BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bridgit Cook
PRESIDENT
Bridgit (she/her/hers) is a performing arts educator with Ann Arbor Public Schools who loves nurturing creativity and curiosity in her students. She delights in helping people discover and share their unique voices, both on and off the stage. Bridgit is honored to serve as Board President for Spinning Dot and is excited to share in the creation of meaningful, joyful performances that inspire human connection.
Venus Strong-Smith
SECRETARY
Venus (she/her/hers) is a passionate educator in Music and Drama, specializing in Children’s Theatre. She has been part of Spinning Dot since its humble beginnings in 2014. With over 15 years in the arts, Venus is devoted to sharing her love of creativity with young minds. She believes the arts are a powerful tool for expression, connection, and self-discovery. She’s excited to lend her voice and vision as a member of the board.
Kirk Wideen
TREASURER
Kirk (he/him/his) is a parent from Ann Arbor whose two children adore being a part of the Spinning Dot theater and dance communities. Kirk joined the Board of Directors in May 2025 to bring his financial background to the treasurer position and to contribute to the long-term stability and growth of the organization. He enjoys that there are creative communities that support expression outside of traditional paths.
Liisa Lusk
Liisa (she/her) is a theatre kid turned therapist who now channels her love of storytelling into her work as a counselor. As a parent of a Spinning Dot Teen Company member, she brings to the board a sincere belief that artmaking is a transformational process that enriches kids and their communities. Liisa is proud to serve on the Spinning Dot Board and welcomes any opportunity to broaden the reach of SDT’s global, unconventional, and process-centered theatre.
Sarah Smith
Sarah (she/her/hers) is a longtime audience member from Ypsilanti who, in May 2025, brought her love for live performance and community connection to the Spinning Dot Board of Directors. With a professional background in Civil and Disability Rights, Sarah is especially interested in how storytelling can spark meaningful dialogue to build stronger, more inclusive communities. She is very excited to support the beautiful work done here and looks forward to seeing you at a show!
Shalini Vajjhala
Shalini (she/her/hers) has been a friend and supporter of Spinning Dot Theatre since its founding in 2014 and she has served as a Board Member since 2022. With her background in community-centered design and public policy, Shalini sees the importance of collaboration and the power of telling diverse stories in all of her work. Spinning Dot’s artists and youth companies embody these practices and make the world simultaneously bigger and smaller for everyone who has been touched by their artistry
Rowan Yordy
Rowan Yordy (they/them/theirs) is a high school senior. They have been part of Spinning Dot Theatre since their freshman year of high school. They are very passionate about every part of theatre and especially about Spinning Dot Theatre. They have been a Bounce Dot Dance instructor for three years and are excited to bring their knowledge to the board as the Teen Representative.