About Us

Ghostlight Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 

All donations are tax deductible. Tax ID 27-165605

Laura Vines - Executive Director

Laura was an original founding member of Ghostlight Theatre, serving on the Board of Directors as Secretary/Treasurer from 2010 - 2015. She returned to the Ghostlight Board in 2021 and is thrilled to have the privilege to now serve as Executive Director. Laura holds a BA degree in Theater Arts from Pepperdine University and an MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport. She taught high school theater at Liberty High School in the Peoria Unified School District from 2008 - 2011, and served on the AZ State Thespian Board during the same time. The majority of her career has been spent with The Disney Store, where she worked as a store manager and area manager for over 16 years. She currently works as an HRBP for Omnicare, a division of CVS Health. Laura lives in Goodyear, AZ with her husband, Richard, and their two children, Skye and Eddie. 

Justin Harris - Production Manager

Justin received his BA degree in Theatre from Arizona State University. He is honored to serve as the Production Manager on Ghostlight’s Board. He is a project manager with the State of Arizona, where he has worked for over 10 years. Justin has acted in numerous shows in the Valley, as well in Chicago, Illinois and Traverse City, Michigan. He earned an AriZoni Award for his performance in Ghostlight Theatre’s production of "Don’t Dress For Dinner." He is blessed with an amazing wife and two fantastic children. 

GinaKay Howell- Marketing director/Secretary

GinaKay has been onstage for over twenty years and behind the scenes as a designer and marketer in most recent years while serving on the Board. She received two Bachelor's degrees in Musical Theatre and Drama Education from California State University San Bernardino. She has been nominated and received several acting awards including Best Supporting Actress in a play for “Hand to God” at Generic Theatre in Virginia. GinaKay is excited to be serving on the Board of Directors with her husband Michael! They have lived all over the country traveling for his work in the United States Navy. She dedicates all her work on and offstage to his support. "Love you SodaPop!"

Michael howell - Treasurer

Michael “Mickey” Howell holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Arizona State University. He is currently serving as an active-duty recruiter for the United States Navy while also pursuing his passion for the performing arts. After dedicating several years to the theatre in his youth, Michael took an eight-year hiatus to fulfill his military duties overseas. Following three deployments and two duty stations, he is excited to reconnect with the vibrant arts community he cherishes. His commitment to God, country, and family fuels his enthusiasm for contributing to and engaging with the arts. Mickey is excited to be serving on the Board of Directors with his wife GinaKay. "Love you Goldy!"

Howie Johnson - Front of House Director

Howie hails from the south side of Chicago.  He spent 20 years working in the trucking industry from dock worker all the way up to Terminal Manager.  After taking an early retirement he spent the next 20 years working in T.V., film, and a host of Chicago theaters.   Howie also acts as volunteer coordinator. He is absolutely thrilled to have found a home here in Arizona with such an amazing group of people.  He has the best wife ever and loves every moment he gets to spend with her.  

SHeridan Wood - Communications Director

Sheridan has been with Ghostlight as a performer from the very beginning. She has also worked as the production manager at Banzerini House in Anthem for the 2022-2023 season for such shows as Bye Bye Birdie, The Jungle Book Jr. and The Lion King Jr. Outside of theatre, you can catch Sheridan performing in jazz clubs all around Phoenix, either solo or with The Nash Vocal Ensemble. 

Richard Vines - Director of Special Projects

Richard Vines is an original founder of Ghostlight Theatre. He has a Bachelors in Theatre Performance from Northern Arizona University. Richard has written, acted, produced, and directed numerous plays and musicals, including directing the first ten shows at Ghostlight. He has been a Drama teacher since 2010 and has spent the past 10 years at BASIS Goodyear.  He earned an Arizoni Award for his role as George in Ghostlight Theatre’s production of Don’t Dress for Dinner and has also been featured at Stand Up Live. He has an amazing wife and 2 unbelievable teens, as well as two crazy dogs. Go Dbacks! 

Gabriel Escudero - Director at Large

Gabe Escudero is a non-binary artist in the valley. They have directed multiple shorts, one acts and full length plays. They have been involved in various productions at TheatreWorks, Ghostlight Theatre, Mesa Encore Theatre, and B3 Theatre Inc. Gabe also sits as President for The B3 Theater Board of Directors.