Remember When... Responses The Alumni Chapter asked for you to tell us your story. Here's what you had to say. Name Now: Alexander Abbott Name Then: Alexander Abbott Time Period In: 1994 Time Period Out: 2000 Concentration: acting, tech, dance, etc. Shows: LA chunga, Richard the 3rd, Green Card, many others in the studio theatre... and a few more I cannot seem to remember :) Stories: Don Fibiger... Animal noises as an acting exercise... Pat Rice being Pat Rice... The old Doc... tellin all his students to go to Europe... cause that's where real art is happening... Doc Waldo sharing his flask of good "coffee".... Currently: I perform every night in front of many people doing comedic shows (think of coyote reeaaaally ugly, or perhaps chucky cheese for adults :) )... I still audition for film work... and occasionally get cast in commercials, short films, feature films, and daytime soaps. Name Now: Angela-Dee Alforque Name Then: Angela-Dee Alforque Time Period In: 1993 Time Period Out: 2000 Concentration: 1993 - 1996 Special Major: Drama (Acting) & Social Science 1998 - 2000 M.A. Special Major: Multi-Cultural American History & Performance Shows: Sacramento/Black Art of Dance (Member); Dream On Monkey Mountain (Ensemble); Brown Silk & Magenta Sunsets (Fendi); Watermelon Rinds; Abingdon Square (Asst. Dir.); Keely & Du (Du); Once on This Island (Andrea/Asst. Choreographer/Jeffrey Award/Irene Ryan Nominee); Faculty Dance Concert, Fall 2000. (Choreographer). Stories: Dr. Linda Goodrich was, and continues to be, my mentor and friend. No other professor has ever expected and extracted so much physical, intellectual and spiritual artistry from me. She fostered my love for teaching through her strict discipline and loving encouragement. I will always be grateful to "Mama Linda" for starting me on my path. Currently: Tenured Professor Ethnic Theatre Theatre Arts Department Sacramento City College Married 7 years to Mario Ellis Hill One daughter, Malaya (4 yrs. old) Reside in Elk Grove, California Name Now: Angela Bales Name Then: Angela Bales Time Period In: 1985 Time Period Out: 1991 Concentration: Acting Shows: On The Town The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs Gender reversed Hamlet Shattered Narratives The Proposal Stories: Although I was an acting major I did stage manage Bob Smart's production of Medea. Leslie Brott was Medea. Ed Trafton was the ASM. As I recall the set design was very dramatic. The entrance to Medea's palace, castle, hood whatever it was, had a large "fire snake" on each side of the door. Medea has a line that goes something like" Jason, do you see these two fire snakes?" She goes on to tell about these powerful fire snakes. There was a special light cue to light up the fire snakes and guess what happened? On this particular night the snakes didn't light up. Here she is talking about these big powerful fire snakes and.....nothing, not even a twinkle. I'm panicking over the headset..."Where are the snakes, where are the snakes?!?!?!?!?!? Ed is yelling, well not really yelling because he was backstage probably more like a very excited whisper, "I don't know...I don't know!!!!" He's trying to get them to work and finally he says "Shall I shine my flashlight through the back?" Desperate I say "God...YES!" It was pathetic! It looked like someone was backstage waving a flashlight through the back. Imaging that?!?!? It wasn't Ed's fault he was just trying to help. It probably would have been better if we had just let it go. The audience never would have known that they were supposed to light up but with the flashlight waving around they couldn't help but notice that something just wasn't right. Currently: After graduating from Sac State I moved to San Diego and completed the MFA Musical Theatre program at San Diego State in 1998. I finished by course work in 1994 but it took me forever to finish my thesis. I stayed in Southern CA doing the actor thing (starving mostly, it wasn't pretty) until moving back to Sacramento in 2000. I currently work for the City Of Sacramento and I'm no longer starving. Name Now: Chrisanne Beckner-Sprague Name Then: Chrisanne Beckner Time Period In: 1985 Time Period Out: 1989 Concentration: acting, some stage managing Shows: Ten by Tennessee This Property is Condemned B.L. Kennedy's Psychic Sores and Clear Glass Ensemble, an improv theater troupe Stories: Painting promotional signs while the lights in the main theater swung back and forth during the Loma Prieta earthquake... learning how to "do nothing" while performing a snipet from Waiting for Godot... the bolt of lightning that hit me when Pat Rice explained how to shape a character around conflicting motivations and intentions... starting a short lived but wacky improv troupe Currently: Writing for the Sacramento News & Review Name Now: Orene Dunzweiler Name Then: Orene Burt Time Period In: 1964 Time Period Out: 1966 Concentration: acting,. Shows: Plough & Stars, Country Wife, Oh, Dad,...,Marriage of Figaro, Long Day's Journey, Midsummer, Gypsy, Damn Yankees, St. Joan, Fledermaus, can't remember what else! Stories: Probably the most memorable--or at least,important, was that I met my husband during Fledermaus. He was in the orchestra and I was Dr. Larson's "Gopher". Doc had given me his cup of coffee to hold. After a few minutes and Doc had not returned, a voice from the trumpet section called, "Hey, water boy--where's my beer?" Following a little more chiding, I went up on the prop deck and got a can of Nearbeer, gave it to my talkative friend and issued the challenge, "If you can drink this, you're a better man than I think you are." Well, he went to the shop, borrowed a screw driver, opened the can, drank the contents and threw the empty can into the music sorority's locker. After that, I had no choice but to get to know him better. Besides, he was a great help when it came time to strike that show. He was right there working with the theatre bunch--even if he was a musician! The rest, as they say, is history. Currently: I have retired from teaching elementary school for 35 years. Phil and I had two children, Glen, who graduated from CSUS, got his Masters in lighting and sound design and is on staff at UC Riverside, and Krista, who graduated from UOP and McGeorge and is an attorney in Sacto. Phil also retired from teaching music for Sacramento City Unified. Name Now: Leslie Brott Name Then: Leslie Brott Time Period In: 1987 Time Period Out: 1989 Concentration: Acting Shows: Hamlet (the gender-bender one), Medea, Very Good Eddie, Doestoesvsky in Love, Promenade, Ten by Tennessee,Tartuffe, Chamber Music, A Womans Reflections On/In Hamlet, Love's Labour's Lost, Under Milkwood Stories: I LOVE(ED) NINA! My most retold story was the day Cindy Linville said, in jest, to Angela Bales during a note session for CHAMBER MUSIC, "Yes, Angela. It's you! You suck! OK?!?!" Currently: I'm just home from rehearsal for my 11th season with the Utah Shakespearean Festival. And during the academic year, I teach Acting in the Grad and Undergrad training programs at Southern Methodist University(SMU). Name Now: RAFAEL CHAVEZ Mx Time Period In: 1995 Time Period Out: 2005 Concentration: acting Shows: MARISOL, LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS, MASKS AND HEALING CIRCLES, BANDIDO, SHADOW OF A MAN, SANTOS AND SANTOS, JOURNEY OF A SPARROW, CLOUD TECTONICS, UNDER A WESTERN SKY Stories: MANUEL PICKETT INTRODUCED ME TO THE MAGICAL WORLD OF CHICANO/MEXICANO THEATER. Currently: I AM THE CURRENT DIRECTOR OF FIGURAS TEATRO & FILM CO. Name Now: David Clegg Name Then: David Clegg Time Period In: 1958 Time Period Out: 1962 Concentration: Speech & Drama Shows: King & I Time Of Your Life Lood Homeward Angel The Valiant Romeo And Juliet Red Roses For Me He Who Gets Slapped Mr. Roberts Guys and Dolls The Black Drape Tartuffe ( Probably more plays....the names escape me now ) Stories: Dr. Gerald Larson : My mentor and muse. Dr Carl A. Thomas : whose son made it in Hollywood while I didn't. Hi Lowell..or should I say Tom Lowell of "That Darn Cat" and the "Lieutenant" fame. Larry Shumate : The keeper of the "Seagulls" ( A personal joke with him I hope ) ....... and Technical Director "without peer". He made us all look good.... whether we were or not. Currently: Retired Drama and English teacher. Professional actor ( whenever cast.....which seems to be rarely ).....Did anyone see "Mr. Holland's Opus"......one claim to fame over some 4o or more years of involvement in and around Theatre. Name Now: Deborah Lynne Connor Name Then: Deborah Lynne Connor Time Period In: 1972 Time Period Out: 1974 Concentration: singer - musical comedy Stories: I forgot, during Gypsy, coming on stage I got a glimpse of Ralph, in a split second... that was the only time I ever saw him... I was always afraid he would appear when I was alone at night working on a set when no people were around. I did not have time to be terrified because this was during a live performance, and thank goodness people were everywhere. Name Now: Michelle Allen Name Then: Michelle Cotten Time Period In: 1961 Time Period Out: 1965 Concentration: Speech (then contained all aspects) Shows: State of Siege (summer of '62) In latter years did PR and outreach for the department's summer stock. Stories: Gerry Larson wrote and directed this play about the end of the world---nuclear war. Carry Nossler played my brother (known latter as Captain Carrot) The funny thing was my character was to have been more generously endowed above the waist but Gerry was too embarrassed to say anything to me about "padding" so he asked Pattie Glyer, his assistant director to talk to me. The whole incident is funny in retrospect and we certainly live in a different world than the summer of '62. Somewhere I have a "padded" picture of the character but it will take some looking to find it. Currently: Analyst for The Department of Technology Services, State of CA. Name Now: Linda Rae Cochran Name Then: Linda Rae Cochran or Stanfill Time Period In: 1967 Time Period Out: 1972 Concentration: technical, painting, graphic design - Shows: Ticket of Leave Man, Man of La Mancha, Operation Sidewinder (my MA project) Stories: Where to begin? I took my BA and MA here. Larry Shumate, Bob Smart, Doc Larson, Paul R Waldo, (my mentor and friend) were all such a part of my life for so many years. I remember building the 3/4 arena stage onstage for the re-do of the Little Theatre. I even remember the building and opening of the Playwrights space. Lenaea Festivals, one-acts in the Outdoor Theatre - I won Best Director in my year. But I think the best memory for me was receiving the Order of the Bent Two-Penny at the banquet in 1969. I may come back to this question later, but thank you for being willing to document such a rich history. Currently: I taught at American River College from 1975-1985 as Technical Director. I designed, built and lit 55 shows for A.R.C. I am now teaching 3rd grade at Leonardo da Vinci K-8 School and living with my 2006 C.S.U.S. graduate son, Miles. Name Now: Carol Cullens Name Then: same Time Period In: 1968 Time Period Out: 1972 Concentration: acting, tech, directing. Shows: Juno and the Paycock (in) Carnival (in, worked on) A View from the Bridge (in, some work on) Many one-acts (in and worked on) More, but I am presently drawing a blank on that. Stories: We had an amazing group of actors, technicians and instructors. I spent years in the Costume Shop. I believe firmly that the years between 1968 and 1972 produced the best all-around theater freaks. We were history-making then, and we still are. Currently: After moving to San Francisco where I acted and directed in community theater venues, I headed to LA, where I worked for the State while taking as many theater and broadcasting jobs as I could get. I was the wardrobe supervisor for "Evolution of the Blues," which started as a cabaret show in SF, then went to Chicago (without me--no union affiliation in the area of wardrobe). Worked on the HBO production of "Vanities" and did much voiceover work. Now I am a research writer with California State Parks. Involves writing text for park brochures, various magazine and newspaper articles, some web site writing and writing for several exhibits (the California State Museum for Women and the Arts Exhibit on "California's Remarkable Women," expanded texts on 16 of the women for the California State Capitol Museum's web site, and the 1906 SF Earthquake Centennial Exhibit at the State Capitol). Still writing, have begun work on a mystery novel. Name Now: Lisa Derthick Name Then: Lisa Nilmeier/Derthick Time Period In: 1979 Time Period Out: 1986 Concentration: acting Shows: Promenade, Forum, On the Razzle, Ain't Misbehavin', Candida, The Robber Bridegroom, The Three Sisters Stories: I remember getting very ill during a performance of Promenade. I had to walk off stage to throw up. The crew was ready for me: They quickly took me outside, where it was raining. One held the bucket, one pushed my head into it, another held up the hem of my velvet costume so it didn't get soaked on the wet ground. Another vivid memory was when Doug Richards, having just been a subject in the make-up class,decided to have some fun by running through the dept. screaming, showing off his badly deformed face (the make-up, of course.) What he didn't realize was the president of the university was giving a speech in the University Theater, praising our department, when he came running through! These are the most bizarre memories, but I have many, many fond ones of faculty, staff, and fellow students. Currently: I am currently self-employed, working as a tutor for students with dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder. I am a paid chorister for Sacramento Opera (although I'm taking next season off), and I perform in local community productions from time to time. My husband, Tom, and I live in the South Natomas area. Name Now: Cathleen Eberwine Name Then: Cat Eberwine Time Period In: 1992 Time Period Out: 1995 Concentration: Acting & Costuming Shows: 1996, Into the Woods, Baker's Wife, Main Stage 1994, The Insanity of Mary Girard, Director/Designer/Set/Costume/Sound/Light, Studio Theater 1994, A Lie of the Mind, Sally, Playwrights Theatre 1993, Strider, Viazapurikha, Playwrights Theatre 1993, Mighty Gents, Costume Design, Playwrights Theatre 1993, 1000 Cranes, Set Crew, Main Stage 1993, Waiting for Godot, Costume Design, Playwrights Theatre 1993, Boys from Syracuse, The Courtesan, Main Stage 1992, Dangerous Liasons, Costume Crew Chief, Costume Construction, Main Stage 1992, The Palm, The Woman, Studio 1992, Three Penny Opera, Costume Crew, Playwrights Theatre 1992, Blue Window, Libby, Studio 1992, Bloody Poetry, Light Crew, Playwrights Theatre Stories: I'm not a good story teller, but I do remember Doc Waldo, Doc Larson, Don Fibiger, and Bob Smart, as well as all the other wonderful instructors and staff(Larry, Pat, Nina, Willard, Bonnie, Janelle, Dean). My friends from the department Christin O, Miranda H, Stephanie G, Kristin R, Eric S, Michael J, Justin S, Matt Miller (wonderful memories!), Robin H, Steve M, Chris T, Miles M and so many others that I had so much fun with. I feel like I'm giving an acceptance speech, but without all of these wonderfully talented people, I would never have come to love theatre the way I do and become the performer and creator I am today. Thanks All! Currently: I currently live in Nashville, TN and am still performing in local theaters. Most recently, I worked as the resident costumer for the last two years at the Boiler Room Theatre in Franklin, TN and had the wonderful opportunity to design and build the complete set of costumes for Disney's Beauty and the Beast (in addition to 13 other shows). I have now shifted back to performing more than costuming, however. After leaving Sacramento in '97, I worked in the entertainment department at Walt Disney World as a performer and technician in three of the four parks for 4 1/2 years. I then moved to LA for a year and a half to play in the movie and TV industry (living with Christian O and running into many CSUS Theatre Alumni). I was also involved in an independent film company while in Orlando for about three years, and an internet sketch comedy group in LA. I have been involved in the entertainment industry in some way every since I graduated in '95. Name Now: Janice Gillmore Name Then: Janice Echols Time Period In: 1974 Time Period Out: 1979 Concentration: Make up Shows: Bob Smart's "The Birds" Bob Waldo's "Fiddler on the Roof" Janelle Reinelt's "The Balcony" Stories: The two folks I will always remember best are the two that 'Doc' Larson always called "Frick and Frack", Chuck Schilling and Clint Vidal. I spent so many wonderful hours with those guys in the Green Room and out on NEFs! (If either of you guys read this or is someone is still in touch - please contact me!) I also remember Cynthia Annis, Jim Lane, and Sunny Smith posting the "Ants Never Sleep" signs on people's doors. There was also the Brechtian birthday party (was it for Chase, Fechter, or Hanks?) with the table, chair and 'cake' on the ceiling of the Green Room. I remember riding in Marsha Bailey's dad's Model A around campus to advertise "The Great American Hero". I remember the photo of Claudine Longet tacked to the bookcase of the brown blueprint set of "The Great American Hero". Claudine was just showing the gun to friends, as you recall. I remember Jim Carney going off and making his character in "The Birds" one night a bit more fey than Bob Smart had originally directed. I still remember that stunning set of "The Balcony". I remember Lion's restaurant after strike, a place where I drank many of cup of coffee with good friends from the department. Those days were golden! Currently: I live in the Dallas area with my husband of 22 years. I am a project manager in Information Technology. It's a job from which, over many years, I've been laid off of by some the largest corporations in the US. You can see me soon on 'Oprah' in the segment "People, who by their very employment, can cause Fortune 1000s to go belly up". Name Now: Paula Einstein Name Then: same Time Period In: 1972 Time Period Out: 1976 Concentration: Acting, music Shows: Canterbury Tales, Archy and Mehitabel, A Cry of Players, HMS Pinafore, Lots of One Acts. Stories: When I was in A Cry of Players there was a riot scene and I had the privilege of throwing an egg and hitting Jim Lane in the chest with it every night. Great fun for me. One time the egg bounced off his chest flew up in the air and landed inside my costume down my back. A very sticky performance it was. But the best was on closing night I walked off stage after the egg throwing scene and Jim hit me in face and chest (I was in a very low cut outfit of course) with a banana cream pie! He stood there while I gasped in shock and waited for me to either kill him or laugh. After a long moment I burst out laughing and Jim knew our friendship was spared. He had it well planned out because I had about two minutes before I had to be back on stage, people had towels and washcloths and I was put back together and shoved back out on stage in time. I'm sure the performance was as sweet as pie. Currently: I am a editor and writer of behind the scenes specials for movies. I also have a horse farm and raise fancy jumping horses. Name Now: Thomas J Engstrom Name Then: TJ Engstrom Time Period In: 2003 Time Period Out: 2005 Concentration: Acting Shows: Caberet - Costuming/Wardrobe Proof - Performing (Robert) Temptation - Performing (Faustka) Crazy for You - Performing (Bela) Cloud Tectonics - Performing (Anibal) The Real Inspector Hound - Performing (Magnus) The Journey of the Sparrows - Director Playwrights Theatre House Manager from 2003 to 2005 Stories: I remember that it was Bob Smart and Dr. Roberto Pomo that inspired me to choose CSUS. I am also pleased to be one of a select number of undergraduates to have been given the honor of directing on one of the main stages during the regular season. Currently: Acting Professionally, Stage and Screen, Voice used on various commercials on the radio and tv Name Now: Cynthia Farrell Name Then: Cynthia Farrell Time Period In: 1975 Time Period Out: 1978 Concentration: makeup and costume Shows: lots, in tech capacities Stories: Mike Shanahan, David Love, Roger Brandt, lots and lots of other faces and delightful personalities whose names escape my aging brain Currently: Teaching first grade - I mean playing to a captive audience! Name Now: Tracy Alexander Name Then: Tracy Fowler Time Period In: 1980 Time Period Out: 1985 Concentration: tech, acting Shows: Unfinished Women (Props), Lady In the Dark (Chorus), Ceremonies in Dark Old Men (Stage Manager), Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope (ASM), Gorey Stories (Cast), Ain't Misbehavin' (SM), Short Eyes (ASM), The Dining Room (AD), and I worked as the Property Shop Manager for several years. Stories: Michael Gates - I enjoyed working for him as a Stage Manager. Currently: I am the Director of Performance and Volunteer Services for Midland Community Theatre in Midland Texas. We are among the top ten community theaters in the nation. I currently serve on the Board of Texas Nonprofit Theaters and am active in Arts Advocacy. Name Now: Marcy Goodnow Name Then: Marcy Goodnow Time Period In: 1997 Time Period Out: 2003 Concentration: Musical Theatre Shows: The Laramie Project, Pirates of Penzance, Media, Cabaret, Independence. Stories: Ed Brazo, Claudia Kitka, Dr. Pomo, Paul Besaw, Lisa Ross, Doc Waldo,Patty Strautman, Jamie Price and Bob Smart all changed my life. I gained confidence, knowledge, and passion from this program. Moved to New York with Jamie Price and felt Broadway on my face. I never would have done that if it weren't for Ed, Jamie, Claudia,and Dr. Pomo. I am eternally grateful for the encouragement. Currently: Teaching, acting, singing, and dancing. Teaching K-6th graders theatre and dance at Joseph Sims Elementary in Elk Grove. I am also working with California Musical Theatre as an Artist in Residency. Performing "Falsettos", "Victor/Victoria", and "Once Upon a Mattress". Name Now: Michael Robert Gorman Name Then: Michael Robert Gorman Time Period In: 1974 Time Period Out: 1981 Concentration: directing, play writing, criticism Shows: I remember Fiddler on the Roof, but the rest escape my memory. I was busy with my own theater company at the time, so some of my work was outside the university. Stories: I was in the closet during my years at Sac State, but I remember having a school girl crush on Tom Hanks when he was there. (Who didn't?) I never said much to him because that would have been venturing a little too close to that closet door handle for me. When he told of his gay high school drama coach at the Academy Awards, I fell in love with him all over again. I remember Janelle Reinelt as a profound influence on me. She is the first person who truly challenged me intellectually until it hurt. She gave me a great confidence in my critical thinking skills and though I did not pursue academic criticism as I think she hoped I would, I did spend a number of years as a theater reviewer for the gay press. My skills in pacing a play can be traced to her. Then there was Doc Larson. What can I say. I did my Masters in Playwriting. He taught me that deep skill and serious art are absolutely compatible with having a kick ass fun time. Currently: I spent years as a high school and community college instructor, then as a journalist and reviewer for the gay press. I was editor of each of Sacramento's gay newspapers at one time, and the founding editor of OutWord Newsmagazine. As a reviewer for the gay press I had a chance to meet some incredible performers and playwrights -- Susan Serandon, Harvey Fierstein, Paul Rudnick, RuPaul, Edward Albee, David Henry Hwang -- and the skills that led me to that fun and fascinating path came from my years in the CSUS Theatre Department. It is ironic that I was on a spiritual search in my years in college that led to a very painful coming out of the closet and a loss of a great many friends and family whose religion would not allow them to continue to embrace me. In my subsequent searching, I found the spirituality of my pre-christian Irish ancestors that not only did not denigrate gay people, but considered the arts to be the highest of social and spiritual expressions. I began to weave the seemingly disparate parts of my life together finally. I am now the President of the Board and Chief Druid of The Sacramento Grove of the Oak, Inc. a Neo-Pagan non-profit dedicated to the study and preservation of Celtic history, arts, and spirituality. I am also a published author and winner of a 1998 National Lambda Literary Award. I am one of the founders of the now-annual Tara Festival on the sacred Hill of Tara in Ireland. I am also the founder of the annual Celtic Midsummer Faerie Festival, where the arts and earth spirituality come together in a weekend of fun and revelry. Because the ancient Celts held the arts in the highest esteem, I find a real peace at last in being able to weave my spirituality into my deep dedication to the arts. Some of my friends tease me by calling me the Diva Druid. Name Now: Charles Grover Name Then: Charles Grover Time Period In: 1968 Time Period Out: 1971 Concentration: MA Shows: Carnival Stories: I loved doing the puppet work in "Carnival," and it was great working with Richard Bey, but my favorite memory of that show happened in a performance when in the role of Paul I was on stage with Heather MacDonald, who was a marvelous Lili. In this instance, however, Heather started a song and was off-key or forgot the lyrics so she stopped the show and asked the orchestra conductor to start over. I was amazed, as was everyone else, but Heather picked it up and went on without incident. Currently: I'm teaching and directing at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Name Now: Gayle Heinemann Name Then: Gayle Heinemann Time Period In: 1967 Time Period Out: 1975 Concentration: play writing, tech Shows: Summer Stock 1967/68/69/70. "Threepenny Opera," "Hay Fever," "Night of the Iguana," can't remember the rest. Stories: My first assignment as a college freshman was as Ass't Director for Dr. Larson on "Threepenny Opera." That was quite an experience. Enjoyed working with Larry Shumate on many productions. Remember being sent out each evening to the field in back of the theatre in the dead of night to open up the faucet for the rain effect in "Night of the Iguana." Learned the most about play writing from Professor Paul Carter Harrison, who spent one year on campus before returning to NY. Volunteered quite a bit at the tiny Drama Dept Library. Currently: Director of Admissions/FIDM. Name Now: James Henderson Name Then: James Henderson Time Period In: 1968 Time Period Out: 1973 Concentration: acting/directing Shows: Canterbury Tales, Oh! What a Lovely War, Vaudeville Tonight, Good Woman of Setzuan, The Recruiting Officer, numerous one-acts including Where Are You Going, Hollis Jay? Stories: I directed The Fantasticks both as a directing class project and later as a production for National Collegiate Players. I was a nervous wreak by the time each show went up. I remember working with David Hodo in a show--not too long before he went off to be one of the Village People. Currently: I am the theatre teacher at Skyline High School in Sammamish, Washington. I still bring students to the Lenaea Festival Name Now: Rodger Hoopman Time Period In: 1967 Time Period Out: 1969 Concentration: acting Shows: Oedipus Rex -Back to Back, The Birthday Party, Lysistrata, The Christmas Nightingale, Summer Stock ('68 ?), Ticket of Leave Man Stories: Oedipus research at Zorba's with Doc Larson, broken Catherni and actors tumbling on Oedipus raked stage, Backstage fire in Ticket of Leave Man, Summer stock anti-war show and Doc painting actors feet black who forgot black socks Currently: Theatre Producer / Chautauqua Playhouse, College Theatre Arts Instructor, SAG and Equity actor Name Now: Martha Kight Name Then: Martha Kight Time Period In: 1979 Time Period Out: 1980 Concentration: acting Shows: Cabaret, Working Stories: Remember the delightful and ubiquitous CB Davis with his beautiful dog and his hat? :) And who was it I used to sit with on the bench on front of the theatre and sing Beatles tunes with?? So sorry - OK - it's BEEN almost 30 years. And Dr. Herb Klein chain smoking and putting his cigarettes out in the plastic garbage cans? Who remembers when Tom Hanks came and spoke to Herb's Audition class after he had "made it' in Bosom Buddies?? He was really fun. I know some of y'all remember when he *went* to Sac State. And how sweet Willard Haynes has always been to all of us - I remember one day Mark Dias was in rehearsals for Equis and having a hard time keeping up with his math class, and Willard would sit with him tutoring him in the Green Room. :) And remember when - who the hell was it? - some of the guys hung a fully-set table and chairs upside down from the Green Room ceiling? And, during Cabaret, on every available chalkboard surface: "I think People are _____(fill in the blank), Cliff, REALLY I do?" And Debra's costumes not being ready to go on with her opening night of Cabaret and Andrew Hutchinson (congrats on fatherhood, Andrew and Nancy!!) and Mark Jones riffing for a good five minutes while there was a mad scramble to find her SOMETHING to put on to come onstage! And- Andrew Hutchinson and Cindy P-E-M-B-E-R-T-O-N :) and I going to SF to see "Sweeney Tood" the night before finals and having Cindy's car battery stolen?!??! "Rats the size of PUPPIES." :D I was there a short time but have some great memories to show for it. One final word: Larry Shumate and Willard Haynes both have paintings aging in their closets. NOTHING else explains why they still look *exactly* the same as 30 years ago. Currently: Right now I'm rehearsing 12th Night ( as Maria) at Murphys Creek Theatre in Murphys, CA (near Angel's Camp). *Brilliant* to act in the open air - on a winery in a canyon with deer walking through the place and stay in a house on a mountain overlooking a national forest. This does *not* suck. I highly recommend this lovely small prof. company to work with. I'm a co-founder of Synergy Stage, a small company in Sacramento producing Stuff We Like to Do (Nicky Silver, Irish plays, classics, edgy stuff) - we like theatre that makes ya think and feel. :) With Synergy I've acted, directed, been Production Mgr, Props Goddess, Costume Queen, etc. I've been acting and directing pretty much solid in the Sacramento area since College- sometimes they pay me, sometimes they don't. I love it here, and am one of the ones who decided to stay and help make good theatre here instead of buggin' out - I respect those that stayed and those that left, I just chose the former. I work by day in an office for the Government Technology Conference - just to support my theatre habit. Name Now: Myke Kunkel Name Then: Myke Kunkel Time Period In: 1998 Time Period Out: 2005 Concentration: Tech.- Lighting Design Shows: Most of the ones from Fall of '98 thru '03 Currently: Entertainment Management; Consulting; Theatrical designs; and Performance Services Name Now: Angelina LaBarre Name Then: Angelina LaBarre Time Period In: 2002 Time Period Out: 2005 Concentration: acting Shows: Burn This (sound), Temptation (Fistula), Twelfth Night (Fabian), Vingar Tom (costuming) Stories: I loved with the other students to get our side projects up and running. It meant rehearsing from 10 to midnight after the main stage rehearsals were over, and even buying our own set and costume pieces. It was completely worth it though. Currently: I'm currently on the west coast audition circuit. In the next two years I'll be returning to school to get my MFA in theatre arts. Name Now: Jim Lane Name Then: Jim Lane Time Period In: 1966 Time Period Out: 1977 Concentration: acting, tech, dance, etc. Shows: 1967-68: The Snow Queen The Night of the Iguana The Inspector General 1968-69: Lysistrata Carnival The Christmas Nightingale 1969-70: Jekyll-Hyde '69 The Recruiting Officer The Royal Hunt of the Sun 1970-71: Victory, Come Out of the Sandpile, Dear 1973-74: Gypsy Vaudeville Tonight A Flea in Her Ear 1974-75: A Cry of Players The Petrified Forest The Grass Harp 1975-76: West Side Story Catafalque and Angelina The Great American Hero The Importance of Being Earnest Private Lives Twelfth Night 1976-77: Enrico IV The Birds Two Gentlemen of Verona Arsenic and Old Lace Misalliance 1984-85: Troilus and Cressida 1999-2000: The Boy Friend Stories: Space limitations preclude going into detail on stories, but here are a few people (excluding faculty, all of whom were surely memorable), in alphabetical order and with apologies to those I've inadvertently left off: Janice Akers Cynthia Annis Bethe Bailey Marsha Bailey Hali Boeh Carol Champlain Clint Cochran Rod Cornelius David Crawford Carol Cullens Donna Davidson Paula Einstein Jean Gimblin Miriam Gray Kristin Hamm Tom Hanks Jean Hardie Peter Hardie Rodger Hoopman Bob Irvin Doug Lawson Blair Leatherwood Mike Maloney Deborah Mansergh Marsh McCandless Kim McCann Tom McGraw Sally Mertz Ross Modlin Sheila Morris Jerry Motta Joe Neeley Kelle O'Brien Richard Paschal Sunny Richard Mark Rose Vada Russell Chuck Schilling Rebecca Schleicher Michael Shanahan Perry Smith Sunny Smith Robert Sutton Brenda Vanicek Clinton Vidal Ellen Vincent Cheryl Watson Barbara Zaharris Rhonda Zaharris Events? Hmm, let's see... The revivals of Vaudeville Tonight, first for State Fair 1974, then for Gov. Ronald Reagan's farewell banquet in January '75... Ants Never Sleep, the talk of the Department in Spring 1975... Lenaea '69-70, when Bob Smart, Mark Rose, Marion Rader, Rhonda Zaharris and I traveled all over California to view the individual entries at their home schools... Being the only person willing to handle the long-deceased reptile in The Night of the Iguana (1968)... Three shows a day of The Christmas Nightingale (1968), performing to the beat of a pile driver laying the foundation for the Playwrights Theatre.... Having the CSU Chancellor's Office send a covert agent to check out our controversial production of Victory, Come Out of the Sandpile, Dear (1971)... The hidden Snoopys in the set of Lysistrata (1968)... Going to the ACTF Regionals in Fresno as a SECOND ALTERNATE with Enrico IV (1977) and blowing them all away with the best show of the series... The flying bullets (fake) and broken glass (real)in the climax of The Petrified Forest (1975)... and, as the saying goes, many more. Currently: Retired from the State of California in 2004, still reviewing movies for the Sacramento News & Review, and doing occasional theater. Name Now: Blair Leatherwood Time Period In: 1974 Time Period Out: 1979 Concentration: Acting Shows: Several one acts; Enrico IV; Oliver!; Sherlock Holmes; The Birds; Catafalque and Angelina; The Father (director); The World of Magic (crew); Life with Father (crew); Awake and Sing! (crew); La Perichole (a.d to Doc Larsen!); The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet; Teahouse of the August Moon Stories: Some things that pass through my head (and I wasn't alone in any of these): playing "hockey" with a roll of duct tape on the main stage waiting to go to the ACTF regionals; installing the birthday party on the ceiling in the green room (don't remember who it was for, but it stayed up there for months!); Sunday afternoon softball; staging a Brechtian moment by abducting not-yet-Dr. Reinelt from her class on her birthday with a group from her Brecht seminar; touring schools with Bob Smart and a bunch of crazy people (and you try doing Hamlet at 8 o'clock in the morning!); meeting a lot of people who are still part of my life; and I'm sure there's lots more. Currently: After graduating, I got my MFA in Acting at Brandeis University--the high point there was being in the world premiere of the musical "Personals" which went on to play at the ACTF in DC (two of the writers went on to create "Friends"). Returned to Sacramento in 1981. I've been working in the theatre constantly since then, doing 2-3 shows a year. Married since 1983, five cats. Found a paying job in the insurance industry; I have two jobs--one pays the bills, the other keeps me sane! Name Now: Cynthia Linville Name Then: Cindi Linville Time Period In: 1984 Time Period Out: 1990 Concentration: acting & tech: props, stage management Shows: Acting: On The Razzle The Vision (Studio Theatre) Alice in Wonderland (Student) Ten by Tennessee Tartuffe Miss Reardon Drinks (Studio) On The Town Tech: Amen Corner A Lion in Winter Curse of the Starving Class Wedding Band A Woman's reflection/Hamlet Shattered Nar/Hamletmachine The Elephant Man (Student) The Hiding Place (Studio) Red Peppers (Studio) Chamber Music (Studio) The People Could Fly(Student) Stories: Probably my most vivid memories come from my year as the dept. property mistress (87-88): *** Wedding Band called for a full-scale garden on stage and, silly us, instead of insisting on some money for silk plants, Joy Eakin and I attempted to grow a garden in the basement -- quite a feat. After six weeks of listening to Doc Waldo tell us the corn would be four feet high come show time, we realized that wasn't gonna happen. We finally called in the campus greenhouse keeper who was so astounded that we had gotten *anything* to grow in the basement (we had rigged up grow lights in the bunk beds) that he took pity on us and *gave* us some plants which we then planted on stage in mounds of dirt. (Yes, it's true!) Even so, I believe Joy had to resort to green spray paint and string by the end of the run. *** The next most memorable property feat came in The Curse of the Starving Class when a character had to urinate on state each night. (We know Tom Shepherd must hate prop people!) The script called for the teenaged son to whip out his penis and pee on his little sister's school posters which subsequently were ruined. (Clearly, this was a Bob Smart show.) I solved the problem with a medical IV bag, a rolling-shut off valve, some tubing taped under the actor's significant anatomy, and some yellow food coloring. The poster problem was solved with erasable markers on a laminated background. Believe it or not, it all worked like a charm! *** Lastly, I'll never forget how I spent weeks looking for the prop dept's chenille bed spread only to find a character *wearing it* as a bathrobe on stage in Ten by Tennessee. Don Fibiger strikes again! *** My most frustrating tech experience came as lighting operator for Hamletmachine. I ended up staying up for five days and five nights straight for this supposedly a cake assignment after being assigned to operate seven (or was it more?) slide projectors simultaneously. All of these projectors were *supposed* to work automatically off of a cue tape. However, about a week before opening, we gave up on that and went to a manual relay (me, a button, and a stop watch) which entailed several all-nighters to reload the trays (me, Thor Tivol, and Mary Jane). Even still, the projectors refused to work. There were ghosts in the machines! They literally only worked when Willard Haynes was nearby, electronic wizard that he is. We ended up using extra operators in the catwalk and behind the scrim during the show. (Joy Eakin had to stand on a ladder for over an hour.) We simply could not get the projectors to work any other way. What a nightmare! I emerged from the theater when the run was over to find that it was spring! I hadn't been outside in the daytime for weeks. *** As for acting memories: Favorite show ever: Tartuffe (which was televised and ran on local cable for years) Worst show ever: A tie between The Vision (Dante's Inferno in one act need I say more?) and Alice in Wonderland (I played the Duchess as a lesbian trying to seduce a Alice who was played by a very large middle aged woman I begged everyone I knew *not* to come see it) These clunkers were directed by Ron Lewis and David Fisher respectively. *** Favorite show to stage manage: Chamber Music in the studio directed by Ed Trafton. I currently have the cast and crew pic hanging on my wall. *** And lastly a note to say that I miss Matt Mayhan and am delighted and the new UT lobby is being dedicated to him. Currently: I teach on campus in the English Dept. and work with my story-teller husband in Red Beard Tales http://www.redbeardtales.com Name Now: Ken Lodge Name Then: Ken Lodge Time Period In: 1973 Time Period Out: 1976 Concentration: technical design, acting, etc. Shows: JB, Haight, Flea in Her Ear, Gypsy, Black Terror, Vaudeville Tonight. Stories: many, far too many. Stapling Dr. Waldo to the floor had to be the best. He'd fallen asleep while painting as I recall. Currently: Supporting Computer Networks, and playing the Blues. Name Now: Kim McCann-Lawson Name Then: Kim McCann Time Period In: 1974 Time Period Out: 1979 Concentration: Acting, Directing, some Tech Shows: CRY OF PLAYERS, HMS PINAFORE, THE PETRIFIED FOREST, SHAKESPEARE MONTAGE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, HANDS ACROSS THE SEA, METRO GIRLS, THE BROWNING VERSION, OLIVER, THE RUNNER STUMBLES, SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER,THE FATHER, SHERLOCK HOLMES, ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, GEMINI, BLANCO POSNET, TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON, THE BIRDS, others. Stories: I remember Tom Hanks making his CSUS acting debut in a one-act called PORCH out in the (then) Outdoor Theatre. Mike Shanahan directed it and Tom worked with Shelly Sandford and Marsh McCandless. Tom blew everyone away ~ up till then we all thought of him as the funny tech guy in the white overalls. Who knew? I also remember very clearly being snookered by Doc Larson into collecting and running props on SHERLOCK HOLMES. The cad! = ) He told me that there wasn't that much to do, got me to say yes, and then handed me the ten page plus prop list while telling me very little had been done and I would also be helping to dress the five (yes, I said five) different sets for the show. Anybody else and I would've said you must be out of your mind! There were so many wonderful, talented people in the department while I was there and I have many, many lovely memories. Currently: I am an associate professor in the Theatre and Film department at Sacramento City College, where I teach Intermediate and Advanced Acting and Cinema Genres. I am a resident director with both SCC's City Theatre and the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival. Additionally, I am the Assistant Program Director at Short Center South, a fine arts based day program for adults with developmental disabilities. Name Now: Delphi Michaels Name Then: Delphi Michaels Time Period In: 1983 Time Period Out: 1986 Concentration: acting and technical Shows: Oh my gosh...let's see... Chekov in Yalta The Lady's Not For Burning Working The Trial Marat Sade something with the word Honey in the title (Jan-Michelle was the lead) A Soldier's Play (one act) Us and Them (one act, directed) Present Tense (one act, directed) directed another one act...blocked it from my memory I'm sure there were more full-length plays I worked on. Stories: Janelle Reinelt and her passion for teaching and revealing the technique of the art. Doctor Waldo whose theatre lore was endless and wonderful. Dr. Larson who never met a student he didn't like and help. I met my best friend, Terri Ramos, while at CSUS...we've been friends for about 21 years now and I'm the godmother of her 5 y.o. beautiful little girl, Claire. I met Neil Treganza there too and our 20-year friendship continues to strengthen and inspire me. I remember the theatre ghost (I was in the shop elevator alone one night, pressed the button for the second floor to take costumes up and, instead, the elevator went to the basement of its own accord, even though the basement was LOCKED by that time of night. The elevator door opened and there was total pitch blackness. I just stayed rooted to my patch of elevator floor with huge eyes until the door closed and took me to the second floor. I've never been so frightened! I remember Mark Haney and the reward of finding him to be so compassionate, knowledgeable and helpful. Richard Stockton and his easygoing, lanky presence. I worked in the theatre arts office for two years and developed such a fondness for the amazing Sarah Yee that it was like leaving home when I graduated. CSUS Theatre Arts Department gave me skills and confidence and wonderful friends that have enriched my life. Currently: I'm the communications analyst for the Electronic Medical Record Project at UCD Health System. About 8 or 9 years ago, I got interested in the Internet and now have my own web design and development business as well. It's called Blossom Web (blossomweb.com) and it's been wonderful because several local theaters are clients of mine: Chautauqua Playhouse, Garbeau's Dinner Theatre, Studio Theatre, River Stage and the League of Sacramento Theaters. I feel like my two great loves have combined in a wonderful way. Name Now: Miles Miniaci Name Then: Miles Minnies Time Period In: 1993 Time Period Out: 1994 Concentration: acting Shows: Cast: Women of Trachis (UT) A Thousand Cranes (UT) Etta Jenks (Playwrights) Poster of the Cosmos (Studio) Crew: Boys from Syracuse (UT) Lie of the Mind (Playwrights) Stinking Badges (Playwrights) Director: Don Juan (Studio) Stories: Getting to work w/ Doc Larson on Boys from Syracuse...and accidentally hitting Dean Busick in the face w/ a round from a "confetti gun" on opening night--way to make an impression on my first show, right? Also, working w/ Ed Trafton & Richard Bay on A Thousand Cranes, and getting to take it to the Internat'l. Puppet Festival in SF...still one of the most amazing theatrical experiences of my career. Currently: Acting full time--currently for the B Street and for a touring children's theatre program through the State. Name Now: Steve Minow Name Then: Steve Minow Time Period In: 1982 Time Period Out: 1995 Concentration: acting Shows: Lady In the Dark, The Mikado, On the Razzle, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, Strider, Jumbo, Three Penny Opera Stories: Changing my costume backstage while at the same time being stripped down to my skivvies by the dresser, singing for the lead male (who could not carry a tune) into a mic while staying on track with the orchestra with a TV monitor in Lady In the Dark... the name of the song was 'This Is New' Currently: advertising sales for a gay publication called NEXT Magazine in New York. I have seen TONS of shows, dabble here and there in a show or two. Name Now: Ross Modlin Name Then: Ross Modlin Time Period In: 1972 Time Period Out: 1978 Concentration: acting Shows: Gypsy, Misalliance, Two Gentleman of Verona, Fiddler on the Roof Stories: I think it was a year before Dr. Herb Klein passed away. I had taken his ONeill: Dreams, Drunkenness, and Disillusionment course the previous semester. I now sat in his American Theater History class, required for the degree. He really had turned me on to ONeill and I had just finished the Gelbs biography. I was armed with a lot of incredible stories about not only Eugene but also his father. In fact, James ONeill as many of you know who are fans of Long Days Journey Into Night was one of Americas first matinee idols, one of the first popular American Stars. He had played Christ in the first Passion Play in San Francisco directed by Belasco, which had been met with riots. He became a matinee idol in the role of the Count in The Count of Monte Cristo. I was fascinated with all of this theater history, and when Dr. Klein asked a question (I cant honestly recall the specific question) about American stars my hand, along with the newer Drama Major student sitting next to me, shot up. I was not only going to discuss stars but it would be highly pertinent to the course title! However, Dr. Klein, God rest his soul, began to engage in a protracted discussion with the newer student about who was their favorite Hollywood actor. Okay, maybe that was the question, but darn it! My knowledge of Americas first star was boiling inside. I needed to prove my academic strength, so at every possible interval between Redford has the box office clout and but isn't Jack more of a personality actor, I waved and sighed. But I was ignored. So after what seemed like ten minutes, but was probably more like five I stood up. I was a pretty extroverted person but confrontation was not in my behavior plan. I walked to the door, opened it, walked out, and very loudly slammed it shut behind me. The next day on the quad, Dr. Klein approached me and in a sort of casual way asked if there had been anything the matter yesterday in class. I was far to shy and embarrassed to tell the truth and said, no. I walked away, never forgetting the injustice. Now after having been a teacher for fifteen years, the forgiveness flows easily. I wonder how many times I have overlooked an eager learner desperately wanting to share. Oh yes, ironically the newer student who was discussing American movie stars turned out later to become an American movie star ... two-time academy award winner - Tom Hanks. Submitted by Ross Modlin Student 1972-1978 Currently: teacher, 4th grade acting in the community Name Now: Catherine O'Brien Name Then: Catherine O'Brien Time Period In: 1966 Time Period Out: 1976 Concentration: acting Shows: Yikes! I can't remember. Marat Sade, Carnival, Vaudeville Tonight, Empire of the Sun, a bunch of one acts. Can't wait to see the list and see what I remember. Stories: Meeting my still best friends David Hodo, Bob Irvin, Stephanie Pierson. Still going to school with high school pal Les Cockayne. Envying the Mertzs. Running through the quad in my butterfly custom from Carnival. Being Gracie Allen in Vaudeville Tonight. Not knowing what "copulation" meant when Dr. Larson assigned the cast to come prepared for that scene in Marat Sade. My father coming to see that, my first college show and wondering what in the world I was doing. Growing up in the outdoor theater. Currently: I run Stanford University's television studio and manage Anthony Montanino's art business. Name Now: Elizabeth Park Name Then: same Time Period In: 1992 Time Period Out: 1996 Concentration: acting Shows: Etta Jenks I hope you suppose those aren't real tears Midsummer Night's Dream The Long Good-Bye The Dreamer Examines Pillow Stories: I think about often and will never forget Matt Miller! Juanita Rice made an impact - mostly I was afraid of her :) BOB!! The Etta Jenks costume crew! Currently: Real Estate in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. (Theater degree + Psychology degree = Real Estate career!! HA) Name Now: Valerie Renken Name Then: Valerie Renken Time Period In: 1985 Time Period Out: 1987 Concentration: Technical Shows: Soldiers Story, On the Razzle, Mother Courage, Charlie Brown (with Ed Trafton) and others I cannot remember Stories: I thoroughly enjoyed my two years at Sac State. I learned so much about stagecraft, painting and lighting. Mark Haney, Larry Shumate, Dean Busick, and Bonnie Busick were excellent teachers! Doing Charlie Brown with Ed Trafton in that little shack of a theatre (what was it called again??) was a big highlight of my time there. I also remember the skating party where Doc Larson broke his arm during 'On The Razzle'. Kathyanne Thompson, Cary Anderson, Byron Rudrow, Carl Brownell, Dace Udris, where are you all now??? Currently: From 1987 - 1993 I was the lighting designer/tech director of the Magic Circle Theatre in Roseville. Since 1994, I have worked as a Software/Operations analyst for Amdocs in Eldorado Hills. I have a 15 yr old son - that keeps me very busy. Name Now: Kathleen Ross-Allee Name Then: Kathleen Ross Time Period In: 1975 Time Period Out: 1979 Concentration: Acting/singing Shows: West Side Story The Importance of Being Earnest Dark Lady of the Sonnets Enrico IV Metro Girls Catafalque and Angelina Fiddler on the Roof ..and a few more.... Stories: Member of the WIZ kids: Mark Shumate Blair Leatherwood Kathleen Ross Helped to protect the identity of Captain Stagecraft! I remember feeling like Sac State was my home away from home...I feel very privileged to have been in a college that had such wonderful teachers who created such a sense of self for all of us. Currently: I am a YOGA THERAPIST and have my own Private Training business 'LEEN BODIES Name Now: Judi Finkelstein Name Then: Judi Rude Time Period In: 1972 Time Period Out: 1974 Concentration: acting, tech, American Theatre History Shows: Gypsy; summer school 1973 in small theatre (Cole Porter Revue, Broadway,Sail Little Ships & Dummies(2 one acts)); Good Woman of Szechuan; Canterbury Tales; A Winter's Tale; J.B.; Operation Sidewinder; Sty of the Blind Pig; I was a judge at the Lenaea Festival 1974 and I submitted the 1st original research thesis in American Theatre History at the school Stories: I would like to help but I am geographically unavailable. I will be moving back to California in the spring of 2007. Please let me know when the reunion is and I will try to come. I will try to remember stories and send them later. Currently: My husband, son & I were just at Sac State in April looking at colleges for my son, for September 2007. Saw Bonnie & Nina in the costume shop. Name Now: Bruce Ramsey Name Then: Bruce Ramsey Time Period In: 1984 Time Period Out: 1985 Concentration: acting Shows: "The Shrunken Head of Pauncho Villa", "The Trial", "Camille", "Troilus and Cressida", "Gory Stories", "The Lady's Not For Burning", "On The Razzle", "The Hiding Place", "Romantic Ruins". Stories: The pretty girls and playful squirrels. Trying to attract the pretty girls, and feeling spectorish. The casting parties of Fibigger (they were great). The music of that time. A LOT of time in the shop. Playwriting, Gates, Doc, Sonya Berman, Rice, the "Stage Shop Troll", student movies that went no-where, my irritating Waldo with my Dillion Thomas interpretation. Reading LOTS of plays. Meeting Luis Valdez. Ralph the Ghost. Steve Minow's "CLASSIC!" line. Black stuffed scotty dogs on leashes. Herc The Hornet construction. Mermadons. My first real girlfriend whose later death got me involved in breast cancer research. Currently: Substitute teaching by day, teaching driving by night. Possibly getting into helicopter flying for a living. Name Now: Mark Todd Sloan Name Then: Mark (Todd) Sloan Time Period In: 1989 Time Period Out: 1992 Concentration: acting, tech, dance, etc. Shows: "The Marry-go-Around", "The Changeling",Set painting ;"Guys and Dolls",Star role "Sunshine and Africa Blues",Painting;"On the Town",Major Barabra,"Bloody Poetry", "Noises Off", Shakespeare's Loves", Was in "Machial" to name a few. Stories: I remember having classes under the big oak tree near the theatre We Called the "Wisdom Tree" That is what Dr. Robert Waldo called it because he would share his wisdom with us. I remember Larry Shumate tell that I wasn't just learning a profession ,but a skill. and he was right. We had great after show parties with the Drama Club. We would come together and put a play together no matter how many hours we would have to put in. It was the students,and the Professors Like Dr. Larson, BOB Smart, and DOC Waldo. I will miss them ,but I learned a lot from them. I remember doing a play where they needed an old switch board head set. We didn't have any thing like that, but Wizard Waldo got a kids bike horn and painted it black. From then on I looked at things differently to solve problems and make things work. Doc Larson told me that he we working on a play and the actors were late for rehearsal all the time. He got himself and very old and broke watch that he got from a pawn shop. At the next rehearsal they show up late again . He took the watch from his pocket threw it to the floor stomp on it and "Yell why can't you be on time?" Then he looks down at the Watch and starts crying " My father gave that watch see what you made me do?" The actor were upset and sorry and they were never late again. Currently: Working as a stagehand in the show on the Strip wearing a tunic to blend in The Show is Called " The Tournament of Kings" a live Dinner show that you have to eat with your hands. Set in medieval time King Arthur has invited the kings of different countries to a friend Tournament when his evil older son Mordred tries to take over. I also work as a Scenic Artist around town. Work on the Movie "ShowGirls" with a lot of the background scenes. Painted the pirate ship at Treasure Island before they painted it purple. The Stage at "Mystere" as well as props.I also worked on a few TV pilots Name Now: Sunny Smith Name Then: Sunny Smith Time Period In: 1972 Time Period Out: 1990 Concentration: Theatre degree, acting, musicals, taught from 1980-1990 in both Theatre and Dance departments, Dance degree with MA in both departments Shows: Gypsy, HMS Pinnafore, A Flea In Her Ear, Metro Girls, Catafaulke and Angelina, Haight, numerous one acts, Lone Star, Working, Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, The Owl and the Pussycat, Jazzee dance concerts, Dale Scholl Dance Art, The Alchemy Company Magic Show, The Birds, Strider, That show where Sherilyn and I "castrated" Thom Knickerbocker, Vaudeville Tonight, British Music Hall, Oliver, Etc.... Stories: Ants Never Sleep, Herb Kline, Going to Wash DC, Susan and Tom, all the ACTF's , Halloween parties at Knickerbockers, the little lamb that died in performance, Steve Crawford and cow poop on the stage, Jim Lane, Debra Meridith- Hammond and the chorus girl from hell in Cabaret, Cheryl Watson moving in with us and throwing tomatoes, the beautiful Clista Towne , From Dance...Katherine Akers, Stacey Manolakas, Karen Fucille and Patrick Leader....and Ron and Monique, Tambi and Vivianne and her little dog. Vivvianne's first words in English. Becky and Debbie. Debbie slamming her fist into the wall of the outer room and breaking it because she was so mad at Dale S. ...then coming back to finish the last hour of rehearsal with a broken hand. The opening night performance when the ac turned our marly floor into a balloon! Currently: Director of Dance American River College, Choreographer, Co-director of Great Songs Of The Sky / Fringe Festival Summer 06... Fourth degree Gramma Chicken and wild bird wrangler for FOTF Name Now: Roger Urroz, Jr Name Then: Roger Urroz, Jr Time Period In: 1994 Time Period Out: 1998 Concentration: acting, tech Shows: Dream of Monkey Mountain, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Camino Real, Marisol, Richard III, Language of Flowers, La Bte Stories: When I think back on my college memories, I always think of Sac State Theater. Is Brad Nailer still listed in every show's program? Good 'ole Brad. Currently: I work for the California Teachers Association as a Multimedia Specialist. Name Now: Clayton Bill Yale Name Then: Bill Yale Time Period In: 1981 Time Period Out: 2001 Concentration: tech, Box Office, House Management. Shows: Bedroom Farce, Dining Room, SpokeSong, Camille, Lady in the Dark, Amen Corner, Sugar Mouth Sam Don't Dance No Mo', Zooman and the sign, Livin Fat, Mother Courage, The Trial, True West, On the Razzle, Short Eyes, Soldier's Story, There are more I can't Remember Stories: Stage Managing, livin fat and having the director disappear during rehearsal, the spectacular Short Eyes set, Taking Soldiers Play to ACTF, lighting the candle practical during Camille, the incredible work from all tech areas for Lady in the Dark, the fun of the student productions in the studio theatre, and especially the camaraderie of everyone putting the shows together. People I remember: Tracy Fowler, Mitch Prefach, Betsy Martin, Byron Rudrow, Cary Anderson, Ted Kryzinski, Jed Sherman, Willard, Dean, Larry, Pat, Sarah, Bonnie and all of the professors, Mike Soares, Lucy Lee Lawrence, Doug Richards, and many more. and of course "Ralph" Currently: I was an events planner for a casino and am now working on Community and church events Name Now: Connie Mockenhaupt Jimena Name Then: Connie Mockenhaupt Time Period In: 1961 Time Period Out: 1979 Concentration: acting, music, dance, etc. Shows: Damn Yankies, Victory Come Out of the Sandpile Dear, Gypsy, Canterbury Tales, Little Mary Sunshine, Several Operas, and other musicals Stories: All the wonderful people who were there. Bob Smart, Doc Larson, Dr Lewis, Dr Carpenter, Daniel Kingman, Larry Shumate, Richard Bay, there are so many memories. I have some news clippings and photos from these ancient times if you are interested. Currently: My husband and I have built and are now the Managing Directors of The Stage Nine Entertainment Store & Theatre in Folsom. An intimate Equity waver theatre that seats 42. Also we are building a 258 seat theatre in El Dorado Hills called the Backlot Theatre which should open in April 2007. It will also have a Non Profit called TPTA " Theatre Production & Technical Academy" which will offer classes in all aspects of theatre including technical theatre, visual art, dance, music, acting, etc.. Anyone looking for a job? Name Now: Mary Elizabeth Anderson Name Then: Mary Elizabeth Anderson Time Period In: 2001 Time Period Out: 2003 Concentration: puppetry, African-Caribbean dance, history and theory of performance, arts outreach and education Shows: Medea - Richard Bay and Linda Goodrich, 2002 Venus - Linda Goodrich, 2002 M. Butterfly - Barbara Norris, 2003 Cabaret - Ed Brazo, Paul Besaw, Claudia Kitka, 2003 Stories: 1)...when you are getting more paint on your face and your neighbor's canvas than on your own, perhaps there is no future for you as a scenic painter, and you might turn your attention towards executing Dr. Goodrich's "booty crunchers" with the utmost enthusiasm 2)...approaching scenework as a purely analytical process is agonizing and sometimes one must stop asking "why" and just do the scene, try the suggestion in Acting for Musical Theatre 3)...a "drawerpull" made of a drawer handle and two fingers, is an endlessly fascinating thing... 4) handcarving giant styrofoam puppets for the outdoor portion of Medea can be fun and can be dangerous...Richard Bay's daughter barely escaped with her life 5)if Dr. Goodrich teaches a "chain of fools" dance sequence for a show, you will forever want to perform that dance whenever you hear Aretha sing... 6) Sayuri Nina Pinckard knows how to walk in stilettos and she will teach you... 7) theatre and dance will change you - change your thinking, change your moving - and it's our job and our joy to keep that momentum going Thanks to everyone Richard Linda Harold Willard Bonnie Nina Donna Margaret Dr. Pomo Dr. Utz Juanita Pat Andonia Paul Ed Claudia Scott Mark Richard Mary and Deborah and all my fellow students for giving me the courage to try anything... Currently: Completing an MFA/PhD at UC Davis in Dramatic Art/ Performance Studies Name Now: Chuck Schilling Name Then: Chuck Schilling Time Period In: 1973 Time Period Out: 1978 Concentration: acting Shows: On stage: The Birds,Cry of Players, Petrified Forest, Enrico IV, Catafalque and Angelina and a whole bunch of one acts. I worked tech on Gypsy. Stories: One of my favorite moments was during one of the annual awards banquet actually held in the theatre - Clinton Vidal and I were called up to receive the "Frick and Frack" award given during the Osrics. We happened to be sitting on opposite sides of the of the theatre and we each walked up a different flight of stairs to the stage and we both 'tripped' on the top step at the same time. I swear it was not planned. We did not know we were even getting the award. I remember spending time in the "Office" with Clinton, Roelle Mitchell and Janice Echols. I have a fond memory of Green Room activities - including after we all had seen that godawful movie Survive! - we created a menu of food items on the blackboard using the names of people in the department. My favorite menu item was hot buttered Roelles... Also in the Green Room, listening for the next cue, Tom Hanks telling me all about Rocky and how good it was. Janie Franks playing the piano. Jim Lane and I duelling in rehearsal up the steps of The Birds set - quoting lines from The Adventures of Robin Hood. Climbing down a 30+ foot long rope as one of my entrances in the show. Bob Smart telling me I was too pale (my costume was a breechclout at that point) and insisting that I be slathered with Coppertone every night. Bonnie's marvelous puppets and my Rock Hopper penguin costume. The 30's style phone in Petrified Forest - loaded on closing night with vaseline just waiting for Jim Lane's last line. Time spent with Doc Larson in his office and on his bench. That was an education right there. Larry Shumate telling me that for him to come and see the shows on opening night was a little like a postman taking a walk. Don Fibiger's laugh. Bob Smart's enthusiasm. Dr. Carl Thomas - the nicest man I think I've ever met. Sarah Yee - what would we have done with out her? Susan Dillingham and little Colin. I remember changing his diaper once or twice. Dave Chase, Randy Fechter, John Ormond, Randy Olea, Kim Faris, Mike Shanahan, Kim McCann and Bob Sutton, Blair Leatherwood... Kellie O'Brien, Judy Caruso, Mary Lewis and Thom Knickerbocker - best cast ever for Riders to the Sea. I could go on, but I don't want to write the great American novel here... As Janice said, these years were golden. I miss you all. Currently: I work in IT, which, while boring, pays the bills. I have two kids - one in college and one in high school (both love theater and are much better performers than I ever was. I write and paint to pass the time. Name Now: Walter Leineke Name Then: Walter Leineke Time Period In: 1956 Time Period Out: 1958 Concentration: acting, tech, dance, etc. Shows: 1. THE CRUCIBLE ACTOR 2. LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE LIGHTING 3. PARTING AT IMSDDORF - AN EVENING OF ONE ACT PLAYS- DIRCTOR 4 STUDENT MANAGER OF THE FIRST LANEA FESTIVAL Currently: RETIRED FROM TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATION AT COLUMBIA COLLEGE
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