MMPH Leadership Team
MEET THE MMPH LEADERSHIP TEAM
Our Leadership Team serves as the steering committee for MMPH, providing direction, oversight, and support to ensure the organization’s continued success and positive impact on the community.
Vanessa Eskridge, Artistic Director
Vanessa Eskridge founded Manor Mill Playhouse with the mission of creating a vibrant space where local actors, designers, and theater enthusiasts can produce and enjoy high-quality theater. Her performance career has taken her from New York City to London to Baltimore, and her extensive experience directing and producing for theater, radio, and television has deepened her belief that nothing compares to the magic of live performance. Vanessa is passionate about fostering creative community and seeks to enrich the local and regional theater landscape for years to come through MMPH.
Chloe Brush
Chloe Brush brings a distinguished array of technical and artistic expertise to her role with MMPH, including lighting design, production management, set design, and directing. She studied theater at Skidmore College, concentrating in design, technical theater, and stage management. Her career experience includes a lighting apprenticeship at The Julliard School, and design, technician, and electrician work with notable production houses, including Princess Cruises, NYU Tisch, Berkshire Theater Festival, and the Signature Theater. Chloe not only seeks to lend her technical, design, and management expertise to MMPH’s growth, but also expand her artistic and directing capabilities.
Emily Decker
Emily Decker brings a trifecta of education, communication, and theater experience to MMPH. She began her career teaching high school English and now works in executive communications. Over the course of her career, she has provided communications services for global companies such as Cortland, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Airlines, and Moët Hennessy USA. Beyond her professional experience, she has more than 20 years of vocal performance and community theater experience in Atlanta and Baltimore. In Atlanta, she also served on the advisory board of The Alliance Theater—a Regional Theatre Tony Award® Winner. Since moving to Baltimore, she enjoys both acting and directing, while also providing strategic planning and support for MMPH’s mission and goals.
Matthew Sean Mitchell
Matthew Sean Mitchell brings extensive professional expertise in the non-profit arts, education, and career development arenas to MMPH. He holds a degree in theater from The University of Lynchburg and studied acting and speech at HB Studio in NYC and The Actor’s Playpen in Los Angeles. Additionally, his theatrical resume features acting, directing, and scenic design credits at multiple theatres in the Baltimore region over the past decade, including Cockpit in Court, Vagabond Players, and Manor Mill Playhouse. His professional experience coupled with his artistic background provides key support to MMPH’s approach to its community, audience, and artistic development.
Manor Mill Team
In addition to the board, MMPH is supported by the Manor Mill team – from fundraising and marketing to house production, social media, and set building.