Our Team — Angelo Civic Theatre

MEET THE TEAM

Paulette Schell is the Executive Director at Angelo Civic Theatre (ACT), where she brings her extensive experience in non-profits and a deep passion for the arts.
Paulette’s commitment to making a difference in her community is reflected in her extensive career and the love she brings to her family and friends. With many years of dedication to ACT, Paulette has contributed both on stage and behind the scenes. Her versatile roles have ranged from performing, working with props, light board operation, stage managing and directing. Paulette considers herself a behind-the-scenes theatre enthusiast, striving to help each show run as smoothly as possible and helping the cast and crew with whatever tasks are needed. Community theatre is especially meaningful to Paulette as it welcomes people from all walks of life, fosters connections and a sense of belonging with participants, and enhances the cultural landscape of our community. Her leadership and commitment continue to shape ACT’s mission of enriching the community through the performing arts. Paulette's personal leadership philosophy is that of a servant leader, a style that prioritizes serving others and focusing on creating an environment where the team can thrive and do their best work.

Before working at ACT, Paulette's passion for nonprofit work led her to the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council for the Concho Valley, where she dedicated thirteen years to drug and alcohol prevention and program development, where she was responsible for grant writing, fundraising and public relations. During her time at ADACCV, Paulette discovered a love for community outreach and mobilization which led her to obtain her certification as an Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist. Prior to that, Paulette served as a CASA Case Manager for the Children’s Advocacy Center for eight years, advocating for the well-being of children in need. Along with her co-workers, Paulette served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem in the largest child abuse case in the US, the FLDS case, testifying on behalf the children that were at risk for further abuse.

Paulette has been happily married to Kraig Schell, a professor of Psychology at Angelo State University for over 30 years. Together, they have raised a wonderful daughter, Samantha (Sami), who is currently pursuing her studies at Angelo State University. Paulette is an accomplished writer, having written many poems and prose, with several being published in publications.Paulette has served on several service and community boards in the Concho Valley, including Hospice of San Angelo, the Lady Lions, and most recently, the Rotary. Paulette is also a proud dog owner, sharing her home with two beloved pets: Fred, a playful cockapoo, and Opie, a charming pug who has an acute fear of missing out on anything Paulette is doing around the house. In her spare time, Paulette enjoys a good nap and a Diet Dr. Pepper.

Lance Turner was born and raised in Snyder, Texas, where his love for acting began at the age of 8 when his grandmother enrolled him in acting classes. This early introduction to the stage ignited a passion that continued to grow, leading him to pursue theatre at Western Texas College, Graduating with a degree in Arts & Science, then further pursuing this at Angelo State University (ASU). Over the years, Lance became a familiar face in San Angelo's arts scene, not only through his on-stage performances but also through his work behind the camera at a local news station, and appearances in various commercials. He’s graced the stages of ASU, Be Theatre, and Angelo Civic Theatre (ACT), sharing his talent and dedication with audiences across the community.
Lance made his debut at ACT in 2011 with the production of Mister Roberts, which marked the beginning of his long-term commitment to the theatre. His involvement extended beyond acting, taking on vital roles behind the scenes and directing numerous productions. Lance’s multifaceted contributions were recognized in 2017 when he was appointed as ACT's full-time Technical Director. Since then, he has been the driving force behind over 40 productions, overseeing everything from set design and construction, to lighting and programming. His technical expertise and creative vision have played a key role in bringing the magic of theatre to life for countless audiences.
Beyond ACT, Lance's dedication to theatre extends to supporting other local and non-local theatre companies. His efforts have helped foster a thriving performing arts scene in the community, where he has shared his skills, mentored others, and enriched the experience of countless theatre-goers. An invaluable member of the ACT staff, Lance is also instrumental in maintaining the theatre's facilities, ensuring that the space remains a welcoming and well-equipped venue for performers and patrons alike.

Delorah Kolbert was born and raised in the small mountain town of Tehachapi, California, where her passion for the arts began early. Starting dance at just two years old, she trained extensively in tap, ballet, jazz, gymnastics, and cheerleading, continuing her studies through college and beyond. By junior high, she was already choreographing for local high school dance and drill teams, demonstrating a natural talent for leadership and creativity in performance.
At 16, she moved to Hollywood to study makeup at the renowned Joe Blasco Makeup School, where she became the youngest graduate in the program's history. Under the tutelage of industry professionals like Kelsey Fry, who worked on the Pirates of the Caribbean films, she gained hands-on experience in makeup artistry, working on various high-profile clients and events, including Raleigh Wilson, a top Hollywood stunt double and up-and-coming director.
Over time her creative journey expanded into business, with Delorah opening five successful ventures: a photography studio, a preschool/daycare, a competitive cheerleading gym, a children's clothing boutique, and a commercial/residential painting company. As the top female franchisee in North America, she earned numerous awards for her leadership and success in the industry. Eventually she stepped away from franchising and opened another painting business, which has made a lasting mark in San Angelo, proudly painting the iconic Chicken Farm Art Center among other locations and numerous homes.
Currently, as the Technical Director and Set Designer for San Angelo Broadway Academy, Delorah uses her artistic experience to deliver stunning productions. Her lifelong commitment to the arts, from dance to design, and that combined with her business acumen, makes her an invaluable member of the Angelo Civic Theatre community as the Operations Manager.