Meet Brenda Lindley - Graphic Designer for Southfork

     How did you get involved in graphic design, and how do you find the time for it among all the other things you do?
I enjoy being creative and am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with graphic art designs in my day job for many years. I’ve done creative writing, website design, creating and producing videos, graphics, and much more as well.

•      Why do you include community theater in your life?
I’ve been involved in community theater since high school and was a drama major in college. As our kids got older, my husband Erick and I went looking for a hobby to do together, so we joined a local theater group. As a director, I love imagining and bringing a script to life on stage.Unlike my everyday life, I love being in the spotlight on center stage of the theater on. I call myself an anti-social extrovert.

•      How did you get involved in working on this project?
I am involved with this project because of Chrissie. She’s also the reason I became involved with Imagination Theater in the first place. She directed Quilters, the first show I did at IT! It was a fabulous experience, and I enjoyed it so much that Erick joined me for White Christmas and we’ve never left.

•      What are some of your favorite projects/shows you've worked on in the area?
I’ve had great experiences at many theaters in the Sacramento area. I directed She Loves Me at Placer Community Theater in my hometown of Auburn, Our Town at Sutter Street Theater, and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, at Runaway Stage Productions. We are very fortunate to have a wealth of outstanding community theater options. Of course, my favorite family is IT!

•      What shows are on your bucket list to direct or perform in?
On my list to direct are Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Sound of Music, and The Dining Room, to name a few. I would love to act in The Drowsy Chaperone as “the chaperone” and portray Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. I very much enjoy dramatic acting; one of my favorite roles was Anne Sullivan in The Miracle Worker. I would do another drama in a heartbeat.

•      What unique quality or experience do you bring to this task?
I bring years of experience to this project that includes graphic arts, multimedia, communications, marketing, director, actor, and community theater President/Board Member. I share a great mutual respect for Chrissie and the crew she is fortunate to have working with her. I look forward to being a part of the production and helping her achieve her vision for the show.

SouthFork Cast Announced

Hitch up your wagons!  It's the SouthFork Confessions Cast List

Father - Tom Loeprich
Mr. Pantier - Chris Rimoldi
Mrs. Pantier - Michelle Harwell
Hangman - Marc Bonham
Whore - Christina Crabtree
Minerva - Cassie Weisenberg
Gambler - Jack Rice

Saloon Mistress - Lori Whittle
Black Bart - Evan Taylor
Railroad Man - Ken Pohl
Railroad Wife - Rebecca Monroe
Maid -  Robin Clark
Maid  - Pam Matthews
Sheriff - Joe Grady
Miner - Tim Chapman
Claim Jumper - Gene Duffy
Jehu - Dan Trainor

English Teacher - Paul Bott

Doc Elliott - Bob Steele

Charly Parkhurst - Jan Le Pouvoir
Milliner - Diana Granger

Thanks to all who came out to audition. 

SouthFork Confessions opens in mid-September.  Tickets will be available in May.

Directors' Workshop Night - March 28 at 7:00 pm

Join the directors of SouthFork Confessions, Shrek The Musical, and The Grapes of Wrath to learn more about their upcoming productions and specific audition information. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insight. Free.

Southfork Auditions - April 1 and 2
Shrek Auditions - April 19-23
The Grapes of Wrath Auditions- September 30, October 1

Meet Sean Conley-Widing, Lighting Designer for SouthFork Confessions

1.  Designing and preparing lighting for any show takes time. What special challenges will there be for you in SouthFork, IT's first original musical?

This show has a different flow to the story that is more transitional in the telling than the other shows I have designed.  It will be a challenge to express that transition throughout both acts creating the tone the actors need for the telling of this story.  

2.  What shows have you designed that are memorable for you?

I have only recently been designing the lights for shows here at Imagination Theater for the last year, so all of the shows I have designed are memorable in their own way - each with its own special requirements and nuances.  For a new designer, the first show is always your most memorable since it is an expression of the directors vision through the skills you have developed either in your education or apprenticeship with the tools you have on hand to bring that show to life.  Without you, the actors are performing their craft in the dark.

3.  What advice would you have for people interested in helping with lights and running lights during a show?  

Sometimes when you are in the booth, it seems that you are disconnected and apart from the show, which is not true.  You are a part in the show - so be a part in the show and make sure you hit all of your queues.  The cast is depending upon you to play your part as much as any other actor on the stage and help make the show a success. 

4.  What other hobbies do you enjoy in your busy life?

My wife and I are members of the Girl Scouts where I teach Boating Safety using Canoes, and I teach Archery.  I volunteer for a number of Veteran organizations and utilize my Information Technology background to assist in web design and computer training.  I am in the process of developing and running a role-playing game for some friends which is going to start in a few weeks. 

5.  You've acted on stage as well as designed. Any other roles in theater you'd like to explore?

Since my first role on-stage in Camelot, I have worked in many of the jobs or roles that can be offered here at Imagination Theater because I want to get the whole Theater Experience.  I will probably not make a good costumer since I do not know my way around a sewing machine.  At sometime in the future, I would like to direct a show - however I do not have anything specific in mind as yet.  I would like to do a more in-depth exploration in Producing where I can utilize my organizational and communication skills not needed on-stage to make a show successful from inception to the final curtain call.  I had the opportunity to be the assistant producer in Deathtrap and loved being on the inside of that production.

To get involved behind the scene in SouthFork Confessions, please contact the theater at 530-642-0404.

Meet Caitlyn Miller, assistant director for SouthFork Confessions

1. What is it like working on an original musical as an Assistant Director, and have you ever done that before? This is the first time I've worked on an original piece from the ground up. It’s been both educational and fascinating to see how much this project has grown, morphed, and come together since it started.

2. What shows have you been in before playing the Mother in A Christmas Story? I was in a few Gilbert and Sullivan productions in San Francisco with the Lamplighter Opera company. Christmas Story was my first show in Placerville since 2005. Before that I was in Annie, Grease, and A Christmas Carol at IT.

3. What has been the biggest challenge for you in bringing SouthFork to life?The biggest challenge for me so far has been all the bits and pieces I didn't realize it took to put on a show. It never occurred to me how far ahead you have to plan things, like publicity.

4. What is your guiding motto when it comes to directing or being involved in a play? When I direct, I like to help the actors create something they can be proud of. I encourage them to approach their character from every possible angle. You never know what will work best until you try it.

5. What are some of your favorite shows that you have been in?

My favorites were Into the Woods at Sutter Street Theater and Iolanthe in San Francisco for similar reasons. Both shows were fantasy-themed with fun and challenging music. Being in those shows definitely improved me as a musician.

When not at Imagination Theater, Caitlyn runs the Crocker House Creative Arts Center in El Dorado. Caitlyn loves traveling and the outdoors, especially camping, hiking, and kayaking in the mountains. Bonus points for anything out of cellphone range!

Auditions are scheduled April 1 & 2. See the theater blog or website for details.

Meet Jo Avery, the Dramaturg for SouthFork Confessions

1. Jo, what is a dramaturg and what is your role as one?

It seems there are about as many definitions of dramaturg as there are people who do it. A dramaturg is a frequent collaborator with the playwright and/or director.  They may help the actors to understand and interpret their characters. While they are typically much more than a librarian, who just researches aspects of a production, in the case of SouthFork Confessions that has been my primary role. I have found historical information for Chrissie, and have also obtained permission to use copyrighted music and poetry, for example.

2. Tell us about your background and how it related to this job, and what challenges you faced?

I had never previously worked in theater before. But I was a school librarian for many years, so I have knowledge of the research process. Locating historical information, such as the poetry of Black Bart, was fun and well within the scope of my skills. Finding copyright information for the music was another story altogether. I don't have a music background, and the laws regarding music copyright are quite complicated. Helping to ensure that we stay within the law and respect the intellectual and artistic property of others has proven to be a serious responsibility. Chrissie recently told me that in professional theater dramaturgs can make big bucks - I can see why now!

Meet Afton Parker, Choreographer for SouthFork Confessions

1. 

   After a hiatus with Imagination Theater, what brings you back to work on SouthFork?

Mainly, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to work with Chrissie again! I also love helping to develop new theater. The whole process is very exciting to me.

2: Describe the kind of dancing and movement you envision in this production? All the movement will be reminiscent of American Folk Dance with a European influence. The Old West had a rich history of dance as a means of socialization and was therefore very important. Since everyone was an immigrant, all dancing was a derivative from their homeland's traditional dance that was reimagined to fit new music. I plan to capitalize on this idea to develop layers of different types of dance that focuses on the town's communal experience and dynamic.

3: Tell us about your background/training in theater, music and dance?  

I've been training or participating in the theater arts for the better part of 17 years, including voice, speech, dialects, acting, ballet, jazz, theater dance, and tap. I graduated with honors from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy of NYC. I have been fortunate to train under industry greats such as Teri Ralston, Jason Chaet, Markus Potter, and our own Chrissie Addison!

4: In what shows have you performed that are memorable? A few of my most memorable shows thus far have been my NY showcases, The Who's Tommy, and American Legend.

5:  When auditioning for a musical with movement, what advice would you share with others?

Eat a good breakfast, stay hydrated, wear clothes that don't hinder movement, and give it your all! As a choreographer I would much rather have someone with energy and enthusiasm than someone with perfect technique but no charisma.

Auditions are scheduled for April 1 and 2. Go to www.imaginationtheater.net for further information.

Q & A with Adeline Penn - Props Mistress for SouthFork Confessions

Q:  What challenge pulled you into working as Props Mistress on this original musical?

A: I enjoy being part of the process of bringing the director’s vision to life. The devil can truly be in the details, particularly if it is a period piece. Finding just the right prop is like a treasure hunt!

Q: Working on props in SouthFork also means being on stage and performing with the actors.  What’s is like doing back stage and on stage work in the same show?

A: Having had this experience in Quilters, I would say I enjoy it immensely. While I truly enjoy working backstage, I will admit to having a bit of the onstage bug. Also, working both on and off stage makes Southfork  truly an “ensemble” show in a deeper sense than is usually done.

Q: Tell us about your background and what brings you to Imagination Theater!

A: I have been entranced by theater since I was old enough to sit up, sit still (that was the hardest part) and watch. My personal experience both on and off stage includes junior and high school productions, a BA in theater arts, work in a few professional settings, and wearing a number of hats in a couple of community theaters.

Q:  What is the craziest prop you’ve ever had to find and manage?

A:  Hmmm…. Serving food hot enough for the audience to see the steam rising but the actors could actually eat.  Or making sure the fireworks on stage didn’t set any actors or the set on fire.  And I still love that bloody basket of body parts that had to look fresh. Deliciously gruesome!

Q:  What part of the process do you enjoy the most in working on a production?

A:  The process itself. Watching the disparate parts that make a show come together and to life - along with the people that devote themselves to this process is fascinating. Occasionally, the process can be a tad tortuous, but, oh, the glorious moment when the curtain goes up!

Q:  If you were to hang your motto for being in theater on the green room wall, what would it say?

A:  It would be “Ever Hopeful ”(interpret as you wish). For the theater it would be “Be True.” Be true to the vision, be true to the job you are doing on and/or off stage, be true to the people you are working with.   And be truly in the moment so that moment is the best that it can be for yourself and for the audience.

Meet Chrissie Addison, Director and Co-Writer of SouthFork Confessions

Meet long-time director, actor, and vocal/drama coach Chrissie Addison! Chrissie has co-written and is directing the original musical SouthFork Confessions, which boldly explores themes of love, redemption, and community in a historical Gold Rush setting.

1.    You’ve helped many in the IT community as a vocal/drama coach. Can you tell us more about your theater background?

I first got hooked into a school play in 5^th grade. At university I majored in drama & music, which rolled right into a career as a high school drama and music teacher. I’ve been fortunate to have participated in Placerville’s civic theater community as a director, actor, and coach for 37 years now, along with several other community and professional venues.

2.    What are your favorites among shows that you’ve directed or been in and why?

I’ve learned from and enjoyed working on every one! Les Mis was hard to beat for being in the total, immense, group plunge. I also felt empowered to perform for a U.S. President as Lisa Doolittle in My Fair Lady. The show I had the most fun directing was Canterbury Tales. The show that pulled the most heart strings was Quilters. SouthFork Confessions has been the most work, so far, but I think it will top the list in many aspects!!

3.    Is SouthFork Confessions your first original musical, and what kind of challenges did you encounter?   

Yes and yes!  It’s daunting! Writing scenes for school or Sugarloaf was easy. Full length musicals are crazy! Especially the challenge of weaving together the amazing true stories and fates of so many strong characters from a colorful time.  Then the layering – plugging in monologues, comedic aspects, allusions, poetic touches and music. With an original musical, every creative staff member plugs in strongly from music to lights and collaborates effectively with the whole picture. This production will be a showcase of what IT! players can do from scratch!

This show has a creative staff to die for. I’ve learned so much this time around -- sharing the joy and my learning curve with co-author Peter Tyner, an experienced and gifted local writer with much prestige.

4.    What shows are still on your “bucket” list?

I would like to direct Calendar Girls very stylishly with outrageous settings. I’d love to nail a blockbuster My Fair Lady, and co-direct Mamma Mia. I know every inch of Romeo & Juliet and would love that journey, along with a contemporary twist as in Six Women with Brain Death. I still like to walk the boards when a show comes along I love.   

5.    What is your motto when it comes to theater?   

Be kind, be nice, be a little crazy too. Remember, nobody is irreplaceable.

When not doing working on music or drama in her Coaching Studio or at IT!, she collects antiques and will refinish “anything not moving.”  A film buff, she also gardens, practices Tai Chi, and treasures time with family and friends.   

Meet Virgil Toothacher - Master Carpenter and Asst. Designer for SouthFork Confessions

Q:  What experience in your background brings you to creating sets for Imagination Theater? 

A:  I have been a hands-on person since my childhood.  Growing up on a dairy farm teaches you that.  After leaving the US Air Force, I went into construction trades and later as a contractor. I have always had the ability to visualize what I want to create and that lends well to an award-winning theater set design.

Q:  Why SouthFork, in particular? 

A:  When Chrissie ask me to help, I thought it would be interesting to create a period cemetery that also becomes a character of the play.

Q:  What shows on your “bucket list” would you like to design/create?          

A:  I have had the privilege over the years to help with creating many of the sets that brings an imaginative story to the community for their enjoyment.  I am not sure I have any particular show in mind, but will welcome any time to participate in bringing life to a story on stage.

Q:  What is the biggest challenge with SouthFork set creation?

A:  Probably, not accomplished yet, will be making a cemetery move on stage.  You will have to wait and see how it will be done.

Q:   Rumors say you like to act as well; what would be your ideal role to play on stage?  

A:  My being a stage manager would put me at every show so sometimes I would fill in on a character, especially if it needs to be an ‘older’ person.  I am not accomplished enough to be a main character, but maybe in the future with a little courage. . .  I admire all those people who remember all those lines.

Q:  In one sentence what is your motto in theater? 

A:  Have fun and help give that pleasure to others for a few hours to enjoy the magic of theater.

Q:  What other activities do you enjoy besides theater?

A:  I have been enjoying living with horses and the cowboy lifestyle, in between working for a living, and seeing America on horseback.  That lifestyle includes writing and reciting cowboy poetry.

Q:  Any advice for newcomers who want to explore civic theater? 

A:  Do it for the magic.  Any part from swinging a hammer to singing your heart out.