About us

Clay Jackson

Executive Director
Originally from Richmond, VA Clay has an extensive background in both professional acting as well as the non-profit field. Clay is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and is best known for his portrayal as The Maytag Repairman in over 30 National Television commercials as well as appearing on shows like The Tonight Show and the Ellen Degeneres Show. While acting in New York city, Clay had the privilege of performing on stage with many Tony, Emmy and Oscar nominees and winners including Billy Porter, JK Simmons and Emily Skinner. Clay has also been a leader in the non-profit field serving as a Director for The YMCA of the Triangle for Camp Sea Gull. There he led teams focussed on fundraising, programming and staff development. He currently lives in Pine Knoll Shores with his wife and two daughters.

Katie Dixon

Artistic Director
Katie Dixon has been a leading force at Carteret Community Theatre (CCT), both on stage and behind the scenes. Over the past decade, she has directed, performed in, and produced numerous productions, as well as led youth programs and summer camps. She now serves as Artistic Director.

Her directing credits include Beauty & the Beast Jr., Grease, Oklahoma!, Noises Off, and Frozen Jr.. Favorite onstage roles include The Sound of Music, Steel Magnolias, Rent, and Gypsy. Katie is also the owner of Dance Arts Studio, Academy of Performing Arts in Morehead City, where she teaches voice, dance, and musical theatre.

She lives with her husband of nearly 20 years, their daughter Sophie, and their three dogs.

Christine Leary

Chair
Christine has been involved with Carteret Community Theatre (CCT) since her daughter discovered her love for the theatre over 16 years ago. She has an understanding of backstage and front of house demands in the theatre setting from her years of experience working with Carteret Community Theatre. Beyond being the 2026 board chairman, she has been involved in many facets of the theatre’s productions. She has produced, designed costumes as well as properties/set design. Most recently, she has been the producer of Annie, Rocky, Frozen, Jr, Disenchanted, Nunsense, Beauty and the Beast, Jr, Nunsense, Elf, Jr the Musical and was the stage manager for Oklahoma. Other earlier experiences range from assisting lighting in Rent to assisting with sound in many other productions. Christine and her husband Alan live in downtown Morehead near the newly remodeled theatre and have been in real estate together over 30 years.

Michael Tonner

Treasurer
Michael has been involved in community theater for over forty years working variously, in different organizations, as Artistic Director; President; Vice President and Treasurer. He has produced; directed; acted in; designed lights and sound for, or been crew on more than 70 productions.
His professional career has been, primarily, in event ticketing as Eastern Regional Vice President at Ticketron; Vice President of Customer Service for Live Nation and most recently the Director of Operations for the Raleigh based ticketing company etix.

In 2014, he left etix and started his own concert merchandise fulfillment business focused on his primary clients of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
After serving as Artistic Director for Carteret Community Theatre for over seven years, he retired from that position and now serves as the theater’s Treasurer.

Kathy Crowe

Secretary
Kathy Crowe holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Meredith College and brings over 40 years of experience as an educator in public and private schools. She specialized in general and choral music and was honored with the Excellence in Education Award from the Carteret County Board of Education.

Kathy has served as a clinician and director for the Carteret County Elementary Honors Chorus and remains active in arts leadership, including the North Carolina Arts Council Board of Directors and the Carteret Community Theatre Board, where she serves as Secretary.

Her passion for performing began early, with roles in productions such as Bye Bye Birdie, Annie Get Your Gun, and Hello, Dolly!. Now retired, she continues to teach piano and enjoys time with her family, especially her grandson Malachi.

Jennifer Johnson

Member
Jennifer Johnson is a mother to three active children, ages 11 to 15. When she is not busy with her family, she volunteers with local nonprofits. Jennifer’s involvement in theatre began as a child through dance and continued as she watched her grandparents perform in “Worthy of the Lamb” and Crystal Coast Jamboree productions. ” Her children have also attended CCT summer camps and participated in the recent production of Charlotte’s Web.

As a small business owner operating Sound Escape vacation rental in Emerald Isle Jennifer is a firm believer in supporting the arts to help create a strong, inclusive, and vibrant community for every Carteret County resident.

Lisa Rueh

Member
Lisa Rueh serves as the Main Street Grants Administrator for the North Carolina Department of Commerce, where she oversees a portfolio of state and federal grant programs. Lisa has played a pivotal role in deploying millions of dollars in grant funding to support infrastructure improvements across rural North Carolina. Her leadership has helped dozens of communities revitalize their downtown districts, strengthen local economies, and build long-term capacity for growth. Before moving to the state level, Lisa was the Executive Director of Downtown Morehead City, Inc. and has numerous years of experience in working for a non-profit. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys traveling with her family and friends and any time spent on the boat.

Ryan Ayre

Member
Nationally recognized by Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, Ryan Ayre is a top-producing real estate advisor ranked #42 in North Carolina with more than $160 million in career sales. A resident of the North Carolina coast since 1995, Ryan began his career in the hospitality industry, where he developed a passion for service and communication that now defines his real estate approach. Inspired by his mother, a longtime top producer, Ryan transitioned into real estate to combine his business acumen with his desire to help others achieve their goals.

Ryan provides a comprehensive, high-touch experience for every client—from strategic property preparation and professional marketing to expert negotiation and closing guidance. Known for his integrity and dedication, much of his business comes from repeat clients and referrals.

When he’s not helping clients, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife Jackie and their two children, Kennedy and Stefan, traveling, supporting local causes, and enjoying coastal life.

Sharon Garner

Member
Sharon is as local as they come. Rooted in Eastern North Carolina for generations, Sharon has a love for the arts and brings her expertise to the board.

Sharon is a local real estate agent.

Carolyn Evans

Chair Emeritus
Carolyn Lyle Evans began her working career as an English teacher in Maryland. She has been “on stage” for most of her life. Originally from Washington, D.C., she has appeared with most of the dramatic enterprises in this area including groups in New Bern and Cherry Point, Worthy Is The Lamb, Rick’s Productions and the Carteret Community Theatre. She has played leading roles in numerous productions including: Mame, A Street Car Named Desire, Nunsense, Agnes of God, On Golden Pond and I Do, I Do. Many children have enjoyed working with “Miss Carolyn” over the years as a director of children’s shows. She is also a playwright, song writer and author.