BrightSide Theatre's Mission
BrightSide Theatre is committed to Enlighten, Educate, and Entertain through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe. A unique blend of award-winners, premieres, modern works and timeless classics meant to reflect upon and inform our community will inhabit BrightSide’s stage.
Who We Are
Artistic Director
Exec. Director
President of the Board
Board Treasurer
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Emeritus
Joe Messina, Founding Member
Members of:
Retired – Vice President/Partner, Global Big Data Analytics Leader
Paul Santucci has a BS in Communications and a Minor in Theater from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, he also has a MS in Recreation Administration from Aurora University and an Executive MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Beginning his theater performance at the famed Oak Park & River Forest HS in 1980 as a dancer, chorus member and actor, Paul continued his love for theater after college, being a part of too many shows to list, as a Producer, Director, Actor, Dancer, Stage Manager, Art Director, Set Designer (Nominated for a “Boonie Award” for Set Design for “Man Of La Mancha”), Set Builder, Lighting Director and Sound Director. Paul as an adult has performed on many stages in the Chicagoland area for dinner theater, professional theater, community theater and university theater. His favorite role in a musical was Tommy Djilas, from “Music Man”, his favorite acting role was Dr. William Chumley in “Harvey,” and his favorite overall show he performed in was as a Scottish Sword Dancer in “Brigadoon!” 
Joe is a Co-Founder of BrightSide Theatre. For over the past decade, Joe was the Managing Director/ Resident Producer at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center (JPAC Theatre). During this time Joe produced several plays and musicals, including “Nefertiti -The Musical” (World Premiere), “We Will Rock You!” (Regional Premiere), and the Premiere Chicago Productions of “Jekyll & Hyde – The Musical”, “The Who’s Tommy”, “Blood Brothers” and “Aspects of Love”. In addition, Joe had directed and produced the Regional Premieres of numerous plays by Neil Simon, Ray Cooney and Rupert Holmes.
Tin Penavic is a Co-Founder of the BrightSide Theatre and is on the Board of Directors. He developed an interest in theatre while attending the University of Illinois at Chicago as an Economics major. After being cast in a series of successive shows he was awarded a talent tuition waiver from the Department of Theatre and switched his major. Soon he was accepted in Northern Illinois University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program and continued his studies in the Meisner acting and the Williams movement technique. Upon graduation Tin, along with the summerNITE ensemble performed “Scenes From American Life” by A.R. Gurney in Harlow, England.
Melanie Greenberg, a native of Aurora, has been living in Naperville for 16 years. Melanie volunteers extensively in the community, for her children’s schools, and as a board member at Congregation Beth Shalom of Naperville. She and her husband Mark, are both supporters of the arts in all forms: the Chicago Lyric Opera, Lifeline Theatre and for many years on the Patron Circle of the Sundance Film Institute. Melanie was introduced to Brightside Theatre by her youngest of three sons, Ben, who has acted in all of the BrightSide Theatre’s Youth Project productions and had his professional debut as “The Kid” in Bleacher Bums.
Joseph Ender is a principal of Corcoran, Ender And Associates, LLC. Mr. Ender has over 28 years of experience in the areas of accounting, tax preparation, audits and forecasting. His past experience includes 12 years as a tax professional in the banking industry as well as over 15 years in a corporate accounting environment. Joe’s expertise includes extensive work with start up companies and also non-profit organizations.
Philip John Watson is one of Chicagoland’s most successful, influential and, respected Wealth Advisors. He is the President of Watson & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services. Phil is passionate about providing knowledge, strategies and resources to help others be financially independent and reach their goals. Fueled by this passion, he has served individuals, families and Fortune 500 companies for over 22 years. His success has earned him the honor of being named a member of the Ameriprise Chairman’s Advisory Council (2012-present) and the National Franchise Advisory Council (2002-2004). He has received numerous industry awards and is quoted often. Philip and his beautiful wife Anne have been married 19 years. He is the proud parent of four amazing ladies, Coray (24), Madison (16), Samantha (14), and Gabrielle (13). Philip has tremendous passion for both local andworld missions, serving on the board of several prominent charitable organizations. Phil is an active member of Habitat for Humanity and has served on the board of its Northern Fox Valley Affiliate since 2009. He is also the Director of Global Missions for the Willow Creek Community Church, DuPage Campus. He uses these platforms to impact lives all over the world. Learn more about him at Philip J.Watson on Facebook, LinkedIn or 
Julie Ann Kornak is a Co-Founder and Executive Director of BrightSide Theatre. As a native of Chicago’s suburbs, Julie has been surrounded by theater and music her whole life. From an early age, she began studying voice and was classically trained for 15 years. As an actress, some of her favorite musical roles include: Christine in “Phantom” (Kopit & Yeston) at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center (JPAC) and playing both Penny & Judy in the original musical farce “Danger Will Robinson” , based on the TV show “Lost in Space”, also at the JPAC. Favorite roles in non-musicals include: Jean Perkins in “Funny Money” at the JPAC, Jacqueline in “Don’t Dress for Dinner” and Diana in “Lend Me A Tenor” with Summer Place Theatre, Elvira in “Blithe Spirit” and both Marlo & Patsy in the original interactive comedy “Patsy’s Bridal Shower” with Theatre Eclectic.
Jeffrey Cass holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theater Performance from Roosevelt University where he also studied lighting design and stage management. He previously served as the Producing Director for Circle Theatre of Forest Park/Oak Park, IL where he was a company member for 4 years. Directing Credits include: The Who’s Tommy (6 Joseph Jefferson Nominations including Best Musical and Best Director) Bashand The Distance From Here (Midwest Premier) by Neil LaBute, Burning Blue (Midwest Premier), Crazy for You, Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Urinetown, Peter Pan and New Plays Festival 2 and 3 at Circle Theatre. Chicago acting credits include: Mystery of Edwin Drood (Jeff Nominated – Circle), Jekyll & Hyde, Is There Life After High School, Evita as well as Joseph (Jedlicka Performing Arts Center) Joseph… (Oak Park Village Players) Man Of La Mancha, The Cradle Will Rock, Lady In The Dark, As You Like It, Measure For Measure, Al Pachino!, Bring Them Home and Rhinoceros (Roosevelt University). He has toured with American Eagle Productions in 1776, Joseph and Tom Sawyer, and with Green Light Performing Company in numerous original educational musicals.