Karl Gasteyer, Executive Director

Karl is currently enjoying his position as executive director of The Klein.

Over the past twenty years Karl has run two theater companies, taught theater at university and middle school levels, toured with road shows throughout North America, worked as an electrician revamping large and small theater lighting systems all over Connecticut, created new theater spaces involving working with fire marshals and building inspectors, made a living as a working actor, supplied work for other working actors and created new theater pieces as a writer, director and choreographer. Karl has been a stage manager, technical director, sound and light board operator, stage carpenter, company manager, theater electrician and is a member of the Actors’ Equity Association.

He is experienced in theater administration and has written proposals and negotiated contracts with large and small theater organizations including the Actors’ Equity Association, the Garde Arts Center, and casino theaters such as Foxwoods, the Atlantic City Tropicana, and the Turning Stone in the Catskills, as well as numerous conference centers and non-traditional theater spaces.

As an educator Karl has served in various capacities. At Quinnipiac University he worked as an adjunct professor teaching performance fundamentals and as the technical director for their shows at Long Wharf. The position involved working with students on all aspects of production and organizing the collaboration between the Long Wharf staff and the students. Karl taught acting and dance at The Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School in New Haven and has brought theater, music, dance and clowning workshops to many schools and summer camps over the years.

Cara Bertini, Director of Development

A native of Stratford and long-time supporter of performing arts education, Cara is thrilled to be on staff at the Klein. Cara worked for eight summers as a program staffer and administrator at Audubon Arts, a summer performing arts program in New Haven. She holds an MA in theater and has performed in a variety of musicals, performance art works, and productions of Shakespeare in Connecticut. She has also held teaching and administrative positions at arts and educational institutions throughout the tri-state area, including Hunter College (New York City), Neighborhood Music School (New Haven), Concordia Conservatory (Bronxville, New York) and the Westport Arts Center. Cara is also an active choral performer and has appeared with choirs in San Francisco, St. John (U.S. Virgin Islands), and Buenos Aires.

George Comer, Bookkeper / Accountant

George is a graduate of Housatonic Community College. He has been active with several local organizations such as The Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library, Republican Town Committee and Park City Toastmasters. George has served in several appointed and elected positions with the City of Bridgeport.

Board of Directors

James O’Donnell, President
Thomas Errichetti, Treasurer
Frank Borres
Laurence Caso
Troy Dixon
Hal Fischel
Maureen Hamill
Joan Kern