Michael Buzzelli
Board Member
Michael Buzzelli is a stand-up comedian and sit-down author. As a comedian, Buzzelli has performed all around the country, most notably at the Ice House, the Comedy Store, and the Improv in Los Angeles.
As a writer, Buzzelli has published in a variety of websites, magazines, and newspapers. He is a theater and arts critic for 'Burgh Vivant,’ Pittsburgh's online cultural talk magazine. Buzzelli is a contributing writer for QBurgh Magazine and the Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ paper. Buzzelli is also a Moth Grand Slam storyteller and actor. His play, “Broccoli on the Side,” was published in Silk Road Review, a literary magazine. His play, “The Bowl,” was produced by Riverfront Theater Company as part of the Pittsburgh New Works Festival.
His books include "Below Average Genius," a collection of essays culled from my weekly humor column in the Observer-Reporter, and my romantic comedy, “All I Want for Christmas," and a short story, “Study Buddy,” in a collection titled “Winter Break.” His books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major online retailers.
Nancy Batko
Treasurer
bio
Amy Joseph
President
Amy first became involved with the Pittsburgh New Works through her participation with one of the 18 participating companies, R-ACT Theatre Productions. Her involvement grew in 2016 when she accepted a Board position and volunteered to manage Front of House during the Festival. Amy’s love of the Arts and passion for Arts Advocacy keeps her busy in various roles throughout the region. Her favorite role is Wife and Mom to her ever-supportive family.
James Critchfield Board Member
Jim has served on the Pittsburgh New Works Festival board of directors for the past three seasons and has directed and/or produced for the festival in 14 of the past 16 seasons.
Mr. Critchfield holds two theatre degrees from Point Park University (acting & theatre education).
Jim has spent a lifetime performing, directing, teaching, and producing across Western PA with many of our local professional production companies including the opportunity to perform for: the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Playhouse Rep., Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theater, The Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Keystone State Music Theater, and Pittsburgh Musical Theater, to name a few.
Some of Jim's favorite roles include Tevye (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF), Psuedolus (A FUNNY THING...FORUM), Stage Manager (OUR TOWN), Reverend Shaw Moore (FOOTLOOSE), Robert (PROOF), Pontius Pilate (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR), Wizard/Marvel (THE WIZARD OF OZ), and, for 18 Christmas seasons, Ebenezer Scrooge (A CHRISTMAS CAROL).
Mr. Critchfield has also taught acting and/or musical theater for Point Park University, The University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University's Vincentian Academy, Actors Civic Theater, The Father Ryan Arts Center, and Pittsburgh Musical Theater.
Jim enjoys singing in professional musicals, operas, operettas, concerts, and at the Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church, where he is presently a tenor soloist and section leader.
Claire DeMarco
Board Member
Claire loves Pittsburgh New Works!!! Other interests – Theater reviewer for Burgh’ Vivant and Area Coordinator – Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania for the National Italian American Foundation. Addicted to Pasta and Chocolate!
Heather Ruppert (she/her)
Board Member
Heather Ruppert has been a board member for the PNWF for 3 years and is part of the Play Selection Committee.
Heather has been involved in theatre for over 25 years. She has been a main cast member in The Second City’s national show, The Massive Weight of our Bearable Talents (online/Chicago). Regionally and locally, she has acted in shows for many companies including the PNWF, The Summer Company, R-Act, Savoyards, Silver Theatre Company, and DDP. Heather is also a director and has most recently directed for PNWF in 2024 and for The Summer Company’s regional premier of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd in 2025. She previously wrote and acted in a sketch comedy group, AT & Love. Heather is also a board member of the Pittsburgh International Classic Theatre (PICT).
Heather holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a Masters Degree in Education and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) from Duquesne University. She is a PA certified school psychologist and holds the position of Special Education Coordinator at a local charter school.
Board Members
Susan Zimecki Secretary
John Lane Board Member
Timothy Ruppert Board Member
Elysse Dalzell Board Member
Linda Haston Board Member
Paul E Block Board Member
Shelly Cary Board Member