ABOUT US
Making Stars Shine Bright
PENDEMER PRODUCTIONS is a 501(C)(3) theater company who's MISSION is to provide local audiences with quality theatrical productions of plays and musicals that are new to, or not often performed in, Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. These are shows that will entertain while exploring the human condition in comical, dramatic and/or musical terms. The company will serve as a showcase for seasoned performers as well as function as a training ground for young people and novice theatrical practitioners.
The founders, Chuck Penick and Ellen Ulmer spent two years developing their mission and working to establish venues for productions. Now, finally, the ideas, dreams are becoming a reality. Help us keep the dream and vision alive!
CHUCK PENICK
Artistic Director
CHUCK PENICK (Artistic Director) has been directing and acting in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas for the past twenty-five years. McKeesport Little Theater, Apple Hill Playhouse, Little Lake Theatre, Greensburg Civic Theatre and The Pittsburgh Savoyards are a few of the venues where he has directed and/or performed. Chuck holds an M.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Pittsburgh and was the co-founder and Artistic Director of Acorn Productions from 1993 - 1999. He has been the Education Director for the Heritage Players for the past three years, as well as teaching the Acting for Adults classes. Chuck is the recipient of three Best Director awards, including the prestigious Donna Award for “Man Woman Hombre Mujer” at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival.
ELLEN ULMER
Executive Director
ELLEN ULMER (Executive Director) received her BS degree in theater performance from Emerson College in Boston, MA and a MS in Counseling Psychology from Chatham College, now University. Community Theater credits include acting in and/or stage managing various productions with Stage 62, McKeesport Little Theater, Heritage Players, Thoreau, NM, and The New Works Festival. Ellen's business experience comes from observing her family's business growing up, working for 16 years as an administrative assistant for various marketing and non profit companies, and working in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
SUSAN SKOSKO
Board Member
Susan Skosko - (Board Member) (Actress/Voiceover Artist) Susan has a BFA from Penn State Main Campus. While there she was the recipient of the Frank S. Neusbaum Talent Fund Scholarship. Susan's website links are: www.ACT2SUSANSKO.com and SUSAN BFA SKOSKO - Resume | Actors Access . She's worked with many Theatre groups in the area and enjoyed touring Nationally with American Family Theater of Philadelphia.
GWEN PIELIN
Treasurer
Gwen Pielin is a retired Internal Auditor who has over 40 years experience in auditing and accounting. She is a Certified Internal Auditor. Gwen held several positions with the Institute of Internal Auditors, Pittsburgh Chapter, which include Secretary, Vice President, and President. Gwen’s experience includes manufacturing and higher education. She currently holds the position as Treasurer for Pendemer Productions. Gwen is looking forward to many productions with Pendemer.
GIL PIELIN
Officer / Stage Manager
Gil Pielin retired from teaching high school science in 2017, after 41 years in the field. For the first 17 he taught in various High Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the last 24 at North Allegheny Senior High School. Since retiring he became an officer on the Board of Directors of Pendemer and stage manager of the company's productions. He wrote a book entitled "When You Hear A Snowflake Fall: The Gene That Created Religion". In his spare time, he became a Master Naturalist and gives various presentations, including, what skulls, furs, tracks and scat may be found in your backyard, a brief history of the animal kingdom with living examples of organisms that you may see in and around your house, and cooking with invasive weeds.
RICHARD CEFALO
Board Member
Richard Cefalo is honored to join the Board of Pendemer Productions. Rich enjoys his many roles as husband, father, brother, uncle, and banker. He is employed by Clearview Federal Credit Union managing their Business Lending & Services Department. An avid theatre fan, Rich previously served on the Board of Pittsburgh Musical Theatre for over 10 years. He is a native of Pittsburgh and a proud graduate of Robert Morris University and Central Catholic High School. Rich resides in McCandless Township with his wife, Michelle. They have one son, Mike, an actor who lives in New York City.
BRIAN KADLECIK
Board Member / Actor / Voice Over Artist
Brian Kadlecik has fulfilled many roles, to include husband, father, brother, son; and those on stage, film, commercials, & print. He has served as a National Guardsman & Vehicle Operater for 40 years. Brian's additional theater connections includes treasurer with The South Hills Players, & member of Old Schoolhouse Players. He is a partner in Redslate Films, producing & acting in it's independent productions. Brian has been blessed, by making theater & film productions come to life, for over 6 years.
CLAIRE FRALEY
Claire has recently retired after which seems to be a lifetime in sales. Twenty two of the 36 years were spent in advertising. While she loved her jobs, acting on the stage was a wonderful fulfilling getaway. She had her first stage debut in Neil Simon’s “I Outta Be in Pictures” as “Libby Tucker,” one of her favorite roles to date. She was nominated as a best supporting actress from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette for her role as “Mother” in Caryl Churchhills, “Top Girls.” While not in the gym, Claire loves to be an interior decorator to her home, filling it with her favorite antiques from the turn of the century. Claire loves being a part Pendemer Productions. What an exciting year it is going to be!
KRISTA GRAHAM
Bio Coming Soon
