Board of Directors
Richard Powers Hardt
(Artistic Director)
Richard Powers Hardt (he/him) has been acting, directing, designing and writing for the theatre for 50 years. He was founding member of The Shakespeare Theatre (1996-2007) and Off Center Productions (2007-2009). He served as Artistic Committee Chair and board member at TheaterWorks from 2008-2017 and has served on the board of Theatre Artists Studio and the ariZoni Theatre Association, where he also served as board president for two years. Richard directed the acclaimed Arizona premieres of Maple and Vine, Rapture, Blister, Burn and Grand Concourse. Richard’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol has delighted audiences at Theater Works since 2010. For Richard, the 5th Wall Playhouse is a longtime dream come true.
Rob Evans
(Board President)
Rob Evans has been involved in theatre in the valley for over 35 years. He has been acting, directing, producing, and writing for the theatre since high school. A former Artist-in-Residence at the educational level, he spent his time mentoring, coaching, and directing high school performers. He has worked with theatres around the valley with multiple ariZoni Award nominations and wins. Along with prior theatre Board leadership positions, he has served in both artistic and administrative roles, and has previously worked as Managing Director and Artistic Director. Rob was a co-founder of Off-Center Productions and Ark Theatre. He is a proud advocate of the power and importance of community theatre.
Lee Powers
(Vice President)
Lee Powers is an ariZoni Award–winning actor whose theatrical journey began in 1976 and has included standout roles like Sweeney Todd. Offstage, he brings 40+ years of experience in aerospace engineering and serves on multiple industry review boards. A longtime supporter of valley theater, Lee is thrilled to help 5th Wall Playhouse grow into a home for risk-taking, conversation-starting work.
Kathie Merritt
(Board Secretary)
Kathie Merritt is a longtime performer and arts advocate with a background in music, education, and counseling. After earning degrees in Special Education and School Counseling, she built a fulfilling career in public education while staying connected to community theater. Upon returning to Arizona in 2023, she jumped back into the local arts scene and quickly aligned with 5th Wall’s mission. Kathie brings deep roots in musical theatre and a passion for creating spaces that inspire reflection and connection.
Bianca Leung
(Board Treasurer)
Bianca Leung is an actor and singer who brings a blend of performance training and healthcare experience to her creative work. With a background as a Registered Dietitian and Physician Assistant, Bianca transitioned into the arts after studying at Verve Studios and performing in productions like Freaky Friday and Legally Blonde. She’s passionate about storytelling, community, and the transformative magic of theatre, and is honored to help shape 5th Wall’s future.
Felicia Penza
(Board Member)
Felicia Penza is a multidisciplinary creative whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, design, and performance. She has shaped the visual identity of 5th Wall Playhouse’s inaugural season, bringing her signature style and deep understanding of narrative to every production asset. With a background in vocal performance, writing, stand-up comedy, and theatrical storytelling, she brings an artist’s eye and a performer’s heart to her design work—ensuring that each poster, promo, and program carries the same emotional pulse as the work on stage.
Through her dual lens as a designer and performer, Felicia is invested in building a bold, inclusive space for theatre in the West Valley—where creative risk and community engagement go hand in hand.
Kolby Reece Kelly
(Board Member)
Kolby Kelly is a dedicated member of the Board of Directors at 5th Wall Theatre. Kolby studied musical theatre performance at Wichita State University and has a public relations and marketing degree from the University of Arizona. With his experience as both a performer and Database Program Manager, Kolby brings both an actor’s insight and strategic vision to the board.
Kolby is excited to be a part of this organization and its mission to bring a welcoming and inclusive space for artists with a passion for telling compelling stories that reflect the range of human experience.
