RAH! Board of Directors
"You are here, at the start of a moment, at the edge of the world."
- Come From Away
Nicole Marie DePietro
Founder & Creative Director
Nicole DePietro attended Molloy College to earn her undergraduate degree in English with a minor in Theatre Arts (this was before they even HAD a Theatre Major, which tells you how old she is...). She also earned her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University.
Nicole first fell in love with theatre and all the arts around it at the age of 9, when she attended her first acting classes. Since then she has held nearly every role in theatre from Director to Stage Crew. Of all her theatrical endeavors, her favorite has been sharing her love of theatre through teaching. Prior to moving to North Carolina, she was the Director of theatrical productions at Valley Stream North High School in Valley Stream, NY.
She has been a teacher in North Carolina for 17 years, starting her career at Parkwood Middle School, where she ran the Drama Program for 12 years. She currently is the Apparel teacher and Costume Director at Central Academy of Technology and Arts.
Nicole began RAH! to provide a safe, affirming, and most of all, fun space for teens to explore their love of all things theatre. She hopes to continue the legacy of compassion and empathy left behind by her dad, who passed away in 2023.
When she isn't working on a production she enjoys spending time with her husband, her dogs, and her mom. She also loves to spend time alone, because she is secretly (like all theatre kids) an introvert.
Haley Kerr
Assistant Director
Haley has been part of RAH! Theatre since its founding in 2022. She taught middle school English in Union County for 9 years and received her graduate degree from UNC-Charlotte. Haley then joined the team at Carolina Cross Connection as their Director of Access, where she currently works. She, and her husband, Daniel, welcomed their daughter, Piper, into the mix in November 2022. In her downtime, Haley enjoys taking her dogs to the lake, and reading. She loves her role at RAH! Theatre, as it allows her to continue to teach students in an environment where they can thrive and find their voice.
Cara Brown
Board Member
Cara was born and raised in small-town Ohio. In her high school years she volunteered backstage at a youth theatre company and has been drawn to the magic of theatre ever since. She transitioned careers in 2021 and started teaching middle-school English Language Arts, a dream long overdue. She loves seeing students come alive both on-stage and off as part of a close-knit theatre community. She also loves traveling with her husband, Scott, baking delicious treats, and cuddles with her puppy, Calie.
Brittany Bethel
Musical Advisor
Brittany is the Executive Director of Carolina Cross Connection. Born and raised in Texas, she graduated with a BA in Music from Columbus State University in Georgia, a MA in Worship Theology from Dallas Baptist University in Texas, and an EdD in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She is also a Senior Consultant for PMA Nonprofit Leadership in Charlotte. She and her wife, Taylor, live in Charlotte, NC. She is excited to be part of RAH! Theatre and to help create a space where students feel accepted, affirmed and loved.
