RISING STARS YOUTH THEATRE CO.
A Broadway World nominated non-profit, committed to enhancing arts education
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MEET OUR BOARD & STAFF
Some board members have requested to stay anonymous
LAURA A. RIZZO Ed.D.
Executive Director | President | Board Member
Ms. Rizzo is the Executive Director & President of RSYTC and has been performing since the age of 5. After college she toured with the American Ballet Theatre, and toured in several Broadway shows. In addition to performing in numerous shows both on and off Broadway she did print work and commercials and was a member of SAG and Actors Equity Association. She has been teaching, directing and choreographing for youth for over 36 years. Ms. Rizzo holds a doctorate degree in ESOL from Northcentral University, and most recently received a third masters degree in Educational Leadership graduating summa cum laude from Western New Mexico University. She also holds 2 other masters degrees in Educational Theatre, and Educational Dance from NYU, and a bachelor's degree in Dance/Theatre from Bard College. She is a certified Dance and Theatre teacher in N.J. She has directed/choreographed over 203 shows for children in both the U.S. and abroad.
Ms. Rizzo was just nominated for Best Choreography for The Addams Family at Bergenfield HS by BergenPAC for 2025!
Email: risingstarsytc@gmail.com
RENATA GINTER
VP | Board of Directors
Renata is a seasoned publishing and marketing professional with over 20 years of industry experience. As the founder of Socialize Marketing Co., she leads innovative marketing strategies and creative campaigns for a diverse roster of clients, including Rising Stars Youth Theatre Co.
Before her illustrious publishing career, Renata’s passion for the performing arts took center stage. As a teen, she toured the East Coast with a professional dance troupe, later spending a decade teaching ballroom dance at the renowned Arthur Murray Dance Studio on 5th Avenue in New York City. During that time, she had the privilege of teaching and coaching celebrities including John Leguizamo for The Summer of Sam, as well as Antonio Banderas and Armand Assante for The Mambo Kings.
A published author and entertainment writer, Renata has written several books and magazine features on Elvis Presley and contributed to numerous media outlets in the arts and entertainment space.
Blending her expertise in business, sales and marketing, Renata brings unmatched creativity, strategic vision, and industry insight to every project she undertakes—making her an invaluable part of the Rising Stars team.
Email: risingstarsytc2@gmail.com
LEONARDO L. LEUCI
Musical, Vocal & Band Director
Leo is our brilliant music and vocal director and an amazing pianist!
At just thirteen, he discovered his passion for accompanying singers, leading him to pursue music at New Jersey City University. His talent has graced prestigious venues like Weill Recital Hall and Steinway Hall.
When he's not working his magic at Rising Stars, he inspires young musicians as the choir director at Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School.
After bringing musical excellence to 2023's productions of Willy Wonka Jr. and The Addams Family in addition to 2024's Into the Woods and the Wizard of Oz Jr..
Rising Stars is proud to welcome Leo as a permanent fixture of our staff.
His dedication to bringing out the best in every young performer makes him an invaluable part of our Rising Stars family.
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SAMANTHA KEMP
JUNIOR DIVISION
Director & Choreographer
Samantha began her stage career at ten and has performed in over 30 productions since 2018.
A vital member of Rising Stars Youth Theatre Company (RSYTC), she debuted as Tessie in Annie Jr. and rose through the ranks from performer to Stage Manager, Co-Choreographer, and Co-Director—leaving a lasting mark through her creativity and leadership.
Her talents have earned broad recognition, including a 2021 Broadway World nomination for Legally Blonde, the title of Miss Teen Hardyston 2022, and Distinguished and Advanced honors at the NJ State Teen Arts Festival in 2023 and 2024.
An academic achiever, Samantha attended Pope John High School on scholarship and now studies Medical Imaging at Ramapo College on a full Presidential Scholarship.
Having concluded her acting journey with Something Rotten (summer 2025), she now serves as Director and Choreographer of RSYTC’s Junior Division, inspiring the next generation of young performers with passion and artistry.
Email: RSYTCJuniors@gmail.com
* AACT Member