Working at the theater, Gateway Playhouse, NJ

MICHELE CIVERA BIRTCH

Box Office Manager

A proud native of South Jersey, Michele was born and raised in Atlantic City. She eventually lived in Las Vegas for four years, working as Administrative Assistant to the VP of Human Resources at New York New York Hotel and Casino, but since she has always had sand in her shoes, she returned with her family to Atlantic County. She has always possessed a great love for entertainment and live music, having been exposed to all genres by her father who was a professional drummer. Michele also spent over 10 years volunteering at Dante Hall Theater, where she assisted in all aspects of the operation, from managing the mailing list, helping to organize the files, concessions, and ticket sales to vacuuming and setting up the theater. It was at Dante Hall that she developed a healthy respect and love for all things that go into running a live theater.

Chip Garrison

Resident Director

Before his time at the Gateway Playhouse, Chip Garrison taught at Absegami High School and directed its award-winning drama program for thirty-five years before retiring in 2025. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Theater, Chip has been recognized as the Absegami High School Teacher of the Year in 1994, the WFPG 96.9 Teacher of the Year in 2007 and with multiple award nominations in scholastic theater. In addition to being a playwright, he has also directed productions for Stockton University, Dante Hall Theater and for the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. In addition, he co-founded the New Jersey Drama & Forensics League. He is loved and supported by his wife Lois and daughter Colleen.

KAREN S. SUTHERLAND

Executive Assistant

Karen is originally from Lake Worth, Florida, where she studied at Palm Beach Ballet. She moved to New Jersey from New York City, where she performed in Broadway shows, including the original productions of Pippin and The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. She also worked with Bob Fosse and Barry Williams on the first touring company of Pippin, and Juliet Prowse on the tour of ...Whorehouse. She also was thrilled to perform in a touring company of Mame, starring Angela Lansbury and Jane Connell. Other regional credits include: Cabaret, Irene, and Brigadoon. TV and film credits include: Ryan's Hope and the film Headin' for Broadway. Karen performs locally with the Shaken Not Stirred Players, and has been seen in productions of Nunsense, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, Urinetown, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Pirates of Penzance, and A Christmas Carol at the Gateway Playhouse. She is a founding member of the Theater Collaborative of South Jersey. Karen is also a member of the Somers Point Arts Commission.

RUS RAINEAR

Front of House Manager

Rus Rainear first worked at the Gateway Playhouse decades ago when he was a one time substitute to shoot the gun backstage at the end of 'Night Mother! He rediscovered the Gateway a few years ago when he started coming to the open mics. He then started volunteering and was named Volunteer of the Year for 2025. Before returning to South Jersey, where he grew up, he lived in Chicago for 30 years working in theatre and cabaret.