Our Team
Eric Vendt | President
A professional educator for over 25 years, Eric founded Friends of Manchester Essex Performing Arts because of his firm belief that appreciation for and participation in the Arts is an essential part of a dynamic, well-rounded education and a key factor in creating a positive community ethos. Eric's own Arts background is primarily in the realm of theatre as an actor, director, producer and developer of programs for both students and adults. Eric has felt the impact of Performing Arts education on his own life, as well as on the lives of his wife and children, and seeks to ensure that the Manchester Essex Regional School District continues to support the artistic needs of its students and improves its Performing Arts offerings.
Shoshy Starr | Co-Vice President
Shoshy is a long time educator and has been involved in many volunteer projects to support the schools in her community. She has a son who loves singing, acting, and dancing. His passion for Performing Arts is what ignited her interest in growing the programs in MERSD. Shoshy joined this organization to ensure that our district includes a robust selection of Performing Arts choices as part of the K-12 education of all students. She is excited to open doors in Performing Arts for children and to integrate music and theatre into the greater community. Shoshy is motivated to continue her advocacy work so that the MERSD Performing Arts program begins to contend with other public school Performing Arts programs.
Sarah O’Leary | Co-Vice President
Sarah O'Leary is the mom to a current MERSD student and an alum. She is also the wife of an artist. Her children have grown through their participation in the Arts, having been in chorus, band and the theatre 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. 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 non-profit and is excited to help support the growth of Performing Arts in the Manchester Essex School District.
Mark Whitman | Secretary
First and foremost, Mark is the father of two wonderful talented MERSD students! Though Mark’s career is in Facilities and Project Management, his formative years were spent in the Arts. Whether singing in state or regional choirs, acting on stage, or running all aspects of technical production, he found his passion and confidence in the Performing (and fine) Arts. These formative experiences brought Mark to FoMEPA in hopes of instilling and supporting that same passion within our students and communities.
Ava Rizzico | Student Liason
Ava is currently a senior at MERHS, has been a clarinetist in the school band since 4th grade. They are also a part of the jazz band as their bass guitarist, after joining in middle school. They love participating in Performing Arts outside of school too, with experience teaching tap dance classes at the Hamilton Wenham School of Dance, as well as being part of the Allegro Dance Company for three years up until its closure in the Spring of 2023. They hope to strengthen the Performing Arts programs at MERSD and enrich the experiences of future students.
Josh Cohen | Student Liaison
Josh has been an eager performer ever since his debut in the 2018 fifth grade play The Grunch. Now a busy high school student, Josh has featured in more than a dozen productions including The Music Man, Mamma Mia!, and School of Rock. In addition, Josh also participates in the MERHS Chorus, Soundwaves, and Drama programs and is the Treasurer for MERHS's chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He joins FoMEPA as a keen advocate for the Performing Arts in the MERSD system and beyond.