RISING STARS YOUTH THEATRE CO.
A Broadway World nominated non-profit, committed to enhancing arts education
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MEET OUR BOARD & STAFF
LAURA A. RIZZO Ed.D.
Executive Director | President | Board Member
Some people choose theatre. For Dr. Laura Rizzo, theatre was never a choice — it was always a calling.
Laura began performing at age five and never stopped. After earning her Bachelor's in Dance and Theatre from Bard College, she went on to tour with the American Ballet Theatre and perform in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. She has done print work, commercials, and held memberships in both SAG and Actors Equity Association — the union credentials that separate professional performers from everyone else.
But her greatest stage has always been the classroom.
Over the past 36+ years Laura has dedicated her career to teaching, directing, and choreographing for young performers — helming over 203 productions for children across the United States and abroad. She is a New Jersey certified Dance and Theatre teacher and most recently received a Broadway World nomination for Best Choreography for The Addams Family at Bergenfield High School in 2025.
Her academic credentials are nothing short of extraordinary. Laura holds a Bachelor's from Bard College, two Master's degrees from NYU in Educational Theatre and Educational Dance, a third Master's in Educational Leadership from Western New Mexico University — graduating summa cum laude — and a Doctorate in ESOL from Northcentral University.
Four degrees. 36 years. 203 productions. One mission — to give every young performer the training, the confidence, and the stage they deserve.
That is who is leading your child's program.
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 marketing 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 coaching celebrities including John Leguizamo for The Summer of Sam and Antonio Banderas and Armand Assante for The Mambo Kings. Today she continues to contribute to the artistic side of Rising Stars — lending her dance expertise to support complex choreography when productions call for it and bringing a trained eye and an artist's instinct to the stage.
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, marketing, and the performing arts, 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
Some musicians play notes. Leo makes performers believe in themselves.
Leo discovered his passion for accompanying singers at just thirteen years old — and from that moment, his path was clear. He went on to study music at New Jersey City University, and his talent has since graced some of the most prestigious stages in the country, including Weill Recital Hall and Steinway Hall in New York City.
By day, Leo serves as Director of Choral Music at Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School, where he also leads a thriving opera program — shaping the next generation of vocalists with the same dedication and artistry he brings to everything he does.
At Rising Stars, Leo has been the musical heartbeat behind some of our most beloved productions — including Willy Wonka Jr., The Addams Family, Into the Woods, and The Wizard of Oz Jr. As our Music and Vocal Director and accompanist, he has an extraordinary gift for drawing out the best in every young performer — whether they are a seasoned singer or stepping up to a microphone for the very first time.
Rising Stars is proud to call Leo a permanent member of our family. When you hear the music swell and watch a child's face transform on stage, there is a very good chance Leo is the reason why.
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SAMANTHA KEMP
JUNIOR DIVISION
Director & Choreographer
Samantha Kemp is proof of what Rising Stars can become.
She first stepped onto our stage at age ten — debuting as Tessie in Annie Jr. — and spent the next several years performing in over 30 productions while growing from performer to Stage Manager to Co-Choreographer to Co-Director. She wasn't just rising through our program. She was helping build it.
Her accomplishments speak for themselves: a Broadway World nomination for Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Miss Teen Hardyston 2022, and Distinguished honors at NJ State Teen Arts three years running. Off stage she attends Ramapo College on a full Presidential Scholarship — because at Rising Stars, we develop the whole person.
After closing her performing chapter with Something Rotten in Summer 2025, Samantha stepped into her role as Junior Division Director and Choreographer — bringing everything she earned back to the kids who remind her of herself at ten years old, standing on that stage for the very first time.
Some performers go on to great things. The special ones come back and make the next generation greater. Samantha is one of those.
Email: RSYTCJuniors@gmail.com
* AACT Member