The Players Theatre Company to host NASA panelists for “Encore Conversations” following upcoming show

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS — The Players Theatre Company will take audiences beyond the stage on Sunday, September 27 with “Encore Conversations: From Silent Sky to NASA,” a panel discussion featuring NASA professionals whose careers connect the early wonder of astronomy featured in the theatre’s current production with the current real-world work of exploring space.

The conversation will follow the 2 p.m. matinee performance of Silent Sky at The Owen Theatre, 225 Metcalf Street in Conroe. The matinee runs approximately two hours, and guests attending only the discussion should plan to arrive by approximately 3:30 p.m. A ticket to any performance of Silent Sky also serves as admission to the special panel event.

The panel brings together David Melendrez, Jennifer Clevenger, and Megan Sip, offering audiences an opportunity to hear firsthand about the science, engineering and mission operations behind NASA’s Artemis Project and the continuing exploration of space.

David Melendrez, NASA’s Lead for Orion Imagery Integration, has worked across a wide range of spaceflight programs, including Mars missions, International Space Station operations, the Space Shuttle program and the Orion spacecraft. His career spans science, engineering, mission operations and program integration, giving him a unique perspective on how imagery and technology help tell the story of human space exploration.

Megan Sip, NASA’s Orion Test & Verification Lead, oversees the strategy for testing and verifying the Orion spacecraft, including its hardware, software and integrated systems. An aerospace and systems engineer, Sip has worked in rendezvous design and operations as well as across multiple technical disciplines during her NASA career.

Jennifer Clevenger, NASA’s Flight Activities Officer (FAO) Group Lead, brings extensive experience in human spaceflight operations. A Texas A&M graduate and longtime NASA professional, Clevenger has supported Space Shuttle missions, commercial spaceflight operations, Artemis I and International Space Station operations. Today, she leads the team responsible for developing the flight plans followed by astronauts and Mission Control during Artemis missions. She is also an active member of The Players Theatre Company and serves on its Board of Directors.

“This discussion offers a compelling real-world connection to Silent Sky, Laura Gunderson’s play inspired by astronomer Henrietta Leavitt and her groundbreaking work helping humanity understand the scale of the universe,” said Director Diana Eggley. “Through the panel, audiences will have the opportunity to explore how the discoveries and questions at the heart of the play continue to resonate in modern astronomy and NASA's exploration of space.”

“Encore Conversations” extend the experience of live theater beyond the performance itself to create meaningful connections between the stories presented onstage and the world around us. It reflects The Players Theatre Company’s commitment to building theatre for and with our community.

The Players Theatre Company began in 1967 as The Little Theatre of Conroe utilizing the Conroe High School stage and later a refurbished plumbing supply store at the corner of Galveston and Robertson Streets. After helping to restore the historic Crighton Theatre in 1979, the group produced shows there for nearly 30 years as The Crighton Players. In 2008, in a partnership with the City of Conroe, The Players Theatre Company was formed and moved to their current residence at The Owen Theatre.

EVENT DETAILS
What: Encore Conversations: From Silent Sky to NASA
When: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Where: The Owen Theatre, 225 Metcalf Street, Conroe, Texas 77301
Performance: Silent Sky matinee begins at 2:00 p.m.
Panel: Approximately 3:30 p.m.
Panelists: David Melendrez, Jennifer Clevenger and Megan Sip, NASA
Tickets to any performance of Silent Sky include admission to the panel discussion. For tickets and additional information, visit playerstheatrecompany.com or contact The Players Theatre box office at 936-539-4090 or boxoffice@playerstheatrecompany.com.