Staff

Executive Director

Dodie Rife brings energy and excitement to our theater. Her enthusiasm, organizational skills and commitment to teamwork are moving NOVA in new and promising directions. Dodie started working as a volunteer with Rimrock Opera’s production of Carmen in 2009. She steadily increased her involvement working as Properties Master and eventually becoming Stage Manager for many opera productions. Dodie has participated in the Rimrock Opera School Program and One-Act Shows, La Boheme, Rigoletto, The Crucible, The Merry Widow, Tosca, Aida, Turandot, LaTraviata, Magic Flute and Nosferatu. In 2014, Dodie directed NOVA’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Dodie was the costume designer for Rocky Mountain College’s productions of Romeo and Juliet, South Pacific and Lysistrata. She assisted with the 2013 production of A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.

Youth Conservatory Director

DeLaney Hardy Ray earned a degree in Theater Performance and is a well respected teacher, writer, actress, and director. She has been volunteering with the youth programs at NOVA Center for over 9 years. She has taught a wide variety of ages from Kindergarten on up. Some of the subjects she has taught are how to develop a character and how to write, produce, and perform a play. DeLaney uses creative teaching techniques to help her students excel. She helps them grow by using storytelling, improvisation, and visual imagery to advance their skills.

Along with her vast experience as a teacher, DeLaney has also been a part of many shows at NOVA, on stage and off. Some of the performances DeLaney has been seen in include: A Christmas Carol, From Chekhov with Love and Laughter, Sherlock Holmes, and Sweet Charity. Off stage, DeLaney can be found in the director’s chair in Free Birdie, Charlotte’s Web, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and many more. DeLaney also directed a play she wrote called, The Vote. This play was written as a tribute to the “first lady of Congress,” Jeannette Rankin.

DeLaney’s experience in theater does not stop at NOVA. She has also worked with other companies around the area. Some of the other places DeLaney has left her mark are Billings Studio Theatre, The Virginia City Opera House, Venture Improv, Seattle Children’s Theater, Yellowstone Repertory Theatre, and Slapstick Improv. When DeLaney is not working endlessly in the theatre world, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends, family, and pets.DeLaney earned a degree in Theater Performance and is a well respected teacher, writer, actress, and director. She has been volunteering with the youth programs at NOVA Center for over 9 years. She has taught a wide variety of ages from Kindergarten on up. Some of the subjects she has taught are how to develop a character and how to write, produce, and perform a play. DeLaney uses creative teaching techniques to help her students excel. She helps them grow by using storytelling, improvisation, and visual imagery to advance their skills.

Costume Manager

Gary Treglown is a Methodist pastor by trade, musician by gift, and volunteer at heart. Gary received a minor in theater from Montana State University and served as an adjunct professor in costume design at Rocky Mountain College. 

Bookkeeper

Danielle Jackson is a digit-loving mom of two who enjoys music, cooking, and working on her house. She also loves crunching numbers and organizing spreadsheets! Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she grew up in Great Falls before moving to Billings in 2006.

Danielle holds an Associate’s Degree in Administrative Assisting from MSU-B, with an accounting focused curriculum that provided a foundation of principles and practices. She’s worked in various accounting and tax roles, handling the books in diverse industries including several local nonprofits. She thrives on meeting the comprehensive financial needs of organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in the community and is happy to take on this role at NOVA.  

While balancing the books and kiddos, Danielle is also pursuing an Enrolled Agent credential with the IRS.

Musician-in-Residence

Dulais Rhys was born in Wales, and has been a professional musician for over 25 years and is now a resident of Billings with his wife Leigh. Mr. Rhys has Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Wales.  He offers his skills as an accompanist and instructor throughout the year at NOVA. His hobbies include reading, movies, golf, and  cooking.