Our Team at Talespinner Children's Theatre
Executive Director: Sarah Durham (she/her)
Sarah is a passionate arts leader, performer, and educator who brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, theater production, and arts education to her new role. She has built a career that seamlessly blends artistry and administration, advancing creative organizations through strategic leadership while keeping storytelling and accessibility at the heart of her work.
An accomplished actor, director, and choreographer, Sarah’s theatrical credits span a wide range of roles and genres. Her combined experience onstage and in arts administration gives her a unique perspective on nurturing artists and engaging audiences. Most recently, she served as Business Operations Director at the National Center for Choreography in Akron and has also held key administrative and leadership roles with ICA–Art Conservation, DANCECleveland, Playhouse Square, and Salem Community Theatre.
Sarah holds a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Wright State University. She has worked directly with youth and artists both nationally and within her community and remains a proud advocate for arts access and education.
Administrative and Programs Coordinator (she/her)
Olivia Queener is a 14-year veteran of the United States Navy. She proudly served as a Hospital Corpsman, engaging in various assignments and deployments around the globe. After her honorable discharge, Olivia actively pursued acting in film and stage throughout northeast Ohio.
She has gotten cozily settled into Cleveland, Ohio. Olivia began her TCT path with the touring show ‘Everything I Feel’ directed by Mariah Burks. Moving forward, Olivia was requested back to audition for the role of ‘Tortoise’ in ‘Tortoise and Hare’ directed by Will Potts. After seeing all the joy these programs brought to the school staff and students, Olivia applied to be a teaching artist. Ever since, Olivia has conducted in-house classes, productions, school residencies, and summer camps.
Although she has left active duty status, the mission remains the same; to create an environment where people can genuinely feel and be their true authentic selves through the arts. I am truly honored to accept the position of Education Manager. My goal is to help continue the growth of accessible arts for our youth and surrounding communities and to keep a safe and welcoming environment that is conducive to learning and, most importantly of all, fun.