About Us

Ben Heller (Vice President) A graduate of New York University, Ben served as production manager at Manhattan Ensemble Theater prior to joining Aurora in 2003. He has been a guest lecturer at NYU and for the Broadway League. In his free time he enjoys entertaining and cooking with his wife Rebecca in their Brooklyn loft.

Stephanie Sherline (Production Coordinator) joined Aurora Productions in July of 2010. Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, Stephanie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northwestern University with a major in Theatre and minor in Anthropology. While at Northwestern, Stephanie was involved in over 40 productions and served as the President of Arts Alliance, the nation's largest student-run arts organization. Following graduation, she spent 3 years with Broadway In Chicago as the Production Coordinator. In both Chicago and New York, Stephanie has also performed as a musician and composer for theatrical productions.

Jarid Sumner (Production Manager) joined Aurora in August of 2009. Prior to his employment with Aurora Productions, Jarid worked with The American Ballet Theater as their Technical Director and at I Weiss in their fabrication and installation divisions among other theatre related adventures. Jarid is a proud graduate of SUNY Purchase class of 2002 from the Theater arts and Film - Design Technology Program where he studied Technical Direction.

Anita Shah (Production Manager) has been working in theater, dance, and television for the past sixteen years. Most recently she spent four seasons as Production Manager for Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. Prior to that Anita was an Operations Producer for Good Morning America and Production Manager for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall. Additionally she has worked with Boston Lyric Opera, High Output, The Majestic Theatre, Dance Umbrella and Blue Man Group. She received her BFA from Emerson College.

Anthony Jusino (Production Manager) joined Aurora in October of 2011. Prior to his employment with Aurora Productions, Anthony has toured around the country production managing numerous Rock & Roll and Corporate Events as well as Fashion, Corporate and Theatrical Events in New York City . Anthony graduated from SUNY Purchase in 2004 from the Theater Arts and Film - Design Technology Program.

Liza Luxenberg (Production Manager) joined Aurora in the Summer of 2009. Liza graduated from Indiana University with a double major in Theater and an Individualized Major Program degree in Stage Management. At IU, Liza served as Assistant Stage Manager and Stage Manager for multiple main stage and black box productions. Prior to joining Aurora, Liza worked as an Assistant Stage Manager for the Summer Play Festival at The Public Theater, Bay Street Theater, as well as Joe Iconis and family productions. Liza is from Winter Park, Florida.

Melissa Mazdra (Accounts Manager) has been with Aurora since August of 2002. Melissa grew up in St. Louis, MO and holds a BFA in Theatrical Design and Production from SUNY Purchase. Melissa was both an Intern and than an Associate Production Manager for Aurora before deciding to return to school for her Masters in Special Education. Melissa now works full time as a Special Education Teacher of Students with Autism in Long Island City, Queens. Upon completion of her Masters, Melissa returned to Aurora as their Accounts Manager. Melissa is a proud member of both the United Federation of Teachers and Actors Equity (Stage Management).

Cat Nelson (Storage Manager) Catherine joined Aurora in September 2012. Prior to her employment with Aurora Productions, Catherine spent time on a national tour of Peter Pan and continues to work with special effects rigging in her spare time. Catherine is a proud graduate of Transylvania University.