Our Story
The Friends of the Theater supports the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts as a thriving destination for Hancock County residents and visitors.
In 2017, the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts, a privately owned historic theater at 122 W. Main St. in Greenfield, lost its long-held county funding - a critical source of taxpayer support for the downtown performing arts venue. Fearing the doors might close, the local arts community came together to find a solution. And so, the Friends of the Theater was born.
Today, the theater's operation depends on grants and donations from people like you. The Friends of the Theater works with the Hancock County Visitors Bureau, the nonprofit that owns the Ricks, to put those dollars to good use. Your contribution assures the Ricks remains a place for all ages to enjoy. We thank you for your support!
Our Team
Noelle Russell
President
Noelle Russell has enjoyed the Ricks theater both as a performer and as a patron since she moved to Greenfield in 2006. Formerly the editor of the Greenfield Daily Reporter, Noelle now works for the state of Indiana, serving as deputy communications director for the Department of Child Services.
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Sandy Miller
Vice President
Sandy Miller, a Greenfield resident for more than 40 years, attended movies at the Ricks theater and later performed in community theater there. She is retired from Anthem, Inc. where she served as deputy general counsel and then as president of Anthem’s Federal Government Business Division. She is active in several community organizations and wants to help ensure that the theater remains vibrant.
Amy Studabaker
Secretary
Amy Studabaker is a mom to two kids during the day and a choir and voice teacher in the evening. She fell in love with Hancock County after teaching choir at Mt Vernon Schools for six years and moved with her family to Greenfield in 2016. Amy enjoys performing and music directing shows on the Ricks stage and looks forward to the opportunities her kids have in the future to tread the boards of Greenfield’s historic theater!
Wayne Addison
Treasurer
Wayne Addison has been a licensed Indiana Auctioneer since 1979 conducting hundreds of benefit auctions and acting as MC at many charitable events. Formerly the Chief Probation Officer of Hancock County, Wayne now works as the Pre-Trial Release Probation Officer for Hancock County.
Jerry Bell
Board Member
Jerry Bell of Greenfield was welcomed back to the board in 2022 after having served as one of the Friends' founding members. His background in performing arts includes 28 years as a high school band director and music supervisor, as well as four years as a music teacher. He has has extensive experience in the nonprofit world, having served as president of Nameless Creek Youth Camp since 2006. Jerry has also been on the board of the Greenfield Sertoma Club since 1977.
Rachel Holmes
Board Member
Rachel Holmes lives in Greenfield with her husband and her son. She shares an enthusiastic love of the arts with the Hancock County community by serving as the Art Director of the Greenfield Parks Department. Rachel brings visual artistry and passion to our board, and we're delighted to have her on our team.
Christine Schaefer
Board Member
Christine Schaefer has been active in the theater community in Hancock County since 1997, the year she founded her children's theater program, KidsPlay, Inc. She also founded CrazyLake, an community acting troupe, in 2007. Chris has produced more than 60 plays and musicals with KidsPlay and CrazyLake, most of which were hosted at the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts, a space Chris fondly calls "our home theater."
Randy Sorrell
Board Member
Randy Sorrell is a patron of the arts, an experienced board member, and the owner of a successful Hancock County law practice.
Debbie Wilkerson
Board Member
A lifelong resident of Greenfield, Debbie Wilkerson has owned and directed Wilkerson Dance Studio for forty-two years, bringing professional dance instruction and performances to the area. Her dedication to arts in Hancock County has led her to supporting the preservation of this historic theater.