In episode 22, the Community Theater Heroes (Chris Murphy and Sarah Fuller) sit down with David Cockerell (Marketing/Communications Director of AACT) and Chris Serface (Managing Artistic Director of Tacoma Little Theatre and on the Board of Directors of AACT) immediately following the incredible Town Hall Meeting for Oregon Community Theaters held at Twilight Theater Company in Portland, OR on August 11th. In this episode we are also joined by Danyelle Tinker (Executive Marking Director of TTC) and Dorinda Toner (Artistic Director of TTC) who helped organize and facilitate the Town Hall meeting. This is a great episode to learn more about the AACT and the benefits and support the organization provides to community theatres throughout the United States. We encourage all community theatres and even individuals to become members of AACT. You can learn more about them and find out about their upcoming conferences and events by visiting https://aact.orgSupport the show

Community Theater Heroes

022 - American Association of Community Theatre - Oregon Town Hall

Episode Description: In this episode I sit down with Nina Monique Kelly, the Founder & Artistic Director of Whisper Skin Theatre in Portland, OR. Nina discusses their upcoming show, Beneath the Rawness, and Whisper Skin Theatre's mission of using surrealist drama to give women and female-identifying artists a platform to tell their stories. Beneath the Rawness is playing at the Clinton Street Theater October 11-13, 2019.Episode Guests:Nina Monique Kelly (Founder & Artistic Director of Whisper Skin Theatre)Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:• Get tickets to BENEATH THE RAWNESS• Follow Whisper Skin Theatre on Facebook• Whisper Skin Theatre's Website• Learn More about the Community Theater Heroes• Have questions? Want to be on the show? Email us at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.12 - Nina Monique Kelly (Whisper Skin Theatre)

Episode Description: This is episode 3 of 6, in our series of interviews conducted while at AACTFest 2019 in Gettysburg, PA. In this episode we sit down with the team from the Wetumpka Depot Players' production of The Diviners which won the People’s Choice Award at ACCTFest 2019. Director Kim Mason, Artistic Director and actor Kristy Meanor (Luella Bennet) , actor Reese Lynch (Buddy Layman), and actor Brad Sinclair (C.C. Showers).Kim, Kristy, Reese, and Brad discuss their experience working on this incredible production and what it was like bringing it to a national competition. They also share some hilarious horror stories from their theatre career, which I know you are going to love! Episode Guests:Kim Mason (Director of The Diviners), Kristy Meanor (Artistic Director of Wetumpka Depot Players, Actor- Luella Bennett), Reese Lynch (Actor - Buddy Layman) and Brad Sinclair (Actor - C.C. Showers) Hosted by Chris Murphy (Founding Producer of CTH) and Sarah Nolte Fuller (Production Manager/Co-Host)Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:• Learn More About Wetumpka Depot Players• Follow Wetumpka Depot Players on Facebook• Learn More about AACT• Find out about WorldFest 2020• Follow AACT on Facebook• Learn More about the Community Theater Heroes• Have questions? Want to be on the show? Email us at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.11 - The Diviners (Wetumpka Depot Players

Episode Description: This is episode 2 of 6, in our series of interviews conducted while at AACTFest 2019 in Gettysburg, PA. In this episode we sit down with interns Ashley Parks, Blake Carlson, and Thomas Griffin as they discuss the festival from their perspective.Ashley, Blake, and Thomas are some of the most kind, hard-working, and passionate college students we have ever met... and we know listening to them will inspire and excite you (just like it did us!)Episode Guests:Ashley Parks, Blake Carlson, Thomas Griffin (AACT Interns). Hosted by Chris Murphy (Founding Producer of CTH) and Sarah Nolte Fuller (Production Manager/Co-Host)Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:• Learn More about AACT• Find out about WorldFest 2020• Follow AACT on Facebook• Learn More about the Community Theater Heroes• Have questions? Want to be on the show? Email us at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.10 - Meet the Interns (AACTFest 2019)

Episode Description: This is episode 1 of 6, in our series of interviews conducted while at AACTFest 2019 in Gettysburg, PA. In this episode we sit down with Emily Anderson to discuss her love for the American Association of Community Theatre as well as AACTFest & WorldFest. Emily (which you'll soon find out) is an amazing person, artist, and an award winning actor. She is also the Former Managing Director of the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, Michigan, as well as the host of the Beyond Broadway Radio show, and a current Board Member of AACT. Episode Guests:Emily Anderson (Award Winning Actor, AACT Board Member). Hosted by Chris Murphy (Founding Producer of CTH) and Sarah Nolte Fuller (Production Manager/Co-Host)Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:• Learn More about AACT• Find out about WorldFest 2020• Follow AACT on Facebook• Follow Emily Anderson on Instagram• Learn More about the Community Theater Heroes• Have questions? Want to be on the show? Email us at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.9 - Emily Anderson (AACTFest 2019)

Episode Description: In this episode I sit down with award Jen Lanier (Co-Artistic Director) and Lauren Saville Allard (Educational Director) to discuss their work with the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival in Portland, OR. In three weekends in July and one in August, OPS Fest performs all 17 shows in its repertory. WIL Fest will take place over four weekends at three Portland parks: Willamette Park, (SW Macadam Ave); Irving Park, (NE Fremont & NE 7th Ave.); and Laurelhurst Park, where it all began, (SE Cesar E Chaves Blvd. & Stark St.). The OPS Fest company of talented, flexible actors will perform it all over 15 days. Children, picnics, and leashed pups are always welcome! Episode Guests:Jen Lanier (Co-Artistic Director) and Lauren Saville Allard (Educational Director) of OPSFest. Hosted by Chris Murphy (Founding Producer/Host of CTH)Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:• Learn More about Original Practice Shakespeare Festival.• OPSFest's Summer Season Schedule• Donate to OPSFest! • Learn More about the Community Theater Heroes• Have questions? Want to be on the show? Email us at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.8 - Jen Lanier & Lauren Saville Allard (Original Practice Shakespeare Festival)

Episode Description: In this episode we sit down with award winning Fight Director, John Armour. John is a former advanced actor combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors and founded the Memorial Day Melee regional workshop in Portland in 2001. He has taught and staged violence for theater for the past 30 years. He twice received Drammy awards for Best Fight Design. John has been the primary fight director for Portland Center Stage and Portland Opera for most of the past two decades and has created violence for companies large and small throughout the Northwest. John also teaches as a guest artist in high schools and colleges. John was a founding acting company member of Tygre’s Heart Shakespeare Company and was its resident fight director. John is a member of SAG-AFTRA the union of professional screen, television, radio and emerging media performers.Episode Guests:John Armour (Award Winning Fight Director), Chris Murphy (Creator/Co-Host), Samuel Alexander Hawkins (Guest Host), Sarah Nolte Fuller (Production Manager/Co-Host).Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Twilight Theater Company in Portland, OR. Twilight Theater is a not-for-profit organization that endeavors to meet a growing need for accessible, innovative theatre in the North Portland community both for artists and audiences. Their 2019 Season theme “In the Buff” includes some incredible plays such as Equus, The elephant Man, Veronica’s Room, The Miracle Worker, and more. To find out more about Twilight and to purchase tickets to their upcoming shows, please visit twilighttheatercompany.org. This episode is also brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:• Check our John's "Basics of Stage Combat & Bloodwork" class!• Society of American Fight Directors• Learn More about the Community Theater Heroes• Have questions? Want to be on the show? Email us at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.7 - John Armour (Fight Director)

Episode Description: In this episode we sit down with Ruth Jenkins & Patrick Short the founders of ComedySportz Portland. In their interview Ruth and Patrick discuss the history of ComedySportz in Portland, offer insight on building a sense of community with your community, give advice on creating original shows, shed some light on what actors are doing in class or auditions that hurt themselves, and much more!Episode Guests:Ruth Jenkins & Patrick Short of Comedy Sporty Portland, Chris Murphy (Creator/Co-Host), Craig Fitzpatrick (Guest Host), Sarah Nolte Fuller (Production Manager/Co-Host).Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Twilight Theater Company in Portland, OR. Twilight Theater is a not-for-profit organization that endeavors to meet a growing need for accessible, innovative theatre in the North Portland community both for artists and audiences. Their 2019 Season theme “In the Buff” includes some incredible plays such as Equus, The elephant Man, Veronica’s Room, The Miracle Worker, and more. To find out more about Twilight and to purchase tickets to their upcoming shows, please visit twilighttheatercompany.org. This episode is also brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:• ComedySportz Portland• Tickets to upcoming ComedySportz shows• Classes at ComedySportz• Learn More about the Community Theater Heroes• Have questions? Want to be on the show? Email us at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.6 - ComedySportz Portland (Ruth Jenkins & Patrick Short)

Episode Description: In this episode we sit down with Blaine Vincent III and Ira Kortum to talk about their theatre (and film) careers and their work in The Elephant Man currently playing at the Twilight Theater in Portland, OR until March 24th. Episode Guests:Blaine Vincent III (John Merrick in The Elephant Man), Ira Kortum (Carr Gomm in The Elephant Man), Chris Murphy (Creator/Co-Host), Samuel Alexander Hawkins (Guest Host), Sarah Nolte Fuller (Production Manager/Co-Host).Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Twilight Theater Company in Portland, OR. Twilight Theater is a not-for-profit organization that endeavors to meet a growing need for accessible, innovative theatre in the North Portland community both for artists and audiences. Their 2019 Season theme “In the Buff” includes some incredible plays such as Equus, The elephant Man, Veronica’s Room, The Miracle Worker, and more. To find out more about Twilight and to purchase tickets to their upcoming shows, please visit twilighttheatercompany.org. This episode is also brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:• Twilight Theater Company• Get tickets to The Elephant Man• Learn More about the Community Theater Heroes• Have questions? Want to be on the show? Email us at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.5 - Blaine Vincent III & Ira Kortum (The Elephant Man)

Episode Description: In this episode we sit down with Dennis Britten, Kevin Lay, and Laurence Cox to discuss their company (Light Opera of Portland) and their original production of We Met In Moscow, which runs March 22nd-31st at the Alpenrose Dairy Opera House in Portland, OR. Episode Guests:Dennis Britten (Director), Kevin Lay (Musical Director), Laurence Cox (Assistant Director), Samuel Alexander Hawkins (Guest Host), Craig Fitzpatrick (Guest Host).(Creator/Co-Host), Sarah Nolte Fuller (Production Manager/Co-Host)Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Twilight Theater Company in Portland, OR. Twilight Theater is a not-for-profit organization that endeavors to meet a growing need for accessible, innovative theatre in the North Portland community both for artists and audiences. Their 2019 Season theme “In the Buff” includes some incredible plays such as Equus, The elephant Man, Veronica’s Room, The Miracle Worker, and more. To find out more about Twilight and to purchase tickets to their upcoming shows, please visit twilighttheatercompany.org. This episode is also brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:• Light Opera of Portland• Get tickets to We Met In Moscow• Learn More about the Community Theater Heroes• Have questions? Want to be on the show? Email us at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.4 - Light Opera of Portland

Episode Description: Hey all of you C.T. Heroes out there! In this episode we interview Beth Lewis who is an actor by trade, but, also wears SO MANY hats in the theatre world. Beth is the managing director of Bag & Baggage theatre in Hillsboro, OR, she is a Core Company Member of Original Practice Shakespeare Company, and  is the Board President of The Portland Area Theatre Alliance. In this episode she discusses her work with all three companies, sheds some light on what she is doing to help foster more diversity and equity in the Portland theatre community, and she shares a hilarious horror story of while working on set in New York. We hope you enjoy this episode! Episode Guests:Beth Lewis - Bag & Baggage (Managing Director), Portland Area Theatre Alliance (Board President), Original Practice Shakespeare Company (Core Company Member)Episode Hosts:Chris Murphy (Co-Host), Jennifer Logan (Co-Host), Sarah Fuller (Production Manager/Co-Host)Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Bag & Baggage's Problem Play Project's inaugural  production of The Island In Winter, which brings Latin-American magical realism to play in one of Shakespeare’s most compelling (and magical) tales. This will be the first show in a three-year project that asks emerging playwrights of color to re-imagine Shakespeare’s Problem Plays with a diversity and equity lens. The Island In Winter opens March 7th and plays through March 24th. For tickets please click here!This episode is also brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:Bag & Baggage Productions: https://bagnbaggage.org/Portland Area Theatre Alliance: https://www.portlandtheatre.com/Original Practice Shakespeare Company: https://www.opsfest.org/For more information about the Community Theater Heroes podcast please visit us at communitytheaterheroes.com or send us an email directly at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.3 - Beth Lewis

Episode Description: Hey all of you C.T. Heroes out there! In this episode we interview playwright James Van Eaton and director, Alicia Turvin about their original production titled Help Me premiering at the Fertile Ground Festival in Portland, OR. Help Me tells the story of a male college student named Joe who enters a hyper-realistic simulation and finds himself cast as a number of women, each faced with the daunting task of refusing the sexual advances of men. Help Me plays at Twilight Theater Company on January 31st at 6pm and 9pm. To purchase tickets please visit twilighttheatercompany.orgEpisode Guests:James Van Eaton (Playwright of Help Me) & Alicia Turvin (Director of Help Me)Episode Hosts:Chris Murphy (Creator/Co-Host), Crystal Lemons (Guest Host), Sarah Fuller (Production Manager/Co-Host)Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Twilight Theater Company in Portland, OR. Twilight Theater is a not-for-profit organization that endeavors to meet a growing need for accessible, innovative theatre in the North Portland community both for artists and audiences. Their 2019 Season theme “In the Buff” includes some incredible plays such as Equus, The elephant Man, Veronica’s Room, The Miracle Worker, and more. To find out more about Twilight and to purchase tickets to their upcoming shows, please visit twilighttheatercompany.org. This episode is also brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:For more information about our podcast please visit us at communitytheaterheroes.com or send us an email directly at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

2.2 - James Van Eaton & Alicia Turvin

Episode Description: Hey all of you C.T. Heroes out there! Did you miss us?! Because we sure missed you! We are back with our Season 2, Episode 1 interview featuring our new guest hosts for Season 2: Crystal Lemons, Samuel Alexander Hawkins, and Craig Fitzpatrick! Sit back and listen to us discuss the perfect subtitle for our second season, our theater horror stories, our hopes for community theater in Portland and the greater United States, our goals for this podcast moving forward, and more!Episode Guests:Chris Murphy (Creator/Co-Host), Sarah Fuller (Production Manager/Co-Host), Crystal Lemons (New Guest Host), Samuel Alexander Hawkins (New Guest Host), and Craig Fitzpatrick (New Guest Host).Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Twilight Theater Company in Portland, OR. Twilight Theater is a not-for-profit organization that endeavors to meet a growing need for accessible, innovative theatre in the North Portland community both for artists and audiences. Their 2019 Season theme “In the Buff” includes some incredible plays such as Equus, The elephant Man, Veronica’s Room, The Miracle Worker, and more. To find out more about Twilight and to purchase tickets to their upcoming shows, please visit twilighttheatercompany.org. This episode is also brought to you by Patreon! Patreon is a subscription platform that connects subscribers with their favorite artists and creators. You can support the Community theater Heroes Podcast by subscribing to one of our 5 membership tiers. Benefits include merchandise, early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content including (Such as Behind-the-scenes recordings, bloopers, and extended episodes, plus much more! To become a patron, please visit. https://www.patreon.com/communitytheaterheroesIntro Music:Intro and outro music written, performed, and recorded by the talented genius Lola Toner. To find out more info about Lola and to check out her latest music project, Dolly Actually Cries, please visit https://soundcloud.com/dollyactuallycriesLearn More:For more information about our podcast please visit us at communitytheaterheroes.com or send us an email directly at communitytheaterheroes@gmail.com. Support the show

Season 2, Episode 1: Electric Boogaloo... The Phantom Menace?

Community Theater Heroes interviews theater companies, directors, actors, casting directors, playwrights, and other theater artists from all over the country! For more information about the podcast and CTH, please visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, or reach out to us by email.www.CommunityTheaterHeroes.comCommunityTheaterHeroes@gmail.com

022 - American Association of Community Theatre - Oregon Tow...