our team

Dan Danielowski


Executive Director

Dan received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls, majoring in communications with a theatre emphasis.  His Masters in Educational Administration came from Northern Illinois University. Dan’s administrative experience includes the Rockford Public Schools as both a district-wide administrator and a high school principal at East High School and Roosevelt Alternative High School. Dan worked as the Assistant Executive Director at Comprehensive Community Solutions, a not-for-profit in Rockford, Illinois.  Along the way he acquired extensive theatre background as a director, performer, musician and producer, as well as over twenty years of administrative and nonprofit experience.

 

Tommy Ranieri


Artistic Director

Tommy Ranieri brings his extensive experience in directing, producing, writing, and educating to the Timber Lake Playhouse as the Artistic Director. In the 2023 season, Tommy directed "9 to 5: The Musical" here at TLP. A graduate from NYU Tisch School of The Arts with a BFA in Drama Directing, Tommy's career began near his hometown on Long Island, NY and quickly transferred to Manhattan. His dedication to new work development and reimagining classic musical theatre has marked him as a distinguished figure in the industry.  Tommy's approach to artistry is deeply rooted in collaboration and emotional connection. He thrives in working with curious actors, exploring the vast range of human emotions through storytelling, always guided by clarity and kindness. This philosophy has been a cornerstone in his numerous projects, including the Non-Equity National Premiere of ABBA’s "Mamma Mia!" and the pandemic-era production of Sky-Pony's "The Wildness."  Tommy worked for The Nederlander Organization and contributed to the re-opening of Broadway on the management team for "Tina - The Tina Turner Musical" on Broadway. At RWS Global, as the Manager of Theatrical Creative Development, Tommy has honed his skills in diverse creative arenas, collaborating with notable entities like The Warner Brothers, MSC Cruises, The Fred Rogers Company and The Hershey Company alongside dozens of Theme Parks, Cruise Ships and Resorts around the world. At Timber Lake Playhouse, Tommy aims to foster a space where curiosity thrives, stories reflect the world's diversity, and every performance is an unforgettable, five sense experience. www.tommyranieri.com

 

Bill Titus


Manager of Operations

Bill started his TLP journey as a volunteer, stepped into a management role as an Administrative Assistant in April of 2016, and now assists the Executive Director in all theatre operations, supervising Human Resources, Facilities and Front of House. Bill has nine years customer service experience and seven years of managerial experience.

 

Sydney Vega Pauley
Administrative Assistant

Sydney is thrilled to be reestablishing her connection to TLP. Passionate about the marriage between administrative and artistic goals, she is not only a lifelong patron of TLP, she has been a Production Manager, Company Manager, Props Designer, Social Media Manager, Child Wrangler, & Assistant to the Artistic and Executive Director at your theatre in the woods. Prior to her move back to Illinois, she graduated from The American Musical & Dramatic Academy with a conservatory certificate in Musical Theatre in 2022 and focused on her composer, lyricist, and director journey in New York City's Washington Heights. A Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast, she also founded Tabletop Theatre Troupe, an artist-centered roleplaying game collective. She holds a Digital Media Arts certificate from WACC, and is proficient in content creation for social media marketing for theatrical experiences. With all facets of her, she is constantly striving to create community through art.

 

Erika

Tubbs


Office Assistant

Erika grew up in Carroll County, more specifically Savanna, IL. She still remembers visiting TLP with her classmates for their end of the year Field Trip. She’s been coming back ever since. Erika has worked in the office field for many years as the Manager of The Answer Fitness and Physical Therapy.  You may also have seen her previously working at the Mount Carroll Veterinarian Clinic. She is most excited to meet the cast and see the shows from a different angle.