Our Team
Our entire team here at Off The Lane consider ourselves lucky to be surrounded by such dedication and passion. From the Board of Directors and Co-Chairs to our volunteers and Advisory Board, everyone is invested in providing a community, home-base and safe space for creative development.
Kristal Mallookis
President
Originally from Littleton, Colorado, Kristal graduated from University of Northern Colorado and moved to NYC to pursue dance. Very soon after moving to the city, she started putting her entrepreneurship roots to use by working side gigs in between taking dance class and auditioning. Being able to find work for her actor/dancer/singer friends was exciting and fulfilling. In 2007 Mustard Lane launched and her vision of creating a transparent company with a safe and fun work environment came to life. Kristal is thrilled to bring that same passion to Off The Lane and the artistic community as whole.
Jillian Schiralli
Vice President
Jillian graduated from Ball State University with a BA in Musical Theatre. Having grown up in the theatre world, she was thrilled when she booked the National Tour of Cats, quickly after graduation and thus began the big move to NYC. After 15 years in the city, she now calls herself a true New Yorker! Soon after her move to the Big Apple, she started working with Mustard Lane in-between performing gigs. Now with over 10 years under her belt with the company, she works full-time as the Director of Special events for Mustard Lane, as well as the Event Coordinator for Meaux Space, the event space where ML’s headquarter is located. She is passionate about helping create beautiful events, whether at Meaux Space, Mustard Lane or for Off the Lane. She is thrilled to bring her knowledge of the “NYC streets” to the community of Off the Lane!
Christine Schermerhorn
Secretary & Mentor
With experience from hosting to working on a Nickelodeon sitcom, Christine is a seasoned professional. Her work ethic and attitude have carried her through New York City, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Over the years, you may have seen her as a guest joker on “Impractical Jokers” (TruTV), as Calvin on “Henry Danger” (Nickelodeon), as Jamie on “The Rookie” (ABC), or as Valerie on Seasons 1 and 2 of “Puppy Place” (Apple TV+). You’ve likely heard her as the voice of Bodie, the virtual helper and spokes-voice for “Sounds True One.” She is also the main antagonist of the critically acclaimed and award winning game “Thirsty Suitors” (Outerloop Games & Annapurna Interactive). Everyday is she grateful for the privileged life she has, as many transgender women are underrepresented and at high risk of discrimination and danger. Her passion for Off The Lane comes from the responsibility to help others since she would not be where she is without the help of those before her.
Gerome Samante
Board Member
Gerome is originally from Hong Kong and has been in NYC for 11 years. He is now the producer for the iconic theatre-nightclub, The Box and has been in the production world for over 10 years. Gerome studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and participated in Musicals, Shakespeare and more
Gerome is extremely honored to be part of the board of Off The Lane. He can’t wait to be a resource and to help educate the younger generation of artists making their transition to New York City.
Ayana Major Bey
BOOST Co-Chair
Ayana Major Bey is a voice-over artist, actress, mentor/coach and podcaster. She is a NJ native, who is of Guyanese Heritage, and has loved the performing arts and theatre since she was a little kid. Select stage credits include: “Dreamgirls”, “Hairspray,” “Sister Act”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, and “After Midnight”. Select voice over credits include: Sephora, Google Chromebook, Starbucks, Ally bank, Square, and Dropbox. BFA Musical Theatre; Montclair State university, MA in Acting; The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She is the Host and Exec Prod. of The Artist Pivot Podcast, a bi-weekly show highlighting pivots and life lessons from the perspective of artists, those who work in and around the arts and arts educators. She is also an avid traveler and has visited 27 countries thus far. Ayana wants to see artists not just survive but thrive and through the BOOST program she is able to help them develop their goals.
Jillian Vitko
BOOST Co-Chair
Jillian Vitko is an NYC based performing artist with over 20 years of experience in education. She has previously worked with companies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters as a Mentor, The YMCA as a Teacher/Program Director & EBL Coaching as a Special Education Tutor. In addition to Co-Chairing the BOOST Program, she serves as a Mentor for Off The Lane’s Mentorship Program, where she helps graduating college seniors transition to life in NYC. As both an artist & educator, she is honored to have the opportunity to further guide creatives to follow their passions & achieve their goals
Nichole Naccash
Mentorship Program Co-Chair
Nichole Naccash is an NYC based multi-hyphenate performing artist, with over two decades of theatrical experience to share. Originally from Virginia, she received her degree in Music-Theatre/Dance from Christopher Newport University, and quickly traded her sleepy little town for the city that never sleeps! She has performed all over the world, originating roles in national tours, theme parks, and most recently, across China for 6 months. She has a wealth of knowledge to share both in front of and behind the table- with specific experience in directing, producing, and casting.Throughout her career, Nichole has found immense fulfillment in assisting her friends and coworkers make their artistic goals and dreams come true- which led to her joining Off The Lane as a mentor in 2020. Over the last couple of years, she has watched with wonder and joy as OTL has guided so many artists in their theatrical journey. She is honored to have played a small part in that, and looks forward to all that is to come!
Vincenzo Hinckley
Mentorship Program Co-Chair
Vincenzo is a professional actor, writer, producer and improviser with over 15 years of experience, now also a business owner who understands first hand the benefits and need for mentorship in a young artist’s life. Many individuals from performers, to directors, and OTL’s very own founder(!) have indelibly shaped his career and he can think of no better way than to help make those kind of experiences available to young adults seeking a life in the arts.
It has been a distinct honor to be included and have taken part in truly one of the coolest most fulfilling programs around. Off The Lane should be in every city, and he looks forward to continue helping others reach their full potential through this amazingly transformative curriculum and with the help of other artistic professionals who want to give back to their community.
Jenna Craig
Content Creator & Development Assistant
While in undergrad at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Jenna Craig (she/her) double majored in theatre/journalism and completed an internship with Off The Lane, which led to her being hired. She believes in OTL’s ability to help bridge the gap between school and the “real world” and hopes her efforts help young artists navigate this crazy industry.
Shortly after graduating in 2022, Jenna landed a job as the Digital Assistant on Roundabout Theatre Company’s marketing team. She’s been working in entertainment since she was 5 years old when she began a career as a child actress. As she got older, she fell in love with live theater, video editing, graphic design and writing, all of which have culminated in her career aspirations today.
Amanda Giampaglia
Social Media Manager
Amanda Giampaglia is currently a senior at Ramapo College of New Jersey. She is a global communication major and is also in the running to receive her elementary education certificate. Amanda is the Viewpoints Section Editor of The Ramapo News as well as the publicist of Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre Honor Society) on campus! Amanda has been involved with theatre from the age of 6 until today. She is looking forward to working alongside the team of OTL, and is so grateful for this amazing opportunity! Off the Lane is an incredible company and Amanda is thrilled to be a part of the team!
Sophie Brubaker
Program Manager
Sophie Brubaker (@sophiebrubaker) is a spunky California-raised, NYC-based actor, producer, and event host! Around the city, you’ll find her auditioning with her acoustic guitar, producing secret events with her social storytelling company, In Confidence, developing the ColLab program at Off The Lane, and managing the social media for Uproar Theatrics. She works regularly in theatre, film, television and social media content creation. Sophie is a believer in art and theatre as a catalyst for human connection. We have an opportunity and obligation as artists and people to better understand and love each other. In her extra time, you’ll find Sophie belting Hannah Montana, drinking cappuccinos, and being a little too busy. www.sophiebrubaker.com
Megan Gurtner
Intern
Megan Gurtner (@megan.gurtner) is a Kent State University senior originally from Pittsburgh, PA. She is studying theater performance and nonprofit studies during her time at Kent. Megan is a very outgoing and energetic person who loves to be spontaneous! In her free time, you will find her playing some ukulele, exploring new coffee shops, or driving up to Trader joes to get her favorite snacks. She is a real people person which is what made her want to pursue careers in theatre and nonprofit after she graduates in May. Megan is a huge fan of event planning which is why she is a planner and Google calendar enthusiast! As an artist, she loves to create work that has meaning or can be a lesson to someone in the audience. Recently she has begun an interest in directing as she just assistant directed the play “Somewhere” by Marisela Treviño Orta. Megan is a member of Chi Omega Sorority and has loved getting to learn more about leadership as well as sisterhood while she serves as VP of Recruitment Personnel on the Panhellenic Council. She hopes to bring all of her skills to the table as an intern at Off the Lane as she develops as a creator and nonprofit lover.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Tristan Raines
School Partnership Committee
Tristan Raines (He/Him) is a freelance costume designer, artist, and educator based in New York City. Tristan has designed Off Broadway and regionally for 15 years. Select venues and companies include New World Stages, Barrow Street Theater, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, Goodspeed, La Jolla Playhouse, Norweigan Cruise Lines, Samsung, Cirque Musica, CTG- LA, The Muny, Capital Rep, New Rep Boston, and The Maltz Jupiter Theater. Tristan is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. Tristan holds a BS in Technical Theatre with an emphasis in Costume Design from Northwest Missouri State University. He then received his MFA in Costume Design from Boston University. Tristan also studied musical theater and Shakespeare in London, England at Imperial College. Tristan has also received certification in Diversity/Equality, and Inclusion Leadership from The University of Michigan as well as certification in Inclusive Design of Online Curriculum from University of Colorado Boulder.
Mikayla Petrilla
Events Committee
Mikayla is a New York-based performer and digital marketer with a penchant for nonprofit work. An actor, singer and funny gal, she’s brought laughs and music Off-B’way at the Signature Theatre (New York Musical Festival), Joe’s Pub at the Public, 54 Below, Broadway Comedy Club, Future of StoryTelling, The Chain and, up until the pandemic, was at The McKittrick Follies at Sleep No More. You can catch her on TV on Investigation Discovery, CNBC’s Make It, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She is currently performing alongside Illusionist Matias Letelier, bringing music and magic to corporations such as Pzifer, Moderna + Johnson + Johnson. She’s a mentor with Off the Lane as well as Young Storytellers in NYC, and is a teaching artist with various theatre companies in the tristate area. Mikayla’s cornerstone is community (so Off the Lane is THE place to be!) and her vision is to make a career in the arts an accessible, tangible outlet for all, so everyone with a dream has an opportunity to succeed. She is excited to bring her interdisciplinary interests in performance, digital marketing, and education to Off the Lane in hopes to create and foster opportunities for the next set of bright-minded creatives, movers and shakers!
Samantha Roberts
Mentorship Committee
Samantha Roberts (she/her) is a professional director, composer and performer in New York City. She is a graduate of Temple University where she obtained a BFA in Musical Theatre. Her performance credits include: Mrs./Betty u.s. (Sunday in the Park with George), Ensemble (Age of Power), Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors), Scarlett (Here I Am) and Woman 1 (Forget I Said Anything). Her directing and choreographing credits include: Here I Am, Forget I Said Anything, Just Getting Started, The Quartet, Seussicial, and Godspell. She is incredibly passionate about musical theatre strives to create non-conforming theatre that can be told by any person and remain universal. She is also a second degree Black Belt In Tang Soo Do karate and loves teaching self defense. In addition to her current projects, she is a Covid Compliance Officer and more recently served as the Covid Safety Manager for Paradise Square on Broadway. Follow Sammi @sammirose_r on instagram for updates!