Our Mission
Get in the Act is a team of professionally trained artists and educators that use the performing arts as powerful teaching tools to enhance and strengthen the learning process. We combine energizing performing arts techniques with guided-inquiry in order to teach accurate, age appropriate content resulting in measurable learning gains.
Get in the Act History
Founded in September 2009, our non-profit work is a natural outgrowth of our successful ten years of creative arts programming in the underserved of the Northern Sierra Nevada region. By partnering with schools and community centers we have served over 10,000 students, parents, and audience participants with programs that educate and entertain.Our Teaching Artists
Get in the Act draws on the richness of the Sierra Nevada professional artist community in selecting our teaching artists. As experienced professionals working in their field, our educators bring their artistic excellence as well as respect and love of youth to our classrooms and students.
Executive Director
Diane Handzel, Founder and Board Chair
Diane draws on 30 years of teaching interdisciplinary arts education to students with special needs, at risk youth and English Language Learners. Diane holds a B.A. in Theater from the University of Michigan and a M.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts Education from Columbia College. She has taught at all levels of education including museums, colleges, community and youth theaters, K-12, and public and private schools. She has directed and produced over 50 theatrical productions from Shakespeare to Musical Theater.
Living in Nevada for the last ten years, Diane founded Get in the Act! and has helped transform the lives of over 2500 children and their families, and has delighted over 10,000 people with her performances in Lake Tahoe and the Reno area.
Secretary
Gary Handzel, Grant Writer and Financial Advisor
Gary's background in the performing arts started in 2000, when he was a stage technician for the 1200 seat Cal-Poly Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo. His contributions to Get in the Act include grant writing, curriculum development and day to day operations of the organization. Gary has over 25 years of experience as a financial advisor and he is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a dynamic and difference-making organization like Get in the Act .
Treasurer
Linda Lesniak, Ballet Instructor and Senior Caregiver
Linda fell in love with dance over 30 years ago while participating as a ballet dancer in the Flint Ballet Theater in Michigan. She is passionate about the arts and the enormous impact they have on people's lives. Linda is currently a Senior Caregiver and is an active participant in Dance Theater. Linda is honored to be a part of an organization that brings together three of her favorite things, dance, theater and children.Advisory Board
We are supported by a fantastic group of advisors. Our Advisory Council members act as ambassadors and offer guidance on key issues.- Pedro Kinner, Douglas County Parks and Recreation Supervisor
- Rudy Shelley, Retired Pharmacist and Community Theater Participant
- Betty Shelley, Visual Artist and Retired Nurse
- Beth Loureiro, 4H Coordinator
- Shelly Martinez, Director of Preschool, Roots and Wings
Employment Opportunities
Get in the Act has on-going job opportunities for teaching artists in theater, dance, creative writing/play writing, music and visual art.
- Long-term school partnerships
- Short-term school residencies and workshops
- Community enrichment classes
- Pre and post-show workshops
- After-school classes
To Apply
Send a cover letter and resume to:Get in the Act! Arts in Action
P.O. Box 4726
Stateline, Nevada 89449
email info@getintheact.org