Our Directors
Indiana Drama Club was first started as a passion project between long-time theater gurus, Amanda Gwin and Rai Ortman. Professionally, Amanda and Rai combined have 24 years of theater experience, ranging from on/off Broadway productions in NYC, to touring performances across the US, to local theater, and regional TV commercials. Between their skill, time and attention dedicated to the development of their students, they are a dynamic team whose talent speaks for itself through the successes at the regional and state level of competition, and the growth of IDC since it’s founding in 2021.
Amanda Gwin
Amanda’s love of theatre began at a young age and grew throughout high school, where she was an active member of the International Thespian Society. She began teaching theatre as a senior in high school after helping launch a drama camp at the Fort Ben YMCA the summer before her senior year. It was there that she began working alongside her longtime co-director, Rai Ortman, in 2002. She went on to attend the University of Indianapolis, majoring in Theatre with a focus on directing and stage management.
In 2008, Amanda moved to New York City, where she worked as a stage manager on numerous productions, including Forbidden Broadway and Avenue Q Off-Broadway and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on Broadway. She also joined ArtsPower National Touring Theatre, touring across the United States as stage manager for Madeline and the Bad Hat and The Rainbow Fish. Over the years, Amanda has taught at numerous performing arts centers throughout the Midwest, Tennessee, and New York and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Amanda has since returned to her alma mater and now serves as the Events Operations Manager at the University of Indianapolis, where she manages day-of event operations and oversees student event staff.
Amanda believes the skills students gain through theatre can enrich their lives and prepare them for the future, whether or not theatre becomes their career. She hopes to give every student an experience that builds confidence, encourages creativity, and leaves a positive, lasting impact.
When she isn’t working in theatre or events, Amanda loves traveling to new places with her husband and spending any and all free time with her two fur babies.
Rai Ortman
Rai has been a part of the theater community since she was 6yrs old, performing on stage at Footlite Theater in Indianapolis, Indiana. Throughout high school and into her college years, Rai worked as a performer and house manager for the Indianapolis Children’s Museum’s, Lilly Theater. Rai then went on to study theater and mass communications at Indiana State University. Since then, Rai and her co director Amanda, have co-directed shows together for 22 years. Together, they directed at a local middle school where they chartered an award winning Jr. Thespian Troupe. As a performer, Rai is a member of the CrazyLake Acting Company, and is also represented by the talent agency, Talent Fusion. She has been a part of many productions at various local theaters and can be seen in several local and regional commercials.
Growing up in a tough inner-city neighborhood, and enduring her own childhood trauma, the theater quickly became Rai’s escape and safe haven. As a biracial woman, and a person with a disability, Rai is passionate about providing quality theater education and opportunities to youth of all abilities and ethnic backgrounds. Rai desires to produce shows that accurately represents the world we live in and hopes to empower her students to project their voice both on and off the stage.
Rai lives on the east side of Indianapolis with her husband, their three children, and two dogs.
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