Board & Staff
President
Kristina Lawson-McKay, a graduate of Penn State University. Recently relocated to San Diego from Nashville, TN where she was very active in film and theatre. After completing a community education program in Film I, II, and III at Watkins College of Art, Design & Film she produced, wrote, and directed over 15 short films, many under her former production company Bottled Fairy Light Productions. She loved participating in film festivals most notably the Nashville 48 Hour Film festival where she and her team took home several awards.
Kristina has also acted in many short films, plays, in-house commercials and an appearance in the movie Smart People with Sara Jessica Parker, Dennis Quaid, and Elliot Page. She was an actor and charter board member of Center Stage Players in Nitro, WV and had a short internship with the Nashville Repertory Theater. Kristina has also been a part-time sub teacher and tutor for over 13 years in Metro-Nashville Public Schools. She has a passion for the performing arts especially in its capacity to educate and expose people to other cultures and ideas through entertainment. Kristina is beyond excited to be working with OnStage Playhouse to help bring quality ‘Theatre Worth Talking About’ to her new Chula Vista community.
Vice President
Veronica Burgess is a local artist, who has performed on various stages throughout San Diego County. She has grown up here, in Chula Vista, since starting school in the US, in second grade. Originally from Tijuana, MX, she understands the significance of being a border town and how impactful the arts can be. Veronica is a theatre graduate from SDSU and currently a teaching artist for The Old Globe Theater.
Treasurer
Ray-Anna Ranae was last seen at OnStage Playhouse as Alice in Audrey Cefaly’s Alabaster. Her other credits include Salena in Christopher
Durang’s Turning Off the Morning News, LaWanda/Madea Jones in The Colored Museum (La Jolla Playhouse), Doctor Sister in Christian St. Croix’s We Lovers (SRT), and Steele in A Piece of My Heart (OnStage). She holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from UW-Green Bay and moved to the area in 2011 to further hone her craft. Recently, she began a master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is passionate about integrating the arts into therapeutic practices. Having experienced firsthand the transformative power of the arts, she is inspired to explore their role in supporting mental health and well-being.
Secretary
Member At Large
James has been a proud resident of San Diego for the past 15 years, prior to that he resided in Cleveland Ohio. James’ passion for theatre began as a young gay plopped down in the middle of a pig farm. He first graced the stage at the age of 8 and hasn’t looked back since. He has graced the stage in numerous states and is super happy to call OSP his home. He has been the Artistic Director since 2019 following in the graceful footsteps of Ms. Teri Brown. He is proud to continue the challenging, inspiring, and contemporary works that she debuted in this space. He hopes that you will support OSP’s mission of inclusivity and representation in San Diego theatre. It’s important, it’s necessary, and it is what’s needed not only to survive, but to thrive!
Member at Large
Salomón Maya is a two-time regional Emmy Award-winning producer, playwright, and actor who has performed on notable stages such as La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, and OnStage Playhouse. As a playwright, his works include full-length plays Gridlock, Mugre, Masa, and one-act anomaly.exe. Beyond the stage, Salomón is a Media Producer and Copywriter, and contributes as an entertainment columnist for L’Chaim San Diego Magazine. A dedicated advocate for the arts, he proudly serves on the board of the NTC Foundation at Liberty Station and OnStage Playhouse.
Member At Large
Bio coming soon.
Member At Large
Bio coming soon.
Executive Artistic Director
James has been a proud resident of San Diego for the past 15 years, prior to that he resided in Cleveland Ohio. James’ passion for theatre began as a young gay plopped down in the middle of a pig farm. He first graced the stage at the age of 8 and hasn’t looked back since. He has graced the stage in numerous states and is super happy to call OSP his home. He has been the Artistic Director since 2019 following in the graceful footsteps of Ms. Teri Brown. He is proud to continue the challenging, inspiring, and contemporary works that she debuted in this space. He hopes that you will support OSP’s mission of inclusivity and representation in San Diego theatre. It’s important, it’s necessary, and it is what’s needed not only to survive, but to thrive!
Assistant to Artistic Director
We are currently seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team and help shape the future of OnStage Playhouse. If you’re interested in getting involved, please don’t hesitate to fill out the form below. We will provide you with further information and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!