About Us - friendsofmepa

Our Purpose

We believe that all students should experience the power of performing arts and should have the opportunity to participate in robust performing arts as a vital part of their k-12 education. We celebrate the student performer. The Friends of the Manchester Essex Performing Arts works to make performing arts an essential part of our students' lives.

As parents, family, and community members, we want to support our children by fostering their passion for performing arts and giving them every opportunity to succeed. The primary purpose of the Friends of Manchester Essex Performing Arts is to make sure that performing arts are a vital part of the Manchester Essex Regional School District as well as the communities of Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex, MA as a whole.

What We Do

Advocate

for robust K-12

performing art offerings

Promote

awareness of performing arts

in the school district

Fundraise

for performing arts within our schools

Board Members

Eric Vendt | President

Eric Vendt has had children in the Manchester-Essex Regional School District for over ten years. A professional educator for over 25 years, Eric firmly believes that appreciation for and participation in the arts is an essential part of a dynamic, well-rounded education. Eric's arts background is primarily in the realm of theatre as an actor, director, producer and developer of programs for both students and adults.

Shoshy Starr Collins | Co-Vice President

Shoshy is a long time educator and realtor. She has been involved in many volunteer projects to support the schools in her community. Her true love for performing arts has grown as her 2nd grade son has found his passion for singing and musical theater. Shoshy joined this organization to ensure that his school experience includes a robust selection of performing arts choices as part of his k-12 education. She is excited to open doors in performing arts for other children and to integrate music and theater into the greater community.

Sarah O’Leary | Co-Vice President

Sarah O'Leary is the mom to two Manchester-Essex's students and the wife of an artist. Her children have grown through their participation in the Arts, having been in chorus, band and the theater program. As an educator for over 25 years, she has seen the joy that children express when they experience the arts. She is thrilled to be a member of the Friends of Manchester Essex Performing Arts as a way to advocate for all members of our communities to find joy and love in the Arts.

Davis Bradford | Treasurer

Davis has two children who are currently involved in performing arts in the Manchester Essex schools; band, chorus, and our local summer theater. His wife grew up attending performing arts schools and studying voice. Davis has been on the board of a number of local non profits, supporting communities on the North Shore. He plays a key role as treasurer of this new non profit and is excited to help get it off the ground and support the growth of performing arts in the Manchester Essex School District.