Amanda Straniere is a lifelong Staten Islander who loves to support organizations and initiatives that bring culture to life in her hometown. She currently works as Regional & Community Affairs Specialist at Con Edison, where she builds relationships with elected officials, shares initiatives with the community, and supports non-profits through the company’s charitable giving program. Previously, she served as Development Manager for the Staten Island Museum and the Director of Tourism & Cultural Affairs at the Office of the Staten Island Borough President. She is a graduate of Dickinson College, the University of East Anglia, and earned an Executive MPA from Baruch College. In addition to serving on the Board of Sundog Theatre, Amanda is also a representative on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for CreateNYC.
Marjorie Hack
Marjorie has served as one of the theatre’s teaching artists for seven years. Prior to teaming up with Sundog, she worked for some 22 years at the Staten Island Advance – first as a reporter, then as an editor. She left full-time employment at the Advance in the summer of 2014, after serving for close to seven years, first as city editor, then as an assistant managing editor. For the next year and a half, she edited Q magazine, a publication of the Staten Island Media Group, handled freelance projects for the Advance, and wrote for Staten Island Parent magazine.
Susan Fenley
Susan Fenley co-founded Sundog Theatre in 2002. She sets the company’s strategic direction, produces its shows, and is responsible for planning and executive decisions.
As a former professional actor, singer, and mime for many years, Susan is a member of Actors Equity and Screen Actors Guild. She has also had theatrical administrative experience directing funding, education, and communications departments. As a former teaching artist for a number of NYC arts providers, she believes in the power of the arts as tools for education and transformation.
Previously, Susan headed Prime Time Communications–her own public relations/marketing firm in the Washington DC area–for 10 years. She has taught acting, mime, and improvisation at American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Paper Mill Playhouse. Currently an adjunct instructor in the Theatre Department at Wagner College, she recently was honored with the Adjunct Faculty Award for Exceptional Performance in the area of Teaching. As a speaker, Susan has presented for organizations such as Rotary International (former member), NYC Dept. of Education, United Activities Unlimited, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Chamber of Commerce and Historic Richmond Town.
She attended U.S. International University, School of Performing Arts as a Musical Theatre major and holds a B.A. in Arts Management from University of Massachusetts.