leyla Gentil fell in love with theatre at 10 years old and has grown as an actress, stage manager and dramaturg. Having stage managed for both Post-Industrial Productions' Medusa Undone and Brazen-Faced Varlet's The Secretary, Leyla is thrilled to be a part of New Phoenix's 25th anniversary season. Leyla is a SUNY Purchase graduate (B.A.), with a double major in Theatre & Performance and Arts Management and she is happy to be growing professionally within the Buffalo theatre scene. All the love in the world to her wonderful partner, Jay.