Hank wrote and produced Standard Issue along with his wife, Deanna.  A retired Army Veteran, Hank started his military career in 1992 as a 13B Cannon Crewmember and retired in 2017 as a 65B Physical Therapist. He was deployed to Iraq in 2007 with the 82nd Airborne Division. Writing Standard Issue began in 2020 with the idea of telling a modern military story. As a part of the process, Hank and Deanna also founded the non-profit organization Vets in the Arts to encourage Veterans to participate and enjoy the arts. Through trial and error, struggle and laughter, Hank and Deanna wrote and produced Standard Issue to see it performed in June, 2025. Hank took on many jobs for Standard Issue including set building, painting, dramaturge, props, fundraising, and an ensemble cast member! He completed all of this while also working as a Physical Therapist at the Veteran's Affairs Hospital.

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www.vetsinthearts.org

Along with co-writing Standard Issue, Deanna composed all of the original songs and lyrics for Standard Issue. Without experience or credentials, Deanna learned along the way from brutal feedback from her musical-loving friends and family. With complete allegiance to the learning process and telling the best story possible, many songs were cut or completely rewritten over the course of five years. Being a producer of Standard Issue included fundraising through sponsorships and grant writing which yielded multiple awarded grants including a Creative Forces grant through the NEA. Deanna had many jobs during the production process including props, costumes, painting, marketing, and snack services. She is also involved in fundraising and project planning for Vets in the Arts. 

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www.vetsinthearts.org

Derek received his BA in Vocal Performance (Berea College, KY) and completed his studies for M.M. in Music Theatre & Opera Performance at Southern Illinois University. Professionally, Derek studied and performed internationally, residing in Salzburg, Austria. While in Europe, he performed throughout Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy, where he even performed for the Pope. In the US, he has worked for regional professional theaters such as McLeod Summer Playhouse, Jenny Wiley Theatre, Lincoln Amphitheatre as an Actor, Musician Director, conductor, and Casting Associate at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). Aside from directing and music directing throughout Southern Illinois, Derek teaches voice, piano, and music theatre in his private studio in Southern Illinois. 

Tim has been involved with Standard Issue from its earliest stages of table reads, staged readings, music showcases, and workshops, and is deeply connected to its journey and message. A Navy Veteran and longtime theatre artist, his favorite part of the process has been witnessing Veterans, many stepping on stage for the first time, merge seamlessly with seasoned performers to create something truly impactful. As an actor, Tim’s favorite stage roles include: the title role in Robin Hood, Leander Stillwell, Nikko, and Freddie. Tim serves as President of Kre8ive Fine Arts Academy, a not-for-profit youth theatre organization dedicated to creating opportunities in the performing arts for young people in Southern Illinois.

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www.getkre8ive.com

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Eric is an award winning Chicago based designer who has collaborated on regional, national, and international productions. His work has been recognized by multiple awards organizations including the Joseph Jefferson Awards, and The Lou Awards in Chicago. Most recently he was awarded the Conda Award for Excellence in Scenic Design for his production of Mary Poppins in Newcastle, Australia.

www.ericluchen.com ​

Lori has been a performer and choreographer for the past 30 years both in Nashville, TN and Southern Illinois.  Favorite roles include Cassie/Sheila in A Chorus Line, Mama in Gypsy, Velma in Chicago, Morticia in Addams Family Musical, and Bombalurina in Cats. Credits include Grease, A Chorus Line, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Cats, and The Little Mermaid. Career highlights have been performing for our troops abroad and singing back-ups for Martina McBride on her Joy of Christmas tours. Lori is currently one of the resident choreographers for Kre8ive Fine Arts Academy.

www.getkre8ive.com 

Jeff has been heavily involved in his theatre community for over the past 16 years, working with many different organizations across the Southern Illinois region.  Whether it be onstage or off, Jeff has worked in almost every aspect of theatre in some capacity over the years from acting on stage to directing, stage managing, producing, and technical work offstage. 

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Some past stage management credits include Anything Goes, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, Oklahoma, Jekyll & Hyde, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Les Misérables, Chicago, Rent, Aida, and Sweeney Todd. ​

Nicholas is a free-lance marketing and content creator in Southern Illinois. He manages the Southern Illinois University Theater social media accounts, as well as free-lance work for many Southern Illinois theater companies and local High School theater departments.  He also owns and operates his podcast Anything and Everything with Nick Steinberger - all while being a full-time student at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. 

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Anything & Everything Podcast

Nick Steinberger Youtube Channel

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