Independent Arts News Reporting People’s Light Welcomes Eight New Company Artists for the 2025–2026 Season
Reported on Friday, September 19, 2025.
Pictured Above: People’s Light Janis. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA
People's Light welcomes Janis Dardaris, Madeleine Garcia, Todd Lawson, Anna Faye Lieberman, Jess McPhillips, Shauna Miles, Gabe Moses and Jacob Orr.
Malvern, PA (September 2025) – People’s Light, Chester County’s 50+ year destination for world-class theatre and live arts, proudly announces the addition of eight new members to its Company of Artists.
Central to the origin story of People’s Light, its Company of Artists—resident and regularly returning artists, a rarity in the contemporary theatrical landscape—informs its full spectrum of work. You’ll see them on stage as cast members, in classrooms as Teaching Artists, behind the scenes as dramaturgical consultants, and in the community as programmatic and outreach partners. Part of People’s Light’s cultural DNA, its Company of Artists is integral to uncovering, shaping, and sharing the stories told in and through Chester County, that reverberate throughout the region and beyond.
This distinguished group of artists – Janis Dardaris, Madeleine Garcia, Todd Lawson, Anna Faye Lieberman, Jess McPhillips, Shauna Miles, Gabe Moses and Jacob Orr – reflects a shared history with People’s Light and a commitment to its future. Collectively, they have contributed to past productions, engaged deeply in the theatre’s wide-ranging programs, and built lasting connections with staff, audiences, and the community.
“These eight artists join an extraordinary creative community of storytellers dedicated to making powerfully memorable and joyful live arts experiences for our distinctive region,” says Zak Berkman, Producing Artistic Director. “Each brings immense talent, creativity, and craft to our stage. Just as importantly, they have shown profound generosity of spirit and a commitment to our community. We are honored to welcome them into our company.”
Shonali Burke, Managing Director, adds, “Early in the nonprofit resident theatre movement in the United States, People’s Light centered artistic residency and collective collaboration to make world-class theatre right here in Chester County. We’ve stayed true to that mission for 51 years, and it is deeply meaningful to be the community’s artistic and cultural touchpoint and home. This new class of company artists embodies our founding spirit that flourishes to this day, and we’re thrilled for them to continue their journeys here.”
“These artists have grown with us through multiple productions and projects and their artistry has already touched our audiences in meaningful ways,” notes Molly Rosa Houlahan, People’s Light’s Producing Director. “To officially welcome them as company artists is both exciting and deeply affirming of our collective vision.”
Meet the New Company Artists
Janis Dardaris
First appearing at People’s Light in 1974, Dardaris most recently performed in Morning’s at Seven and Project Dawn. A seasoned actor with credits on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in leading regional theatres nationwide, she has been nominated for ten Barrymore Awards and is a two-time winner. Screen credits include The Sixth Sense, Law & Order, The Sopranos, and Power.
Madeleine Garcia
A Texas native by way of New Mexico, Garcia has appeared at People’s Light in Little Shop of Horrors and A Christmas Carol. Regional credits include CATO Remixed (PAC) and Children of the Sun (PAC). Garcia is also an educator, serving as an Adjunct Professor at Temple University and introducing young people to theatre through after-school programs.
Todd Lawson
Seen at People’s Light in A Raisin in the Sun, A Christmas Carol, Mushroom, and Bayard Rustin: Inside Ashland, Lawson’s career spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, and symphony collaborations. His screen credits include Blue Bloods, Elementary, and Orange is the New Black.
Anna Faye Lieberman
Lieberman has performed in Little Shop of Horrors, Peter Panto, and A Christmas Carol at People’s Light, as well as multiple Flight Nights and cabarets. A Philly-based theatre artist passionate about new work and subverting classics, Lieberman has appeared regionally in The 39 Steps (Virginia Theatre Festival), Fun Home (New Light Theatre), Head Over Heels (Theatre Horizon), and Into the Woods (Arden Theatre Co.).
Jess McPhillips
McPhillips’ People’s Light credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Peter Panto, Somewhere Over the Border, and Hurricane Diane. Regionally, McPhillips has worked with McCarter Theatre, Arden Theatre Company, Delaware Theatre Company, and 1812 Productions.
Shauna Miles
Miles has appeared at People’s Light in the ripple, the wave that carried me home and Hurricane Diane. Her wide-ranging credits span Broadway, Off-Broadway, and major regional theatres including Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Baltimore Center Stage, and Hartford Stage. Screen credits include The Good Wife, Luke Cage, and Law & Order: SVU.
Gabe Moses
An actor and director, Moses most recently appeared in Peter Panto, A Raisin in the Sun, and A Christmas Carol at People’s Light. Regional credits include Henry IV, Ragtime (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), RENT (Arden Theatre), and Noises Off (Delaware Theatre Company). As a director, his credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Blood at the Root.
Jacob Orr
A Brooklyn-based actor, Orr has appeared at People’s Light in Lettie and Birthday Candles. Broadway credits include Punch (MTC); Off-Broadway, Montag (SoHo Rep). His screen work includes CBS’s Evil and the films Low Tide and The Seagull.
For full bios and more details on the new company artists, as well as programming and ticketing for the 2025-2026 season visit: peopleslight.org.
ABOUT PEOPLE’S LIGHT
Founded in 1974 in Malvern, Pa, People’s Light is one of Pennsylvania’s largest professional nonprofit theatres and a national leader in creating and producing new work. With a deep commitment to community, the organization seeks to inspire and connect people through stories that illuminate our shared humanity. Each season features a mix of world and regional premieres, bold new takes on classics and joyful musical revivals, as well as creative community-centered programming that welcomes audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
In addition to its robust season of productions, People’s Light is home to an award-winning education program and year-round arts engagement initiatives that transform the campus into a vibrant gathering place through immersive performances, music, food, and community. With its resident company of artists and long-standing collaborations with playwrights and performers, People’s Light continues to be a cultural hub that champions innovation, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts. People’s Light executive leadership is shared by Producing Artistic Director, Zak Berkman and Managing Director, Shonali Burke. To learn more, visit peopleslight.org or follow along on social media @peopleslight.
