Our Team
Eric Vendt | President
A professional educator for over 25 years, Eric founded Friends of Manchester Essex Performing Arts because of his firm belief that appreciation for and participation in the Arts is an essential part of a dynamic, well-rounded education and a key factor in creating a positive community ethos. Eric's own Arts background is primarily in the realm of theatre as an actor, director, producer and developer of programs for both students and adults. Eric has felt the impact of Performing Arts education on his own life, as well as on the lives of his wife and children, and seeks to ensure that the Manchester Essex Regional School District continues to support the artistic needs of its students and improves its Performing Arts offerings.
Shoshy Starr | Co-Vice President
Shoshy is a long time educator and has been involved in many volunteer projects to support the schools in her community. She has a son who loves singing, acting, and dancing. His passion for Performing Arts is what ignited her interest in growing the programs in MERSD. Shoshy joined this organization to ensure that our district includes a robust selection of Performing Arts choices as part of the K-12 education of all students. She is excited to open doors in Performing Arts for children and to integrate music and theatre into the greater community. Shoshy is motivated to continue her advocacy work so that the MERSD Performing Arts program begins to contend with other public school Performing Arts programs.
Sarah O’Leary | Co-Vice President
Sarah O'Leary is the mom to a current MERSD student and an alum. She is also the wife of an artist. Her children have grown through their participation in the Arts, having been in chorus, band and the theatre program. As an educator for over 25 years, she has seen the joy that children express when they experience the Arts. She is thrilled to be a member of the Friends of Manchester Essex Performing Arts as a way to advocate for all members of our communities to find joy and love in the Arts.
Davis Bradford | Treasurer
Davis has two children who are currently involved in Performing Arts. His wife grew up attending Performing Arts schools and studying voice. Davis has been on the board of a number of local non-profits, supporting communities on the North Shore. He plays a key role as treasurer of this non-profit and is excited to help support the growth of Performing Arts in the Manchester Essex School District.
Simone Argento| Student Liason
Simone, vocalist and guitarist, is a student at Manchester Essex Regional High School where she is a member of the chorus, a cappella group (Soundwaves), National Music Honor Society and Drama Club. She often sings the national anthem at school and community events and in 2024 she received critical acclaim for her role as Dragon in the school’s production of Shrek: The Musical. In her freshman year, she won the MERHS 2024 musicianship award. Not only is she active in the MERHS performing arts programs but she frequently performs at local nursing homes as well as being a soloist and choir member at the First Parish Church. Simone joins FoMEPA to help provide opportunities for other student performers.