BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors is a group of committed community volunteers who provide governance and establish policy for the institution, actively work to further its mission, and ensure that Tipping Point Theatre meets the community’s needs for years to come.
Nannette Ret
Nannette has served as Tipping Point Theatre’s Board President since 2020. She comes to us with over 30 years of corporate experience in both privately and publicly held companies working directly with the board of directors and their executive teams. She also has extensive experience in public and customer relations which not only serves Tipping Point well, but also as she works in interior design. Her family co-owns Metro Cars Transportation. She and Metro Cars are high-tier donors and support the theatre at several levels.
Co-President
Heather Bell
Heather Adams Bell is a former stage actress, turned civil and commercial litigator. She presently acts as Chief Legal Officer of boutique data analytics firm that primarily services big pharma legal spend management. Ms. Bell remains an avid supporter of the arts (with a special passion for theatre), and served for several years on the board of the beloved Performance Network Theater in Ann Arbor, including as its President towards the end of its run. More centrally to Northville, she served as the Vice President and subsequent President of the Moraine Elementary School PTA, the Vice President for the Board of Directors of the Northville Cooperative Preschool, and, by way of appointment by former Governor Jennifer Granholm, as a member of the State of Michigan Board of Social Work, as well as its disciplinary subcommittee. Beyond volunteering for many local charities and school-related committees, Ms. Bell also served as a former Girl Scout troop leader, elementary school Basketball coach, Girls on the Run coach, Science Olympiad coach, and co-chair of the National PTA Reflections program. When not volunteering or working, Ms. Bell enjoys spending time with her family (husband Bruce, daughter Seeley, son Sawyer and exuberant chocolate lab Maverick), practicing yoga, attending her kids’ concerts, recitals, and sporting activities, hosting dinner parties and cooking. Heather is delighted to join the team at Tipping Point in support of live, professional theatre in its prime.
Co-President
MaryJo Cuppone
MaryJo is a founding member of Tipping Point Theatre and has been with the theatre since its inception. She is an established professional actor working in all realms of entertainment. MaryJo continues to advocate and support the organization as the board’s actor/artist liaison.
Vice-President
Brenda Lane
Brenda has lived in Northville for over 35 years and has been married to Jeff for over 40. They have 2 married sons and welcomed their 1st grandchild in 2024. Brenda worked at the family business, MPC, from 7th grade until it was sold in 2019. Jeff and Brenda were part owners in Bonfire Bistro and Brewery in the early 2000’s. During this time, she also served on the board of the Northville Co-Op Preschool. Brenda graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an acting specialist degree and after many years in university and community theater she started working professionally in 2009. She has done five shows at The Tipping Point Theatre and has worked at The Williamston Theatre, The Purple Rose Theatre and many others. Brenda is passionate about our Michigan theatrical community and the incredible people who bring words on a page to life. She feels we are blessed to have The Tipping Point in our town, and she is committed to helping secure its future.
Secretary
Ramita Barringer
Ramita Barringer is a tax consultant working in tax accounting for a multinational corporation. She has 27 years of experience in public accounting and private industry, specializing in corporate taxation and financial reporting. Ramita holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the University of Michigan – Dearborn and a Masters Degree in Taxation from Walsh College. Her former board service includes Treasurer of the Northville Cooperative Pre-School, President of the Northville Mustang Booster Club, and volunteer work with the Moraine Elementary School PTA, the Cub Scouts, the Northville Baseball/Softball Association, and the Science Olympiad.
Treasurer
Rini DebRoy
Rini DebRoy has been a resident of Northville for the past 12 years, and loves being a part of the vibrant downtown community. She is an avid patron of the arts, and is looking forward to serving on the TPT board for 2025-26.
Member-at-large
Jeff Lane
A longtime Northville resident since 1988, Jeff Lane brings a wealth of leadership and community engagement to the Tipping Point Theatre board. With a 27-year career as a sales executive and board member at an automotive supplier, Jeff has extensive experience in sales and marketing. His passion for small business and local development led him to co-own Bonfire Bistro and Brewery, a vibrant gathering place in Northville. Jeff is deeply committed to empowering others. He founded a non-profit support group for teens with ADHD and previously served as Development Director and board member for a non-profit that fosters self-esteem through public speaking. He has also held a board position at Meadowbrook Country Club and has been a dedicated volunteer connector for Life Remodeled since 2016. A proud supporter of the arts, Jeff is honored to contribute his energy and expertise to Tipping Point Theatre, helping to nurture creativity and connection in the community he has long called home.
Member-at-large
Michele Roberge
Member-at-large
Michele recently retired from a long career in professional theatre, both presenting and producing. Most recently, at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at California State University, Long Beach, she served as Executive Director for nine years, following five years as General Manager, programming and overseeing all aspects of the 1100-seat theatre which presented more than 200 performances annually: professional artists and touring companies, student work and community productions. Prior to the Carpenter Center, she served as the Executive Director of the Balboa Performing Arts Theatre Foundation working to renovate a 1920's-era theatre into a 400-seat performing arts theatre in Newport Beach, CA, ran Marketing and Development departments at Irvine Barclay Theatre and the Norris Theatre for the Performing Arts, and founded a Theatre School at GroveShakespeare Theatre in Garden Grove, CA.
Bill Schaumann
Bill is an established leader in the information protection field with over 30 years as a business consultant. He continues to write and speak on the topic of protecting personal information and helps his clients in meeting their regulatory obligations. Bill still works part time running his own business but dedicates many hours per week volunteering with several Northville non-profit organizations. Coming from a family of actors and artists, Bill has always appreciated and supported live theater and grew up hanging at a beloved local theater in Pennsylvania. He is thrilled to have joined the Tipping Point crew and focuses on facility maintenance and production preparation activities.
Member-at-large
Carol Schrauben
Carol is a Northville resident and full-time Realtor with Remerica Hometown One/The Patti Mullen Group. Carol has been in Real Estate for 18 years after 27 years in industrial sales. She is very involved in the Rotary Club of Northville and serves on various community committees. Carol loves everything Northville and is excited to be a new member of the Tipping Point Board!
Member-at-large