Our Staff
Samantha Burris
Executive Director
Samantha is stepping in as Executive Director based on her experience with management, knowledge of the theater, and ability to work with the staff. Samantha has over 30 years’ experience in dance and theater. After joining the Ragland staff in 2014, and spending several years as a Youth StARTS artist, and choreographer for the Ragland Summer Youth Camps since 2012. She took over as Education director in 2017 and has worked side by side with the executive directors to learn all the ins and outs of the Ross Ragland.
Christy Ruegger
Chief Operations & House Manager
Christy has worked in almost every aspect of the performing arts over the past 31 years. As the Facility and House Manager for the RRT her responsibilities include the operation of the physical plant, safety, permits and logistics. You will also see Christy organizing the front of house to ensure audiences have a safe and enjoyable time.
Natalie Postles
Marketing Director
Natalie Postles was brought on by the Ragland as Marketing Director at the end of October 2021. She grew up in the Klamath Basin and has been a part of the theater community here since her childhood. Natalie is passionate about enriching community life in the basin through her work with the Ragland. She believes that exposure to the performing arts is a transformative experience at any age. She worked with KOTI-TV NBC2 in marketing and sales prior to accepting her position. She has a background in digital marketing and managing promotional events. Even when she’s not working at the Ragland she likes to stay involved in the community, act in local productions at the Linkville Playhouse, and she loves enjoying the outdoors with friend and family.
Dawn Loew
Education Director
Dawn joined the Ragland Staff as the Education Director in June of 2022. With 25 years of educational experience, Dawn has taught in a wide range of environments from classrooms, small groups, churches, and homeschooling her own four children. Dawn has her master’s in education with a focus on learning disabilities and an undergraduate degree in elementary and special education. Her love for the performing arts is what brought her to the theater. Having performed in several plays, musicals, and skits throughout the years, Dawn is most excited that the position of Education Director brings her three passions together – drama, kids & education. Watching the positive impact that the performing arts has on so many children and teens, makes it all worth the effort!
Deborah Jones
Programs Coordinator & Office Manager
Deborah joined the Ragland staff in 2013. As Programs Coordinator & Office Manager for RRT her primary responsibility is to coordinate a smooth transition from the planning phase of events and rentals to the production and follow up.
Phyllis Faries
Technical Assistant
Phyllis started working at the theater in 2011 as a stage hand and quickly became interested in lighting design. She had a background in sound engineering for the Klamath Blues Society and worked for a local radio station for years. She has effectively been the theaters main lighting designer for the past 8 years and Steve’s second in command for about 4 years. She recently became a full time employee as the official “Assistant Technical Director” and the “Ragland Big Screen Coordinator.” When she’s not running light or sound you can find her kayaking local rivers or camping with her dogs, kids and grandkids.
Will McKillip
Financial Advisor
Will has been a resident of Klamath Falls since 1967, a graduate from Klamath Community College, married to his amazing wife of 34 years with 2 children and six grandchildren. He is the most recent member of the Ross Ragland family.
Ruth Olsen
Volunteer Coordinator
Ruth wears several hats here at the Ross Ragland. She joined the Guild in 2011 and works as part of the facility crew, as well as being the Volunteer Coordinator. Ruth has had a life-long love of music and played the accordion, piano, guitar, and marimba, as well singing in multiple choirs. She also has a long history of community volunteerism and feels that it is a true honor to assist with the volunteers that are responsible for the long tradition of success at the Ross Ragland Theater. The Guild plays a vital role at the Theater, literally, the show couldn’t go on without them! She also loves dogs and chocolate.