This is Paul Warren Smith's first summer at Tibbits. Paul is another student from SUNY Cortland University joining us this summer, entering his Junior year as a BFA Musical Theatre major. Originally from Albany NY, Paul began performing in elementary school, but began in professional theatre his senior year in high school. During his senior year, he interned at an equity theatre called NY State Theatre. While there, he worked all different jobs from on stage to tech work learning the craft. He explained to me that this was an incredible experience for a kid his age. His grandfather was a musician and always loved hearing him and his sister sing, which led him to musical theatre in the first place. Paul has worked at other summer stocks such as Fort Salem Theatre and Park Playhouse, all near his hometown of Albany. Paul mentioned how gorgeous he thinks Tibbits theatre is, and his dream role to play one day is Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Paul advises acting hopefuls that "dreams exist for a reason, go out and do it, pursue your dreams." He hopes young hopefuls have as much support as he has received from family and friends as well.
This is Altamiece Ballard-Cooper's fourth summer at Tibbits. She is from Battle Creek, MI. She loves returning to Tibbits, partly because it is in her backyard, and stated that she is treated so well at Tibbits, you just want to return. Altamiece played Charlotte in Charlotte's Web here at Tibbits in the summer of '05 and is happy to give the part another whirl. Altamiece started performing at age 3 in the play "Amen Corner." Her father is a performer as well, and said that she grew up watching him and was inspired by him to do theatre. She attended Western Michigan University for Musical Theatre Performance, and since then has worked for Derby Dinner Playhouse, Music Theatre of Wichita, and was on the National Tour of Rent. One of Altamiece's dream roles is being checked off her list this summer, Mama Morton in Chicago. Another dream role of hers is to play one of the Church Ladies in The Color Purple. Her advice to people wanting to enter the theatre profession is "if there is anything else you think you might want to do, do that. You have to be thick skinned in this profession." It is not for the faint of heart.
The director of Charlotte's Web is also our Master Electrician and Light Board operator Dan Janes. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, he designs the lights for the Popcorn shows and has to rewrite cues each week, as the new Mainstage show changes, and Dan has to figure out what he has to left to use. He describes lighting design here at Tibbits similar to figuring out a puzzle. He has directed one acts and full plays in college, but this will be his first professional directing piece.
Jeff has just graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL with a BA in Theatre and Dance with a Design Technical Concentration. In 2009, he was here at Tibbits as our ME and Light Board Operator position. He returned stating he likes working here with the supportive community at Tibbits.
Dan, originally from Crystal Lake, IL, began in sound work his freshman year of high school and broadened his focus to lighting in college. His older brother was an actor, and his ride home, so when he stuck around at rehearsals, he got sucked into the theatre world. Dan has worked for Circus Flora and many other freelance gigs around the St. Louis area. His dream show to light is We Will Rock You but also loves to direct farce comedies. His advice to upcoming people on technical theatre is to do your best and learn how to get along with people, "it makes life easier."
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| Costume Pieces for Charlotte's Web |
Charlotte's Web is a classic tale, which most of us remember from our childhood. Bringing a child to a live version of the tale creates memories you can share for a lifetime. We hope to help make those memories for your family.
See you at the Show!!!
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