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This is part 4 in a multi-part series of discussions on the state of live theatre in Bakersfield by local thespian and educator Rob Long. It is our shared purpose that this series should inspire dialogue and improvement in the areas discussed and be contructive in nature. You can contact Mr. Long on myspace by clicking the link in his name above. If you would like to publicly contribute to this discussion, feel free to email your thoughts to me at aaron@theatreaddict.com

My senior year of high school I had to enroll in college when I turned 18 in February, so I did my last semester of high school concurrently with my first semester of college. I was living on my own... matter of fact I had to drop my role in the Mousetrap at West in order to get a job. So, since I knew my schedule was going to be pretty tight until I finished High School, I loaded up on Theatre courses at Bakersfield Comunity College in the Spring Semester of '88-'89.

Bakersfield Community College: Then and Now

When I was there, the chair of the theatre department was one Hank Webb. Hank's always been a fascinating character... Vietnam vet... missing part of a thumb... flamboyant, caring... he referred to his students as "My Treasures." He had a gift for education, for the caring rapport that truly develops students into what they want to become. I made some bad decisions in his program- I once wouldn't cut my hair to play a Marine in an update of The Rivals, not because I didn't want to do the part, but because my then girlfriend didn't want me to. Yes, the same girl who convinced me not to go to UCLA. Yeah, I know. Hank knew it was a shitty decision too. But he did what he had to do, and Matt Lindsay replaced me in the role.

Yep, Matt and I were at BC at the same time.

So that's Hank... but under him in the department was a younger professor by the name of Randy Messick. Randy would take the Chair when Hank retired, a couple years after I transferred from BC to CSUB. When I got there, Randy bore a resemblance to David Letterman, and he liked to play on that in class. His class had a lot of improv in it, a facet that I would explore when I auditionned for ComedySportz in March of 1989. He was and is charismatic and likable, such that I auditionned for him for An Enemy of the People. Matt was cast as the protagonist, I as the antagonist, his brother. The cast was entirely made up of students. It was a great environment to learn, explore and grow in. Randy's a great director, great actor, and a fun guy to be around.

Several other people went through BC, as either members of the full time faculty or as adjunct. That's where I met Porter Jamison, Jamie. I took makeup from him, and still have pictures from the class. He directed me in Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind, which is where I got my respect for Shepard and for Jamie's direction. Ray Finnell used to be the Technical Theatre teacher out there... now I believe he runs the facility for CSUB, the Dore... Mari Dewitt, costumer extraordinaire... those were the people I knew while I was there... now, Randy is the only element from that time that remains at BC, and as a result, I'm somewhat out of touch with the program.

I know that a mainstay of the BC theatre season is the Kern Shakespeare Festival. It was revived, I believe, shortly before I came to BC. I did only three plays while I was there... two I've already mentionned, the third was Hamlet, part of the KSF, wherein I played Laertes. (sidebar: Opehlia in that production was Mendy Garcia, who now teaches theatre at CSUB... she was both my sister and my girlfriend in plays that year... more on the other when we get to Jamie and BCT...)... KSF has, built into it, the opportunity for the theatre faculty to hire artists from outside the BC community to collaborate, mentor the BC students as it were. When we did Hamlet, Hugh Dignon, the guy who played Hamlet, was a hire from outside the city, as was the woman who played Gertrude, and Tom Hall, who once called Bakersfield home, but was hired from his farm in Ojai to play Claudius. In later years, Peter Cjennas would be hired from the Ashland Shakespeare Festival in Oregon to play Jacques in As You Like It, and also Coriolanus in the play of the same name. Actually, that was the same year _I_ was hired to play Coriolanus' antagonist, Tullus Aufidius...that show was actually a lot of fun... with the exception of the fellow actor being intoxicated and firing the M-16 at me... that wasn't Peter, of course... and the weapon wasn't live. But I still felt the blast of air discharge from the barrel.

In recent years, the guest artist has consistently been Bob Kempf, who also teaches adjunct at both BC and CSUB now, in addition to being Artistic Director of the Empty Space. Auditions for KSF seem to be open to the public, as I recently received the audition notice for this year's slate of plays...

Filling out the roster at BC is the other full time faculty member, Kim Chin. I know very little about her. I've met her a few times, but I haven't been able to get up there to see her work. I hear it's good.

With Ray's departure, so too did the full time tech position depart. I believe they've hired people to fill the job, but never anything on a permanent contract. I don't know if he's still doing the job, but Robert Hourigan has been handling tech duties at BC for several years.

Remember, I'm somewhat out of touch with the program... I'm a tertiary observer, but I did also teach at BC for two years, so I got some word on how they were doing through the grapevine.

State budget cuts have ravaged the program at BC, as they've ravaged many educational programs that the campus sees as nonessential. Schwarzenegger reneged on an $86 BILLION dollar promise to the educational system a couple years ago... then he went after teachers... makes it kinda hard to keep theatre programs afloat without an aggressive business and growth strategy. There's very little money. Positions and classes have been slashed, and it seems to the outside observer that the returns on the theatre program at BC are dwindling.

Last year (Spring of '05), it was rumored that Randy was leaving... actually, the rumor was that he was joining the priesthood... the rumor was serious enough that his job was posted for applicants. Trust me on that one - I know several people who wanted to apply, myself included, and I did speak to the person that flies the job postings regarding the job. Randy reconsidered, however, and stayed with the program. I've since left BC for awhile, and completed my second probationary year at Highland, so now that job isn't as interesting to me anymore...

As a high school theatre teacher, I'm saddened that I have never received any kind of official communication from BC - not announcing a show, not recruiting my kids, nothing. I don't mean to levy criticisms, but I see BC as the great lynchpin to actually generating a strong and healthy theatre community. The kids who don't leave town could be inducted into the BC program, instilled with the values of supporting the community, then being released into the community after their two years in the program... like many of us were back then... but which has atrophied in recent years... Factors have combined to be unkind to the health of BC's program... But it's a vast reservoir of talent and theatrical wealth just waiting to be put back into service...

Of course it's difficult to find the resources... the time, the drive, to properly articulate a full-scale induction program with 16 local high schools, as well as a transfer program with the CSU and UC systems. It's just waiting... for someone with the time... with the drive... with the energy... to actually put some momentum back into that system. It's an uphill battle, but it can be done.

(Next: Porter Jamison, Albert Ochoa, Pyramid and Stone Soup)

-Rob Long

http://www.myspace.com/lightningtempest

longsword@cox.net

July 15th, 2006

It's the most rocking show in Bakersfield! Listen to "The History of Rock & Roll" in all its podcast glory. Interviews with "celebrities" who appear in the show such as Stevie Wonder, Ricky Martin, Janis Joplin, and Cher...

Great music and backstage gossip, what more could you ask for?

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Catch up with all the latest theatre news by listening to Bakersfield Theatre Radio, the TheatreAddict.com podcast!

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If you ask most people what comes to mind at the mention of a barbershop quartet, usually the answer is a group of men sporting handlebar moustaches, white shirts, bow ties and a garter on their arm singing tunes from the early 1900’s.

To break this stereotype, today’s singers usually refer to the style as a cappella (which means without instrumental accompaniment.) Deep Treble, an a cappella group from Bakersfield, were featured on July 6 at The Marketplace for the Concerts by the Fountain program. With casual attire, modern song selections and a relaxed and accessible presentation, this group is anything but old-fashioned.

Usually clad in matching T-shirts, the group appeals to young audiences. However, the four (who are all in their 30’s) possess an extraordinary musical ability which transcends generational barriers, making them a hit with all ages.

Deep Treble’s trademark is the traditional tight blend of harmony punctuated by short solos from one of the group’s members. Doing their own arrangements and trading parts, keeps their sound fresh and unique.

The songs are varied from upbeat faith-based melodies such as “Screen Door,” to the contemporary song “Lion Sleeps Tonight,” to the rock tune “Dream On.” “Oildale,” one of their original compositions, is an amusing song about a young man and the girl—from a local area—he loves. There are even a few oldies, country, and patriotic numbers in their repertoire—something for everyone.

Danny, Chris, Brendon and Jason, who form Deep Treble, are all Bakersfield born and raised. They all have enjoyed singing for many years but performing wasn’t always part of their lives.

Chris and Danny Ruiz are twins and until Danny cut his hair short, were hard to tell apart. They began singing in choir at East High and were told they needed to perform in the solos concert. They were both reluctant but finally decided to do a rendition of “The Blue Brothers.” The performance was a huge success.

When they went to Bakersfield College, they joined the choir and formed a quartet. Later, when they were instructing at Bakersfield Stars Gymnastics, the brothers sang the national anthem before the gymnastic meets. It was such a treat! (My son was a student of theirs in the early 1990’s.)

Brendon, a Highland graduate, met the brothers at BC. He had sung in church before and thought the group might be fun. So, in 1992 they formed Deep Treble.

The group lost their bass singer in 1997 and started the search for a new one. Danny and Chris went to listen to Jason while he was on break at work. The brothers were blown away in that parking lot, but gave the usual response, “We’ll have to get back to you.” As they were driving away, they began conversing about the audition and realized that they might have made a huge mistake. There was no way they could let Jason get away. And the rest—as the say—is history. The four have been sharing their wonderful gift of music with audiences ever since.

The twins continue teaching at Stars. They love all types of sports especially baseball and water skiing. Chris has a “significant other” but Danny is single.

Brendon Helston, an ICU nurse, is married with four children. Between work and “dad duties” he doesn’t have a lot of spare time which makes his escape into music all that more special.

Jason Lee, who is married and the father of two, is a hemodialysis technician. He has fun spending time with his children and doing remodeling work on his home.

Although the four each have jobs which they dearly love, they do not hesitate to say that if they could meet their financial obligations, they would sing full-time. Music is their greatest joy and passion.

When asked what they liked most about the group, they responded, “Meeting new people, new places and going to neat areas.” They have performed at Dodger and Angel Stadiums, Las Vegas at Treasure Island, Cayucus for a July 4 celebration and San Antonio’s American Choral Director’s Festival on The Riverwalk.

Some of their more interesting gigs include singing at an ice hockey wedding ceremony and performing for James Avery, who played Phillip Banks on the television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

Locally, they have been seen at the Kern County Fair, Seven Oaks Country Club, The Marketplace, the Street Fair and the grand re-opening of the Fox Theatre. Having also recorded the jingle for the Street Fair, they are huge supporters of their hometown.

Deep Treble has been featured at numerous private engagements and many holiday parties. Depending solely on word-of-mouth advertisement, they find their gigs come in waves with Christmastime being their busiest time of year. For information regarding having Deep Treble perform at a party or group function call (661)-394-8816.

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Margie Custer has been a southwest resident for the past 27 years. As a writer she has been a regular contributor to the Northwest Voice, has had articles printed in The Bakersfield Californian and Bakersfield Magazine, and has been a winner in the Writer’s Weekly 24-hour Short Story Contest. She is a member of the Writers of Kern and enjoys writing all different kinds of fiction, poetry, and plays.

July 14th sees the opening of no less than FOUR local productions, making this a huge opening weekend for local theatre! Check out these shows and stay tuned for podcasts highlighting some of them in the coming weeks. The first July podcast should be up this Friday, highlighting the children's show "Pinocchio" at BCT. In the weeks to come I'll be bringing you "Rowing to America," "History of Rock & Roll" and much more!

Shows opening this weekend:

Pinocchio at BCT

Rowing to America at Empty Space

History of Rock & Roll at Spotlight

High Society at Stars


Other stuff playing this weekend:

Little Red Riding Hood (Puppet show) at the Empty Space

The Very Best of Gilbert & Sullivan at Jewel Box

BLACKLIST at the Empty Space (Friday at 11PM)

Major League Improv at Spotlight (Saturday at 6PM)


As always, information on all of these shows can be found on my Theatre Calendar and SOYP's This Week In Bakersfield Theatre (updated every Wednesday or Thursday)

This is part 3 in a multi-part series of discussions on the state of live theatre in Bakersfield by local thespian and educator Rob Long. It is our shared purpose that this series should inspire dialogue and improvement in the areas discussed and be contructive in nature. You can contact Mr. Long on myspace by clicking the link in his name above. If you would like to publicly contribute to this discussion, feel free to email your thoughts to me at aaron@theatreaddict.com

So when I shifted from Junior High School to High School, I attended West High, and for my Freshman year of theatre I met Melanie Hanson. It was an interesting year of Drama 1, and in the summer between 9th & 10th grade I lived in LA and worked semi-professionally for the California Youth Theatre, playing Silius in their summer festival's producion of As You Like It, in the John Anson Ford amphitheatre, across the freeway from the Hollywood Bowl.

But when I returned to school that fall, Melanie Hanson was gone, and I met Perry Ware.

High School Theatre Teachers, Part 1: The Old Guard

That's right. When Perry Ware came to West High, he was the young gun of what I'm going to refer to as the old guard. I came to know many of these teachers in the coming years, once I got into ComedySportz and started putting together High School Improv workshops through the various teachers. Remembering that my analysis of the Bakersfield theatre scene really starts in the late 80s, following are the theatre teachers I've known since that time. There are notable entries I've left out, specifically Peg Pauly and Kristi Hurry (who I met as Gadeke), but both have passed on, and I'm more interested in looking at those practitioners who have some contribution to Bakersfield theatre.

Cathy Henry: Long time mainstay of South High School, she moved to Ridgeview when it opened and taught theatre there until last year, when she took over the librarian position. Arguably, she is the largest contributor to the local theatre scene, as she does work with the theatres once or twice a year (to my knowledge).

CJ Pope: Moved to Stockdale High School when it opened, and has taught theatre since, as she does today. Her theatre is arguably the best funded of the high school theatre programs, as the parent booster club seems very successful at raising money, so much so that the theatre successfully mounted a production of Beauty and the Beast in Spring of '05. Her productions are consistently well attended, according to reports.

Al Gaines: Al was the theatre teacher at East High in the early 90s, teaching his students a great deal about video production. A video production program was established at East, and Al decided to run that rather than theatre. The video production program now creates a newscast of the daily bulletin every morning at East. Al and his family occasionally participate in local theatre, mostly Stars/BMT, but a lot of his energy these days seems to be put behind the raising of his kids and their theatrical exploits.

Perry Ware: Perry started with West High, and was lured to Liberty High in the late 90s. Perry and his brother used to build sets for the Melodrama and the other companies, but I'm not sure if they still do any set design or construction. My instinct says not, that there were too few companies willing to pay for their work or its quality to make it worthwhile. Perry seems to stick to his program at Liberty, and is often unseen even by the other theatre teachers.

Jacquie Thompson: Jacquie took over the theatre program at BHS, and has created a thriving entity there with the resources at her disposal. Her program has use of the Harvey Auditiorium - the largest theatrical venue in town other than the Civic and Centennial Garden. She is driven, dedicated and energetic, and yet those qualities are all placed firmly behind the works of her students.

Pat Power: Pat and Larry are recent additions to this group. After Peg Pauly left Foothill, the program went to Michael Bahr, who was there for a couple years and then to Pat. Pat has carved an interesting niche at Foothill, hosting the High School Shakespeare Festival every year, and infusing stage combat values in many of his performances. The tech on his productions is impressive, as is the wide array of productions Foothill puts on every year.

Larry Orr: When I was working on the ComedySportz High School League, North didn't have a Drama teacher. I went through Patti Brundage and Patti Ford in order to get an improv program off the ground. Somewhere after that experience, Larry Orr came to North, and has been there since. They tend to stay pretty quiet out there North of the River, and sometimes Larry's program flies under the radar.

I list these people here because I believe they are the greatest underutilized theatrical resource in town. All of them are experts in their field. All of them have been doing theatre for decades, and know the craft inside out. And yet, next to none of them participate in the theatrical community... why?

There isn't really an answer there - it could be as simple as how draining a theatrical program is on its leader, or it could be as complex as frustration with the community and voluntary withdrawal from it. I don't know, and I can't speak for them. I can only look at them and wonder why it is that they are not more influential, more involved in shaping theatre here. Why don't we seek them out for their expertise? Why aren't they the guru on the mountain, a valued resource for the Grasshoppers who need guidance?

I see the capacity in this community for a thriving flow of actors coming out of the schools - there are what, 16 KHSD schools in the district that graduate theatre students every year. Let's say 10 kids come out of each school each year, and let's say half of them stay in town for whatever reason. That's 80 people every year that should be joining a thriving theatre community. Where are they? Why isn't there a career path from the high school, that has been articulated from either higher education or local internship that gives these kids somewhere to progress to, and values their education? We'l get back to this under talent pool... but for now, let's say that many of the theatre teachers are protective of their students and programs because of how they have been exploited in the past by more than one producing entity (myself and ComedySportz included).

High School Theatre Teachers, Part 2: The Young Guns

As happens over time, people cycle through and things change. In recent years, many of the programs at the local high schools have changed hands. I'm going to focus on the people who run the programs in the Kern High School District, and the people who look like they've taken the jobs for the long term. Those people have positionned themselves in places that they could be staples of the theatre community, not just at their own schools, but throughout the city for some time to come. For argument's sake, I'm going to leave myself out. I'm also going to discuss Porter Jamison under a separate blog, so don't feel I'm leaving Garces out. Also outside the KHSD is Dan Letlow at BCHS. Not forgotten, but the element of tenure is a powerful factor in a teacher's ability to be a keystone to the community. No slight intended.

Jenna Widelock: Jenna took over East, and is still there. Jenna runs her own production company, along with Ashley Bretz, and is still active in local theatre. They spearheaded the Vagina Monologues, produced a popular burlesque show called Toulouse, and are trying to mount a production of a play called Titsling. Their ambition doesn't stop with Bakersfield, however, as many of their productions find homes in Los Angeles.

Genia Owens: Has become the theatre teacher at West High after a few teachers came through. She tends to focus on her career and her family, and to my knowledge doesn't participate in theatre locally outside of West High.

Sheila McClure: Arguably the teacher who is MOST involved in local theatre. She started at West, went to Arvin, and has taken over the program at Golden Valley High School. She has quite a following of kids who are skilled in tech, performance, and direction, and she has put those kids to work in the shows she works for the local producing organizations. She runs her own production company along with David Lollar, and the two of them have been integral to productions for BMT/Stars, the Empty Space, and the now defunct Candlelight. And those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head. Lollar made himself controversial last year by criticizing the social nature of the talent pool, such that important comments he made regarding audience development were lost in favor of defending a perceived soap opera. Both of them are still idealistic enough however that they are still involving themselves in the theatrical community on a regular basis.

Kimber Peaker-Lozano: Stabilized the theatre program at Centennial after a revolving door of theatre teachers over 4-5 years. She loves to perform, and is the epitome of a driven theatre instructor - energetic and charismatic. Her productions are usually impressive, and her program is always well represented at festivals. She seems like a prime candidate to be involved in local theatre, and yet, I don't know that she is.

Carla Stanley: Left East for the theatre job at Shafter High. She's a gifted tech, and prefers technical theatre to the performance aspects of the job. She recently directed for the Gaslight Melodrama, and seems willing to involved in the theatre landscape. Certainly, at the very least she would be a wonderful resource for technical theatre.

Carr Wheat: I don't know much about him, but he took over South High's program following Kristi Hurry's passing away. He's young, I believe he was a student of Larry Orr's, and he is still establishing himself.

Jennifer Resolme: Newest to teaching theatre, but certainly well-versed in the skill, Jennifer has taken the Ridgeview job this year. She is deeply ingrained in BMT, and despite the last couple years teaching English, seems poised to infuse the same enthusiasm in her students that she brings to the stage. Assuming she sticks with the job, she may very well become a pwoerful force in local theatre in the years to come.

I am struck by the difference in the old guard group and the young gun group. Many of the younger crowd are energetic, enthusiastic, idealistic, and in that context it seems like you can view the old guard as grizzled, jaded, and realistic. Where does that come from? Is it the politics of the educational system? Is it the natural process of aging and conserving energy? Or is it a gradual withdrawal from a theatre community that may or may not valu their involvement?

These people are a tremendous resource... one that I believe could be better utilized on many levels. But we'll get back to solutions...

Please... add...

-Rob Long

http://www.myspace.com/lightningtempest

longsword@cox.net

June 15th, 2006

Spotlight Theatre Season 2006/2007

The History of Rock and Roll
July 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, and August 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 & 25, 26 at 8PM.
July 20, 27, and August 3, 10, 17, & 24 at 7PM.

Join us for a journey through The History of Rock and Roll as we start from the 50's, when Bill Haley Rocked Around the Clock, and move through nearly five decades of rock and roll music! Come join us as we bring out legends from yesterday and today on this magical mystery tour of musical history! Featuring acts like Elvis, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, the Village People, Billy Idol, Madonna, the Backstreet Boys, and more, this trip provides something for everyone! Directed by Hal Friedman.


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The Full Monty
September 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, and October 6 & 7 at 8PM. September 17 & 24 at 2PM.

Terrence McNally and David Yazbek base this hit musical on the hit film of the same name. The Full Monty is the story unemployed oil workers in Bakersfield, California who, after seeing how much their wives enjoy watching male strippers during their "Girls' Night Out," come up with a bold way to make some quick cash. They strip. There is great heart to this musical about taking charge of oneâs life and following oneâs dreams. Directed by Hal Friedman, this will be one of the theatre events of the year!


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Assassins
October 27, 28, and November 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 8PM.
October 29, and November 5 & 12 at 2PM.

Stephen Sondheim returns to the Spotlight with Assassins! Bold, disturbing, and alarmingly funny, Assassins is perhaps the most controversial musical ever written. From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman bend the rules, taking us on a nightmarish ride in which assassins from different historical periods meet, interact and inspire each other to harrowing acts in the name of the American Dream. Directed by Hal Friedman, this promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking production.

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Miracle on 34th Street
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 at 8PM.
December 3, 10 & 17 at 2PM.

The hit holiday play is back! Breaking box office records, The Spotlight is pleased to present the classic play Miracle on 34th Street. Itâs a wonderful way to celebrate the season! Kris Kringle, is an elderly, kindhearted man believes he is Santa Claus. Doris Walker and her daughter, Susan, meet Kringle when Doris hires him to play Santa for New York's Macy's department store. Kringle's efforts to fight the commercialism surrounding Christmas and to grant children their Christmas wishes eventually lead him into court for a competency hearing. As Doris and Susan overcome their skepticism, they learn the true meaning of the Christmas spirit, as does the audience. Directed by Roger Mathey.

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Glengarry Glen Ross
January 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 and February 2 & 3 at 8PM.
January 14, 21, & 28 at 2pm

This scalding comedy by the incomparable David Mamet, took Broadway by storm and won a Pulitzer Prize. Never has the author's ear for the rhythms of contemporary speech been more keen than in this tale of cutthroat competition among real estate salesmen. Roma is in the lead for the monthly sales award a new Cadillac while former top salesman Shelly Levene is riding a streak of bad luck. They are dependent on Williamson to give them hot leads, and Williamson ruthlessly pits them against each other. A morality tale as well as a moving portrait of the middleclass worker, Glengarry is a production not to be missed! Directed by Roger Mathey.

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A Song For Vanya
February 23, 24, and March 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, & 17 at 8PM.
February 25 and March 4 & 11 at 2PM.

An original musical by local creator Robin Eschner, joined by Bret Martin and John Shillington, A Song for Vanya is based on the classic Chekov play Uncle Vanya. Brought to life with stirring emotion and sweeping, epic music, this premier production will be a landmark moment for the Spotlight Theatre and will be directed by Hal Friedman.

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A Streetcar Named Desire
April 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 at 8PM.
April 8, 15, & 22 at 2PM.

A Streetcar Named Desire is an electrifying classic, that tells the feverish story of the pathetic demise of Blanche DuBois, a determined, yet fragile, Southern belle. Her tragic downfall in the tawdry French Quarter one-bedroom apartment of her married sister, Stella, and animalistic brother-in-law, Stanley, is the drama of this Tennessee Williams Masterpiece. Directed by Bob Kempf, this will be one of the crown jewels of the season.

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High School Musical
May 18, 19, 25 & 26 and June 1, 2, 9 & 10 at 8PM.
May 20, 27, and June 3 at 2PM.

Disney Channel's wildly successful HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is coming to Bakersfield in one of itâs first live productions! With songs like "Breaking Free" which made the largest jump in the 48-year history of the Billboard Hot 100, catapulting from ..86 to ..4 in just one week, this is a canât miss show! People of all ages will be rockinâ in their seats. Directed by Justin Brooks.

Calm down, it's not here in Bakersfield (like we need another theatre company competing for audience).

I got an email today from Roy who wants to start a theatre company in the Cherokee Nation. Obviously this is a really cool idea with a lot of opportunity for the Cherokee express themselves culturally and artistically. You can be a part of history in the making, offer your advice to them on founding a theatre company.

Just email me at aaron@theatreaddict.com and I will forward your comments to Roy, or you can contact him yourself here on myspace.

Here's Roy's request...read it and let me know what you think!

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I am in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the capital city of the Cherokee Nation. It is a small college town of about 13,000. It's an hour from Tulsa, OK and an hour from Fayettville, AR, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The Cherokee Nation has a citizenship population of about 260,000 individuals. About 60,000 of them live in the jurisdictional area of the C.N. (14 counties of what is also northeastern Oklahoma). I think if I can get a theatre company started the government will be supportive. A Cherokee National Theatre Company would be incredible. I can envision it working as another opportunity to inspire our youth and others to learn, use and preserve the Cherokee language, stories, arts, culture, etc., etc.

I see the Cherokee National Theatre Company as another foundation block to add to Cherokee cultural arts educational opportunities which already include the Cherokee National Youth Choir, the International Cherokee Film Festival Educational Works Shops and Filmmaking Boot camps for Cherokee Youth, The Cherokee Artists Association, and Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc.

Funding is always going to be a major consideration... therefore, because this definitely fits under "educational" opportunities, there are many different funding resources that may perhaps be tapped to help establish it as well as keep it going in the future.

We certainly have a good number of very talented Cherokee citizens who would have something to contribute to the endeavor. The national theatre would be a vital educational, artistic technical and inspirational outlet for Cherokee actors, actresses, story tellers, musicians, dancers, writers, directors, technical people, etc.

Like any great endeavor it will require a major effort and incredible dedication on the part of those who want to see it happen... I believe there are those with this kind of dedication that I can find to help make this a reality.

But without people like you, I don't think I can do it. I'm aware I need the advise and support of others already in the business. And, I greatly appreciate your participation in any way. - Roy