BOARD
2024-26 BOARD MEMBERS
Carla Scruggs
Board President
Carla lives in Norcross and has been in numerous community theatre productions throughout Atlanta. She was thrilled to be a part of Merely Players Present’s production Un Lugar para Sueños both in front and behind the camera. While Carla enjoys stage time, she is looking forward to directing more plays in the coming year.
Tim Scruggs
Board Treasurer
Tim is a dedicated special projects manager at Liaison Technologies, overseeing strategic initiatives for Coca-Cola bottlers across the US and Canada. With a focus on data analytics and supply chain optimization, Tim excels in developing innovative solutions to drive value for both his company and its customers. His extensive background includes HVAC/R wholesaling and sales analytics, where he honed his strategic planning skills. Tim's passion for project management is evident in his certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP®) and Six Sigma Green Belt. With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University, Tim brings a wealth of expertise to Merely Players Presents as a board member, eager to contribute his strategic insights to our community theatre.
Tina Barnhill
Board Member
Since childhood, Tina's passion for theater has been unwavering. She began with stage crew in high school but was drawn to the spotlight in her senior year, leading her to minor in Theatre in college. After returning to acting in 2017, Tina embraced various roles from costuming to directing. Now, as a Board Member at Merely Players Presents, she eagerly shares her passion while delving deeper into the inner workings of community theater.
Tia Nickole Fagan
Board Member
With over 20 years of project management experience, Tia is adept at navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Alongside her professional endeavors, she is an advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within communities of color. Tia is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and nurturing emerging talent in the theatre. You might remember her from our December 2023 stage performance “Winter Vibez”, where she played Flurry in "Joyeux Noel" and Sabina in "Dolls." As one of our newest board members, she looks forward to blending her expertise, passion for the arts, and strategic vision to support the overarching goals of Merely Players Presents.
Da'non Dastugue
Board Member
Originally from New Orleans, Da’non has immersed herself in Atlanta's theatre scene for over three years - recently playing Betty in “Independence Day at Happy Meadows” at Merely Players Presents. With 45 years of diverse experience in acting, directing, costuming, teaching, and script evaluation, Da’non holds an M.A. in Directing from Roosevelt University and an M.S. in Speech Communication from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Currently, she serves as the Program Director of Speech & Communication at Gwinnett Technical College. Her theatrical journey spans cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Atlanta, where she's acted, directed, and instructed youth theatre. Humbled and honored to join Merely Players as a Board member, she's eager to contribute her expertise and passion.
Trish Thompson
Board Member
Trish is a fervent supporter of the arts scene in Doraville. A native of the city, Trish has eagerly witnessed its growth into an artistic hub. With a solid background in marketing, she's excited to bring her strategic prowess to Merely Players Presents, enhancing its creative and marketing endeavors. By day, Trish excels as a marketing manager at CloudRadial, infusing her work with creativity and innovation. Additionally, she's a talented singer-songwriter and emerging screenwriter, adding depth to her artistic pursuits. With her passion for the performing arts and diverse skill set, Trish is poised to make a meaningful impact on Merely Players Presents and be a part of its emergence into the Doraville arts scene.
2024-26 ADVISORY BOARD
Lo-Mae Lai
Lo-Mae is a seasoned media and intellectual property attorney with extensive experience in the entertainment industry. She has represented major tech and entertainment companies such as Amazon, Netflix, and Paramount Pictures Corporation, negotiating complex contract and license agreements. With a deep understanding of IP law, she excels at providing strategic advice and managing trademark portfolios. Eager to contribute her expertise, Lo-Mae is excited to join Merely Players Presents as an advisory board member, bringing her strategic thinking and creative flair to the table.
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Kevin Dew
Kevin's passion for theatre is evident in his multifaceted involvement, from directing productions like "Good People" to acting in various roles. A seasoned Actuarial Systems expert, Kevin has a robust background in defined benefit valuations and administration His expertise spans across Fortune 250 firms like Aon Consulting and his strategic leadership in system development and global training initiatives underscores his commitment to operational excellence. His blend of technical and artistic passion makes him a valuable addition to Merely Players Presents' advisory board.
Rick Perera
Rick is a distinguished graduate of Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. As an NGO communications and fundraising specialist, he focuses on international humanitarian issues. With fluency in multiple languages, Rick has excelled in managing fundraising, media, and communication platforms for global organizations. His expertise spans traditional and social media campaigns, donor relations, advocacy, and crisis communications. With a background in international journalism, Rick brings a unique blend of skills to the advisory board, making him an invaluable asset to Merely Players Presents.
Steve McElroy
Member at Large
Steve is an experienced private investigator, musician, and playwright. His children’s musical, “The Bus Stops Here” premiered at the former Atlanta Cuban Club in 2019. As a former board member who served for four years, McElroy brings his background as a continued supporter of live theatre and Merely Players Presents.