Staff

Arlene, a Staten Island resident, has a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Temple University and a Masters degree in Social Work from Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research. While practicing clinical social work, she spent her spare time participating with community theater organizations both on stage (dancing and singing) and behind

Ariel (she/her) is the second Artistic Director of IlluminArt Productions and founded IlluminArt’s Theatre for Young Audiences Season in 2022, bringing theatre to local families on Staten Island. Ariel has her MFA in Performing Arts Management from CUNY Brooklyn and a BA in Theater and Graphic Design from Oswego State University of New York. Ariel has

Dr. Holly Bonner is an award-winning mental health professional, college professor, and writer. She is passionate about fostering inclusion and creativity through community engagement and the arts. Dr. Bonner holds a Doctorate in Ministry, a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, and a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University. She is also a New York State–licensed

Manny Mercado (he/him) is thrilled to join IlluminArt as Finance Manager. With more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and 14 years with private organizations, Manny brings extensive expertise in finance and accounting, along with a strong commitment to supporting mission-driven organizations. Manny earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Pace University

Kristi Sorkin (she/her) is starting her 11th season with IlluminArt Productions as the Associate Artistic Director after spending 9 fabulous seasons as a touring company actor. She has a BFA in Acting from Wayne State University in Detroit. Kristi teaches musical theater, dance, and mural-making, and choreographs mainstage musicals for and with young audiences with

Liz Carlin (she/her) is a multidisciplinary theatre artist and is so happy to be deepening her relationship with IlluminArt as the new Education Coordinator! Previously with IlluminArt, Liz directed last year’s library tour (Furry Tails), was an actor in the 2025-26 touring company, and was a teaching artist as well. Liz holds a B.A. in Acting and an

Ally Popick is the Stage Manager and Audio Technician for IlluminArt Productions Touring Company and a freelance audio engineer and stage manager. She originally started on the stage as an actor and musician, but throughout her time doing theater and music, she fell in love with what goes on behind the scenes and decided to

Tara is a recent graduate of Purchase College. As a Sociology major, much of her education has been based around understanding how social environments can help shape individuals’ lives. Through sociological exploration, she has grown incredibly fond of arts empowerment, specifically organizations such as IlluminArt Productions, which fosters personal and communal growth through arts education

Patty Ceresine, co-founded IlluminArt with Arlene Sorkin in 2002. Trained at the Pasadena Playhouse, Patty has lifelong experience as a singer, dancer, and actor. Her long career in entertainment includes musical  theater, night club singing, leading her own band, television commercials, industrial films and 19 years as rehearsal director for the Festival Dancers, a resident dance company at

Randy has a BFA in Theater from Wayne State University in his native Detroit and a Masters in Social Work from the College of Staten Island. He is currently a Social Worker at PS 59 and previously was the Clinical Coordinator at Project Hospitality’s Shine Center for HIV Services. Randy served as Artistic Director for