Our Team

Dennis Bartok is a nonprofit executive, filmmaker, distributor, art-house exhibitor, and author. He is the Co-Founder for the film distribution company Deaf Crocodile which restores and distributes World Cinema and World Animation. For nearly thirty years he was a key executive in programming and management for the nonprofit Hollywood film organization the American Cinematheque.  He directed & wrote the Irish horror film Nails in 2017 which recently streamed on Netflix, and wrote & produced the 2008 Lionsgate horror anthology Trapped Ashes with episodes directed by Joe Dante, Ken Russell and Monte Hellman.  He also wrote the non-fiction book, A Thousand Cuts: the Bizarre Underground World of Collectors and Dealers Who Saved the Movies, hailed as one of the “Best Film Books of 2016” in the Huffington Post.  From 2022-2024 he served Executive Director for the nonprofit Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz, which presents concerts, film screenings, art exhibits and theatre events.  He currently lives in Santa Cruz with his wife, Marja.

A multidisciplinary artist and educator, Ellen is the founder of Eldenwa Designs and brings over 20 years of experience in creative direction and design. Originally from St. Louis, she began her artistic journey at Clark Atlanta University, studying Fashion Design & Merchandising, and later expanded her practice at the Creative Circus in Atlanta, where she developed her visual storytelling skills.

Her career has included leading campaigns for global brands such as Nissan and Adidas, but her path has always remained rooted in hands-on, purpose-driven work. Whether through sustainable fashion, community workshops, or youth-centered programming, Ellen’s focus has consistently been on using creativity to inspire agency, expression, and possibility.

Now based in Santa Cruz, Ellen brings that same vision to The 418 Project. Her work will support the growth of our creative programming and deepen our connection to the community by creating opportunities for people to engage, learn, and create in ways that feel intentional and accessible.

At the heart of Ellen’s practice is a commitment to sustainability not just in materials, but in mindset. Through her work, she encourages people to repurpose, reimagine, and create with care, challenging us all to think differently about how we engage with art and the world around us.

Tom Michael serves as the General Manager of The 418 Project, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise, operational leadership, and a deep-seated passion for cultivating community art spaces. Having previously served as the Chairperson of the Board and even building a custom web application to streamline the theater's rental system, Tom's dedication to this downtown Santa Cruz cultural hub runs deep. His mission as GM is to build, improve, and protect vibrant, inclusive environments where the arts can thrive and community members can connect genuinely.

A true multi-disciplinary leader, Tom’s journey spans both cutting-edge technology and high-energy event production. As a veteran full-stack software engineer with experience at tech giants like Google, VMware, and Intel, he excels at solving complex infrastructure and systems challenges. Yet, his heart remains deeply tied to live experiences; between 2009 and 2016, he threw and operated dozens of festivals and hundreds of club nights across California, handling everything from sound engineering and lighting to medical operations. Still regularly volunteering and working at massive shows like Lightning in a Bottle and Insomniac events, Tom seamlessly merges his technical precision with seasoned production grit to keep the gears of The 418 Project turning smoothly.

Aiyana began her journey with The 418 Project after discovering the 418's ecstatic dance community in 2022, a time when movement, ritual, & community intertwined on her path. Soon after, she stepped into the roles of Sunday Dance Coordinator & Programming Coordinator, helping cultivate spaces where creativity and connection can thrive. A passionate performer, Aiyana appeared in the 418's Bikini Werewolf Massacre (2022) & has danced in What Is Erotic? annually from 2022–2026. She continues to evolve as an artist through her duo Scarlet Daimōn & the emerging dance troupe Lamia, blending sensuality, myth, and embodied storytelling. Rooted in a belief that art is a catalyst for personal & collective transformation, her work centers on empowering authentic self-expression & fostering collaborative community experiences. Whether organizing programs or stepping onto the stage, Aiyana brings a visionary spirit devoted to movement as medicine, creative exploration, & the awakening of shared imagination.

Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Shane found himself at The 418 Project shortly after leaving rehab, searching for direction, creativity, and community. Within a week, he stepped into his first production, Bikini Werewolf Massacre (2022), and was immediately drawn into the world of immersive performance and collaborative art. Since then, Shane has taught dance, performed, and contributed to nearly every type of event the space has hosted, discovering new layers of embodiment, leadership, and self-expression along the way. This marks his fourth What Is Erotic?, a journey that has deeply shaped both his artistic voice and personal growth. He is passionate about fatherhood and caring for both his son and his parents, as well as his ongoing growth with Aiyana through their dance duo, Scarlet Daimōn. Rooted in a desire to create spaces where people feel seen, empowered, and inspired, Shane continues to uplift artists and audiences as The 418 Project marks the 20th anniversary of What Is Erotic?

Professional lead on business custodial company. Emigran from Guadalajara, Mexico. Passion on makeup and beauty industry. Currently enrolled in school to get a certification on CNA. Enthusiastic, adventurer, and dynamic. Gold: going to be LVN or RN.