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
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. She currently has several RSYTC students performing in Broadway shows, and several other former students who have gone on to do professional theatre, commercials, radio and television shows.
Email: risingstarsytc@gmail.com
RENATA GINTER
VP Sales & Marketing |
Board of Directors
Renata is an experienced publishing professional with over 20 years of expertise. She is the owner of Socialize Marketing Co., providing marketing services to many clients including Rising Stars.
Earlier in her career, Renata had a passion for dance and performance. She toured as a teen with a dance troupe across the East Coast, and later spent 10 years teaching ballroom dancing at the prestigious Arthur Murray Dance Studio on 5th Avenue in NYC.
There, she coached celebrities like John Leguizamo (for Summer of Sam) and Antonio Banderas (for Mambo Kings).
Renata is also a published author, having written several books and magazines on Elvis Presley and contributed numerous articles to leading media publications, in the entertainment genre.
Leveraging her sales, marketing, and business development acumen, Renata excels at crafting compelling campaigns and stories. She brings extensive industry knowledge and creativity to Rising Stars.
Email: risingstarsytc2@gmail.com
LEONARDO LEUCI
Musical, Vocal & Band Director
Sweeney Todd
...
Musical & Vocal Director
​Beetlejuice Jr
Annie Jr.
Something Rotten
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. He will not only be our musical and vocal director, Leo is also going to be the band/orchestra director for Sweeney Todd.
His dedication to bringing out the best in every young performer makes him an invaluable part of our Rising Stars family.
GEORGE TUZZEO
Musical Director
Jesus Christ Superstar (summer 2025)
George is an accomplished musician & performer with exceptional versatility across musical genres and styles. Armed with technical mastery and artistic flair on piano, Hammond organ, and keyboards, George brings any act to life with consummate professionalism. George has shared the stage with icons like Jay & the Americans, The Drifters, Bobby Rydell, and the Crystals, serving as their musical director and accompanist during international tours. He studied music at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. While in Vegas, George gained invaluable experience performing at Caesars Palace and touring with Tom Jones.
A student of musical history, George can provide the perfect atmospheric soundtrack from subtle cocktail jazz to driving big-band swing. His vocals further round out his stage presence, lending harmonies or taking center stage as a lead singer in venues ranging from intimate dining spaces to the grand concert halls of Lincoln Center have been home to George's performances.
Beyond the stage, George spent over 25 years in piano sales & management roles. He helped launch the Steinway & Sons location in Paramus, NJ, pairing his musical expertise with customer service.
George was our musical director for Chicago (2023) and The Lightning Thief (2024) and Rising Stars is happy to have George back this year, driving the musical direction of 2025's, Jesus Christ Superstar.
SAMANTHA KEMP
Assistant Director & Choreographer
Junior Shows
Samantha started her stage career at the mere age of 10 and has performed in over 25 shows since 2018.
Samantha has been a valued member of the Rising Stars Youth Theatre Company (RSYTC) family since 2018, making her debut as Tessie in "Annie Jr." Since then, she has not only continued to shine on stage, she has taken on the role of Stage Manager and Co-Choreographer, for our junior division and then Co-Director and Co-Choreographer.
Beyond her contributions to RSYTC, Samantha has also lent her talents to various other theatre groups. Additionally, she is an active member of The Pope John Players. In 2025 Samantha will be playing Kim MacAfee, in Bye Bye Birdie.
She was nominated by Broadway World for Best Performer in a Musical 2021 for her role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde; was crowned Miss Teen Hardyston 2022 and won Sussex Teen Arts 2023 for Small Theatre and went on to represent the county at the NJ State Teen Arts Festival on May 30th, where she received Distinguished and Advanced Adjudication scores.
Academically, Samantha also has the brains, being an academic scholarship winner, and attending Pope John HS. She has also been accepted early and was offered the Presidential Scholarship to Ramapo College.
This is her 5th year as a Co-Director/Co-Choreographer with RSYTC and she is super excited!