Staff & Board

Jenny Lavery

Interim Executive Artistic Director

Courtney Sale

Executive Artistic Director

Courtney joined MRT in 2020. Under her leadership, MRT has increased service to students, strengthened its partnerships in community, and ensured artistic excellence. Courtney’s directing has been seen across the country: Seattle Rep, Contemporary American Theater Festival, Indiana Rep (also Associate Artistic Director 2013-2016). She previously served as the Artistic Director at Seattle Children’s Theatre (SCT), the nation’s leading generator of new work for family audiences.

Awards/Distinctions

Cornish College Distinguished Alumni Award, IBJ’s 40 under 40 designation, and the 2017 keynote at the International Council of Fine Arts Deans. BFA, Cornish College of the Arts. MFA, The University of Texas at Austin.

Andrew Andrews

Production Manager

While Andrew has had a position at Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) since May of 2022, he has been involved with MRT since 2005. He appreciates the complex nature of the job: from spreadsheets to aligning lighting fixtures to building scenery. Prior to working at MRT he has worked primarily as a theatrical electrician in the Boston and Greater Boston area for various performing arts organizations (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Institute of Contemporary Art), educational institutions (Boston College, Berklee), and production companies (High Output, 4Wall). He is an instructor at Middlesex Community College, focusing on backstage safety, skills, and careers. On his personal time, he enjoys bouldering, the science of light (dark photons?!) and learning about the connection between color and emotion. Originally from Fitchburg, MA, he now resides in Andover.

Edgar Cyrus

Director of Finance

Ed joined MRT in 1995, when the entire company was located in the basement of Liberty Hall. Over the 30 subsequent years, he has accounted for every penny of income and expense while continually upgrading administrative and financial procedures. Ed managed the transition of operations to the Bagshaw Mills and multiple systems upgrades, while filling in to oversee all administrative departments at different times. Ed loves a challenge and enjoys working with the wide variety of staff, board members and guest artists who make up the company.

Ed is also a musician, performing with multiple orchestras around New England, and serves as Board president of the Worcester Symphony Orchestra, and as Acting President of the Merrimack Valley Musicians, Local 300 of the American Federation of Musicians.

Kristin A. McCauley

Director of Development & Engagement

Kristin joined the MRT team in the Fall 2022. She has worked in Merrimack Valley non-profits in fundraising for the past 25 years since returning to Massachusetts. She is passionate about youth education and inspired by MRT’s launch of Theatre for Young Audiences. Also energizing to Kristin is connecting people across the community to one another and MRT shows. In her free time, she serves on the Board of Directors at Merrimac Heights Academy, a private special education school in Merrimac, MA and enjoys time gardening and collecting sea glass.

Carolyn Andrews

Director of Marketing

Carolyn Andrews joined MRT in August 2024 as the Director of Marketing, bringing a dynamic blend of experience and passion for the arts. Prior to MRT, she served for five years as the Season Tickets Manager at The Huntington Theatre, where she played a key role in audience development and retention. Carolyn’s professional background includes roles at many of Massachusetts’s leading cultural institutions, including Boston Ballet, The New England Aquarium, Broadway in Boston, the Museum of Science, and Jacob’s Pillow. Her career reflects a commitment to arts, culture, and entertainment, with a focus on creating meaningful experiences. Carolyn holds a Master’s degree in Arts Administration from Boston University and views her work as building a bridge between the stage and the community, ensuring that the arts remain accessible, engaging and relevant. At MRT, she is excited to lead marketing efforts that support the theatre’s mission and deepen its impact.