Almitra Clerkin, Executive Director (2006- ) at the Erie Playhouse, was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Villa Maria Academy, Almi went on to Gannon University and graduated cum laude with a degree in business management. Before beginning her career at the EP, she served as assistant to the external affairs director at Mercyhurst College, customer service manager at Progressive Insurance Financial Services in Richmond, VA and development director at Villa Maria Academy. Almi began her volunteer years at the Erie Playhouse in 1977 and was hired as Youtheatre Director in 1992. In 2001, she added the duties of development director. Her favorite shows include A Little Night Music (Charlotte) and My Fair Lady (dancing chorus). She has directed numerous productions, most recently The Producers, Willy Wonka Jr. and The Spitfire Grill. Almi looks forward to directing and choreographing Chicago, directing Pride and Prejudice and choreographing Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical in our 93rd season. She has been married to husband Shawn for 24 wonderful years and is very proud of her son, Seamus.