About Us
Janice Hamilton
Founder/Executive Producer
Janice is the Founder and Executive Producer of Upstage Productions, a not-for-profit company here in Fort Lauderdale.
Janice saw a need in Broward Community to produce a wide range of theatre experiences, including comedies, murder mysteries, musicals and musical revues at multiple locations. She did the same when she produced and directed musical theatre productions while partnering with multiple restaurants and catering partners in the New York/New Jersey and Pennsylvania area during the “dinner theatre” heydays.
Upstage Productions is committed to providing the highest quality stage productions, while creating opportunities for local actors, designers, choreographers, and technicians to contribute their talents and grow artistically.
Janice also looks forward to providing entertainment in conjunction with her company, Hamilton Fundraising Auction events, which will expand the services when raising funds for charitable organizations throughout Florida and beyond. She has raised millions of dollars for hundreds of charitable organizations over the past 30 years!!
As professional actress and an active member of Actors’ Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists, she has performed in theatre, film and television, appearing in regional theatres and tours throughout the country. Florida audiences will remember her performances with Caldwell Theatre, Boca Stage, Jupiter Theatre, Actors Playhouse, Arts Garage, Pigs Do Fly Productions to name a few.
Janice played Sally Burgess on the daytime series “As the World Turns”, Monique Riley in the international series “Miami Sands”, and Florence in “Boynton Beach Club” opposite Joe Bologna as well as Hestor the award-winning film “Life’s A Drag”. She toured nationally in the hit comedy, “Viagra Falls” opposite Harold Gould, and in over 50 regional productions throughout the country, as well as in commercials and voice-overs for hundreds of clients.
Originally from Philadelphia, she had the priviledge of acting as the Philadelphia Phillies TV Spokesperson. Janice studied at Temple University and the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. While still in Philadelphia, she was asked co-wrote, produce and direct “Philadelphia Melody”, a celebration of Americana music through the decades. She continued her training in New York, with notable acting and voice teachers.
Upstage Productions is a professional producing not-for-profit regional theatre company dedicated to the performing arts who mission is to entertain, educate and inspire our community.
Deborah Kondelik
Artistic Director
DK hold a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Directing from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor’s degree in Acting from the University of Florida. During her tenure as a professor at Broward College, she directed numerous productions—many of which were honored with “Excellence in Directing” awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. There, she taught a wide range of theatre courses, including Acting, Directing, Dramatic Literature, Stage Makeup, and Movement for the Actor.
DK is passionate about creating imaginative, meaningful theatre that resonates within our communities. Whether directing musicals, dramas, comedies, or mysteries for adult audiences, devising socially conscious theatre for at-risk youth, or writing and directing productions for children, She is most fulfilled when actively engaged in live theatre.
For her, theatre is more than entertainment—it is a powerful platform for the big, significant conversations that shape our world. It has the capacity to challenge assumptions, stir empathy, and inspire change. At its best, theatre offers audiences the chance to see from new perspectives and walk away transformed.
Her contributions to arts education have been recognized with three Endowed Teaching Chair awards and the distinction of “Professor of the Year” for 2012–2013.
As a professional artist, she is an active member of Actors’ Equity Association and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. Her performance work spans stage, film, television, and commercial projects.
