Executive Director
(518) 563-1604 ext. 109
megan@strandcenter.org

Megan Charland is an interdisciplinary artist and arts administrator with 18+ years working in the community arts field. Throughout her career serving in curator, producer, photo editor, and program director roles, positively impacting people's lives through the arts has always been at the heart of her work. Charland earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Visual Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Visual Studies Workshop in association with The College at Brockport in 2013 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Professional Photographic Illustration from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2008. Charland's personal art practice primarily includes zines, cyanotypes, risography, and letterpress. megancharland.com

Theatre Manager
(518) 563-1604 ext. 103
jamie@strandcenter.org
bookings@strandcenter.org

Jamie Durivage is a veteran sound engineer, musician, and multidisciplinary artist, with a long connection with the Strand Theatre. Helping set up for and performing at shows at the Strand instilled a passion for making things happen in the production world.

After being a recording artist and touring national stages for years, he shifted his focus back to art. He became a full-time tattoo artist and practiced the art for close to a decade before taking a hiatus from it to once again focus on production, where he found his way back to the Strand Center Theatre.

Re-energized with the opportunity of taking the role of Theatre Manager, Jamie hopes to expand programming diversity and inclusion at the Strand Center Theatre.

Community Engagement Manager
(518) 563-1604 ext. 111
sommerleigh@strandcenter.org

Sommerleigh D’Elia is a multidisciplinary artist who specializes in ceramics. She graduated from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh with a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a BA in Psychology and a minor in Art Therapy. For Sommerleigh, well-being and the arts are very much intertwined, and she firmly believes that creative expression is a necessary part of maintaining one's mental health. Her main sources of inspiration are the flora and fauna of the Adirondacks, which she calls home, as well as the marine life found along the coast of Eastern Maine. Through her work, she hopes to place these commonly found pieces of life and nature onto a pedestal and foster an appreciation for the remarkableness of the ordinary.

Gallery & Events Manager
(518) 563-1604 ext. 101
gallery@strandcenter.org

Elsa is a 2020 graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh with a BFA in Painting & Drawing and a minor in Art History with experience in museum collections and exhibiting her work. She predominately identifies as a landscape painter with a specialty in Adirondack landscapes, skyscapes, oceans, and natural disasters. Growing up in the Adirondacks heavily inspired her passion and love for the landscape. In her work, Elsa uses a combination of movement, color, space, and contrast to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. To Elsa, art is a critical form of self expression and creativity that is uniquely individual and as the Gallery & Events Manager she is driven to expand her love of art to the community and help bring people together through shared experiences.

Clay Studio Manager
(518) 563-1604 ext. 110
lauren@strandcenter.org

After five years of directing live newscasts Lauren Isaacs is returning to the visual arts sphere as the Clay Studio Manager at the Strand Center for the Arts. She holds a BA in Digital Film and Screen Arts from The University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, England; and is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans photography, ceramics, fiber arts, printmaking, videography, and design... to name a few. She understands the importance of fostering a supportive space for creatives, and the balance between creativity and structure that a successful studio requires; with a strong belief in the power of hands-on making to build community. As Clay Studio Manager, she is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment while ensuring safe, efficient, and creative workspaces where artists of all levels can explore, experiment, and grow their skills.

Front of House Manager
frontofhouse@strandcenter.org

Kathy Kokes grew up working for and helping to run her family’s Dairy Farm/Ice Cream business in Saranac Lake. Kathy Graduated from Skidmore College with BS degrees in Psychology and Music Education, then earned her MS in Education from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. She is now a retired Music Educator of over 30 years, who has spent nearly four decades performing, teaching, coaching and acting as Musical Director for Musical Theatre productions.  She is the founding member of several vocal ensembles, and has been invited to be the Guest Conductor for Music Festivals in NY and VT.  Kathy has served as a New York State School Music Association Vocal Adjudicator and served on NYSSMA’s state-wide diversity Committee for several years. 

Sound Engineer
sound@strandcenter.org

Nick Agoney is a sound engineer and stagehand with more than ten years of experience in live events.  While pursuing his degree in Audio/Radio Production, Nick designed and engineered sound for numerous productions by the SUNY Plattsburgh Theatre Department, including The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, and Oklahoma!.  Nick appreciated the educational opportunity afforded to him as a member of the Technical Production Crew at SUNY Plattsburgh, and upon graduation went on to oversee the production teams at colleges like the University of Rochester and the University of Vermont.  As a musician and avid concert-goer, Nick values the role that the Strand Center holds in Plattsburgh's performing arts community, and he hopes that his ideas and experience will help to lead the theater into the future.

Lighting Designer
lighting@strandcenter.org

Amanda Rice moonlights as a lighting designer when she is not teaching in the Plattsburgh City School District. While pursuing her Masters at SUNY Plattsburgh, she worked in live events management  with a specialization in lighting design. She has also worked in a number of venues around the North Country such as The Flynn, The Depot Theatre, and Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Amanda appreciates the opportunities that the North Country has afforded her and hopes to inspire the next generation through her teaching and her participation in the local arts.

Lead Teaching Artist, Youth Programming
youth@strandcenter.org

Sara is a self-taught artist who enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with the youth in our community! She began exploring art at a very young age and has continued building her 'toolbox' through a lot of trial and error.

Sara works in any and all mediums in an exploration of herself and the world around her. Her personal work [yellowdeerart.com] centers around natural themes and concepts of emotional, and spiritual renewal.

Teaching Artist & Program Associate, Education
(518) 563-1604  ext. 111
eduteam@strandcenter.org 

Maddy is a Program Associate on the Strand’s Education Team with a focus on youth programming. When she isn’t teaching classes, you can find her in one of our many visual art studios or MakerSpace ensuring they are ready for students and members use. In her personal time Maddy is an active fiber artist and she loves sharing that interest with our community.

Welcome Center Team Member
(518) 563-1604 ext. 105
reception@strandcenter.org

Charlotte Feliz is a current student at SUNY Plattsburgh, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. A proud Afro-Latina and first-generation college student, Charlotte brings a strong commitment to community, creativity and service in all she does.

With a deep passion for music, she is an active member of the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir, using her voice to uplift and inspire. She also serves as the Student Association President where she advocates for student empowerment and inclusive campus leadership. Taking up space with purpose- Charlotte Feliz is beauty, brains and the blueprint.

At the Strand, Charlotte brings her passions for the arts and community engagement to life, helping make local culture more accessible and inclusive for all.