About On Stage Savannah
Powered by Savannah Performance Alliance
Our Mission
Savannah Performance Alliance strongly believes that the Savannah performing arts community is just that: a community. A diverse collection of creative producers, directors, actors, singers, dancers, designers, technical crew, and more that are strong on their own but strongest when they come together to unite behind a common goal of bringing the arts to Savannah and the entire coastal region.
OnStageSavannah.com has two goals in mind:
To serve the public by providing locals and visitors alike with a one-stop resource for all things performing arts and entertainment in Savannah! If you're looking for a fun outing, check out our events calendar and be sure to sign up for our email list so we can let you know about all the latest performing arts events in the area.
To provide performing arts and performance companies the ability to reach new audiences, develop new relationships with businesses and donors, connect with each other, and make the job of producing theater and music easier!
Our Story
Savannah Performance Alliance was founded in 2018 by Executive Director Chris Bass, who has lived in Savannah since attending the Savannah College of Art and Design. He is an IT professional and actor who has performed with many theaters in the Savannah area. Through this experience he identified the need and benefit of having communication between the different entities in the performance community.
Savannah Performance Alliance now exists to encourage collaboration, communication and the coming together of our performance community and beyond. SPA's long term goal is to make Savannah recognized as a destination for excellent stage performance in the Southeast.
He was joined by Rick Garman, founder of the Savannah Cabaret and an award-winning screenwriter. Rick firmly believes that "high tides raise all boats" and was thrilled to be a part of the Savannah performing arts community, but saw an opportunity to make it even more vibrant than it already was by encouraging collaboration.
Kinetic Stages founder Ryan McCurdy joined the team in 2024 as a Consulting Producer. Ryan has been a passionate supporter of Savannah's performing arts community since appearing on local stages in the early 2000s.
SPA Team
For the Arts!
Chris Bass
Executive Director & Founder
For Chris, this has never been about building an organization; it's been about building a community. He leads SPA with the belief that when Savannah's artists, companies, and audiences truly find each other, something extraordinary happens. He's still chasing that, and he doesn't plan to stop.
Gwen Leahy
Managing Director
Gwen is the current stage manager for the historic Club One Cabaret and is a founding producer of The Bay Street Bombshells Burlesque Troupe. Gwen is a long-standing advocate for the Savannah theatre and performance community, especially concerning the melting pot of diversity it has become, and wishes to highlight the incredible talent it possesses by way of the hundreds of POC and LGBTQ+ actors who are the backbone of our theatre family; without them, there would be no us.
Rick Garman
Co-Founder
Founder of the Savannah Cabaret and award-winning screenwriter. Believes that "high tides raise all boats" in the arts community.
Ryan McCurdy
Consulting Producer
Founder of Kinetic Stages. Joined the team in 2024 as a passionate supporter of Savannah's performing arts community.
Board of Directors
Maureen Bergmueller
Board President
Maureen Bergmueller brings more than 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, and strategic leadership across the entertainment, education, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. She spent over 13 years as an executive in the entertainment industry with The Walt Disney Company, where she worked on major brand and new business initiatives. She later led marketing and communications for UC Berkeley Executive Education, supporting global executive programs and thought leadership. Throughout her career, Bergmueller has advised start-ups and established organizations on business development and strategic planning, and has worked with major brands including AT&T, MCI, Verizon, and Visa on launching new products and businesses. She currently works for Senior Citizens Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping older adults age successfully. Deeply engaged in the Savannah community, Bergmueller is currently the President of the Ardsley Park–Chatham Crescent Neighborhood Association, President of the Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent Garden Club and serves on the board of the Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs.
Teresa-Michelle W. Jackson
Board Vice President
Teresa-Michelle W. Jackson is a director, educator, and nonprofit leader whose career bridges the arts, higher education, and community-centered leadership. With more than 19 years of experience spanning film and television production, theatre, academic instruction, and cultural programming, TM brings a multidisciplinary and mission-driven perspective to her work as a board member of an arts collective. Teresa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts/Theatre from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Fine Arts in Media and Performing Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She is currently a doctoral candidate pursuing a PhD in Psychology, a path that deepens her commitment to understanding human behavior, identity, and systems of care. This academic and creative foundation allows her to blend artistic vision with strategic insight, executive coaching, and values-aligned leadership in service of individuals, organizations, and communities. As a former professor of theatre, she is a passionate champion of talent development, mentorship, and inclusive learning environments. Her teaching career emphasized both craft and confidence—equipping emerging artists with the technical skills, self-awareness, and resilience needed to sustain creative careers. This dedication to nurturing artists continues to inform her leadership within nonprofit and cultural organizations. Expanding beyond the classroom, Teresa transitioned into film and television production, contributing to projects affiliated with major industry leaders including Warner Bros., Showtime, and ARRAY. Her work in these spaces reflects a commitment to authentic storytelling, cultural representation, and creative collaboration across disciplines. Whether working on stage or screen, she centers stories that illuminate shared humanity and amplify voices that have historically been marginalized. In her consulting and leadership practice, Teresa is known for guiding organizations and leaders in building inclusive systems, strengthening strategic operations, and cultivating cross-sector partnerships. She excels at helping mission-driven institutions align vision with execution—supporting sustainable growth while remaining grounded in equity, access, and community impact. Her ability to translate big-picture goals into actionable strategies makes her a valued thought partner in board governance and organizational development. Teresa’s coaching and leadership philosophy are rooted in the art of storytelling and human connection. Drawing on her background in performance, psychology, and education, she leverages shared experiences to foster trust, clarity, and transformation. As a board member, she is deeply committed to advancing the arts as a catalyst for social connection, cultural preservation, and collective healing—ensuring that creative spaces remain accessible, inclusive, and impactful for generations to come.
Pete Messina
Board Treasurer
Peter J. Messina, Sr. is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, and Chartered Global Management Accountant, and Principal in the Certified Public Accounting firm of Messina & Associates Ltd. (www.messina-cpa.com). Pete was awarded his Bachelor of Arts Degree in accounting from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois in 1977. That same year he successfully completed and passed all testing requirements to be awarded his Certification as a Public Accountant (CPA) through the University of Illinois. Pete’s firm maintains offices in Chicago, IL (since the late 1970’s) and Savannah, GA (since the mid 1980’s). His firm represents individual, business and non-profit clients throughout the United States. In addition, Pete currently enjoys a position as a tax advisor with the aviation law firm of Jetlaw LLC (www.jetlaw.com). Pete holds a multi-engine, instrument rated Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, the highest pilot designation issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and is an avid flyer. Pete’s firm owns its own aircraft (Beechcraft Duke) allowing him and staff to commute between offices as needed, as well as visiting with clients throughout the country. In addition, Pete enjoys flying patients and family members for several non-profit organizations that coordinate transportation to medical facilities in which the families are either unable to afford the cost or are immune compromised in which airline flights are not an option. Pete and his wife Marianne reside in St. Charles, IL and have a home in Savannah GA. Professional Memberships: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), AICPA Tax Division, Georgia CPA Society, Illinois CPA Society, National Business Aviation Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Beech Duke Flyers Association, LifeLine Pilots, Angel Flight Central / Angel Flight Soars Education: Lewis University, B.A. 1977, University of Illinois, Certification as a Public Accountant
Megan Mason
Board Secretary
Megan Mason is a California native who has lived all over the United States and now joyfully calls Savannah her hometown. Her professional background in marketing was shaped during her time at Virginia Commonwealth University, leading to a career centered on the intersection of strategic growth and community advocacy. Her professional journey has long been fueled by a passion for the small business and nonprofit sectors—a commitment that began early in her career as a founding member of the Virginia Main Street Board. She is currently co-owner of Dee Daniels Media alongside her partner, Dee Daniels. They specialize in producing podcasts for small businesses and nonprofits, pairing Megan’s marketing expertise with Dee’s twenty-seven years of experience as an on-air personality, as well as in production and sound engineering. Together, they empower local brands and organizations through high-level storytelling and strategy. Under their leadership, the firm currently manages a roster of over 25 podcasts, serving clients both regionally and across the United States. Dee Daniels Media was just awarded Entrepreneurs of the Year by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. Since making Savannah her home, Megan has become a deeply active presence in the local community. She currently serves as an Ambassador on the Ambassador Council for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and is a dedicated board member for the local nonprofit Heroes for Hallie Grace. Megan also brings a wealth of philanthropic experience to the region, having spent many years in an active volunteer fundraising role for Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. as well as St. Jude’s. She is the proud mother of Catherine, a SCAD graduate living here in Savannah, and Connor, a VCU graduate living in Richmond.
Joe Stephen
Executive Board
Joe Steffen was born in Chicago, Illinois but raised in Galax, Virginia where he served two terms as the youngest City Council member. Since entering the practice of law in 1982 having graduated from Wake Forest University ( BA Cum laude History ) and the Marshall Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary he has been active in our community and governmental relations. Since moving to Savannah in 1999 he has been an active member of the Chatham County Democratic Party, served as its spokesman and worked on countless campaigns. He has taught at the college level in both Virginia and Georgia and served as Director of Legal & Government Relations for Savannah State University. In his private legal practice, he has been a tireless advocate for labor from textile workers in Virginia to educators and firefighters here in Georgia focusing on plaintiffs injury cases. He has also been a frequent political commentator on both local television and radio. He served two terms as Chair of the Savannah Historic Review Board and recently the Chair of the Chatham County Board of Elections. Joe Steffen has also served his community as Board Member of the Savannah Children’s Theatre ( appearing in mostly character roles in Annie, Fiddler, Secret Garden, Matilda and Mary Poppins ) , Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club, CASA ( Dancing! ) , King-Tisdell Foundation and Leadership Savannah. He is also a proud member of the 100 Black Men of Savannah. Joe is single but with his ex-wife founded LiamsLand.org a non-profit that has raised over $ 50,000 for research into childhood Lymphatic Malformation. He has two children, Amelie age 20 who attends Florida State studying theatre and voice ( who has appeared as Christine in Phantom and Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde among other roles in Savannah ) and Liam age 16 who attends Savannah Arts HS where focuses his “ artistic talent “ on the soccer pitch.
Ethan Watters
Executive Board
Ethan Watters is the owner of Electric Revenue, a marketing and project management consultancy serving both large corporate clients and mom-and-pop businesses. He designs automation and workflow systems that help small businesses operate more efficiently, and he supports larger organizations by developing clear Standard Operating Procedures with practical, easy-to-follow documentation. His gives teams the ability to deliver more projects on time while building repeatable processes that make future work smoother. As President of the Lamara Heights Neighborhood Association, Ethan helps lead civic and community efforts in Midtown Savannah. He organizes neighbors around shared priorities and builds simple, effective processes that make it easier for residents to collaborate and improve the quality of life. Ethan lives in Lamara Heights near Habersham Village with his wife, Manasi, and their Pekingese, Lumi. He is passionate about urbanism and supports efforts that expand affordable housing, improve citizens’ access to public transit in Savannah, and strengthen participation in the arts.