Staff and board
Founders
-
Lisa Channer moves between theatre, film and performance as a director, producer and performer.
Although she happily directs classic scripts, she primarily celebrates the making of new work in all forms through collaborations with exceptional writers, designers, choreographers, composers, actors, and producers. She is a co-artistic director of Theatre Novi Most in Minneapolis and a freelance artist. Her work has been seen across the U.S., Ireland, Europe, and Russia and she is a Fulbright Scholar.
Since 2007 she has been based in Minneapolis where she raised two humans, Sasha and Daniel, and is on the faculty at the University of Minnesota as Head of the BA in Performance Creation program. She is originally from New York’s Hudson Valley and holds citizenship in the U.S. and the U.K.
Training: MFA directing, Yale School of Drama
Member: Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers
Contact: lisa@theatrenovimost.org
-
Vladimir Rovinsky attended the St. Petersburg Academy of Theatre Arts, Russia, graduating with an MFA in Directing in 1999.
Before coming to America, Vladimir was working as a professional theatre director and actor in several theatre companies in Russia. He came to America first in 1997 for work with Yale Repertory Theatre/School of Drama and permanently in 2000. Vladimir has been teaching acting since 1996 and has worked as a director, actor and teacher at several Universities in America, including the University of Massachusetts, Yale School of Drama, University of Minnesota, Saint Cloud State University, Macalester College, Stanford University, and at several overseas programs in China, Canada, Puerto Rico and Russia.
In addition to his teaching for last two decades Vladimir has been co-Artistic Director of Theatre Novi Most (“New Bridge Theatre”), a Minneapolis based theatre company that combines theatre traditions of Russia and the United States. Its mission is creating new plays and performances that bridge disparate cultures, ideas, methodologies and linguistic barriers. Theatre Novi Most is recipient of multiple Arts Activities Grants awarded by Metropolitan Regional Arts Council.
Contact:vladrov@yahoo.com
Board
-
Director of Public Programs and Marketing at The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA)
I’m a cultural producer, performer, and connector. My work lives where art, storytelling, and community meet. I care about creating experiences that bring people together and open space for cultural sharing and conversation.
I joined the board because Theatre Novi Most makes the kind of work that moves me - brave, layered, and deeply human. I love how it brings people into conversation across cultures and perspectives. That spirit of exchange feels close to what I do every day at the museum: using art to build connection and understanding. Theatre Novi Most reminds me that creativity can be both a bridge and a mirror, and I’m honored to be part of its mission.
At TMORA, I create programs that connect communities through art, music, theater, film, cuisine, poetry, and more. I’m also a longtime performer, producer, and professional emcee in the Twin Cities. My work celebrates expression, belonging, and storytelling. Whether onstage or in a gallery, my goal is the same - to make art feel alive, something we experience together.
Wendy Weckwerth
Dramaturg, Editor, Writer. After collaborating as a dramaturg on Novi Most projects, I'm looking forward to an opportunity to help advance the company's mission as a board member.
-
Novi Most occupies a singular place in the landscape of Twin Cities theater—driven to take on collaborations that are complex and nuanced, both thematically and aesthetically. I'm here for it.
-
Writer and Consultant.
I fell in love with the powerful work and vision of Co-Artistic Directors Lisa Channer and Vladimir Rovinsky many years ago.
The world needs art that champions the spirit of collaboration, connection, and hope now more than ever and Novi Most consistently channels that cause. My wife and I are both avid supporters and have extensive connections in the arts in general and theater particularly.
Olga Frayman
Singer and Literacy Advocate. I have long admired the work of Theatre Novi Most and have been fortunate to collaborate on a few productions as a musician.
-
Joining the board is an honor and an opportunity to help share the work of this extraordinary group of artists with a wider audience.
As an active member of the Ukrainian community, I deeply value TNM’s thoughtful, respectful, and dedicated approach to telling stories of Ukrainian suffering and perseverance.
Patrick Rhone
Writer and Consultant. I fell in love with the powerful work and vision of Co-Artistic Directors Lisa Channer and Vladimir Rovinsky many years ago.