"Here at CVFT, we know we would not be anywhere without our beloved stage managers. As actors and actresses, we like the costumes and the singing and the antics but we're theatre people for goodness sake -we need organized leaders to focus our chaos. Not sure if our friends in the pit feel the same (they are pretty organized folk) but I do know they appreciate all the time and talent that comes from behind the curtain.
I have been lucky enough to work alongside the dynamic duo you are about to meet and let me tell you - this team has their act together. I recently went from being on stage to working for Katie "in the wings". She told me, "you have crossed over to the dark side"and she was right.
I saw for myself what an amazing feat it is to not only get people where they should be (that includes a cast of 30+ kids sometimes!) but dress these people, move the right props and furniture at the right time -organize it all in the dark -then there is the curtain, "moving the wagons" (big set pieces on wheels), on and on. Needless to say, our shows would not be the high caliber you've all come to expect without this imperative component in the mix.
Without further ado, here are just a few fun facts to get to know "It's a Wonderful Life" Stage Manager Team Extraordinaire - Katie Spille (left) and Lynn Olson
Always hard at work. Here is the team early on in plotting and planning "It's a Wonderful Life" 10/12
Katie Spille, Co-Stage Manager – “It’s A
Wonderful Life”
30-something
from Chaska
1.) What is your
story? Occupation, hobbies, accomplishments…please tell us.
Katie is an Auditor
at InterplX Technologies. She also serves as Secretary of the Lions Club. Katie
likes to read, watch movies, and possesses a vast wealth of pop culture knowledge.
2.) Why community
theater...what does being a part CVFT mean to you? Why is it special?
“I was a theatre
major and wanted to keep practicing on that. I like to do one show a year; the last
couple of years it has been three a year. I came to CVFT after starting with
Waconia and Norwood theatres, then came to CVFT because it was fun, found good
friends. They keep asking me back."
3.) How does your
family participate in the show? In it? Coming to see it?
"They will be coming
to see it. They come for all my shows."
4.) Lessons CVFT has
taught you? Or general theatrical tips you can share?
"I have learned how to
fly (theatrical rigging system done with lines/ropes to move set pieces and people in and/or off the stage), how to push a life-sized Jeep, and done much more set building than ever
before. I suggest learning something new from each person you work with."
5.) Trivia about the
show you can let us in on...
"We have an excellent
backstage crew who are ready to get to work."
Lynn Olson, Co-Stage Manager – “It’s A
Wonderful Life”
Resident
of Minnetonka
1.) What is your
story? Occupation, hobbies, accomplishments?
Lynn is an
Administrative Assistant for the City of Edina. She enjoys scrap booking and
spending time at the cabin.
2.) Why community
theater...what does being a part CVFT mean to you? Why is it special?
“I took my daughter
Courtney to her first show when she was eight. She sat on the edge of her chair
and afterward said, “I want to do that.” In search of that kind of outlet, we
came across CVFT. After Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2010,
we realized what a great community it was and wanted to be an active part. What
keeps us here is the whole aspect of
family, getting the
family involved, treated as a big family by everyone else.”
3.) Lessons learned from CVFT? Or general theatrical tips you can share?
“I have never been a
part of a theatre until CVFT. I have learned an incredible amount about the behind-the-scenes
aspect, and especially a lot of about patience.”
Thanks, Lynn & Katie - good stuff.
We are rapidly moving towards tech weeks – and a little bird
told me we are loading in this coming weekend. Boy, the time sure whips by this
time of year – we will be at dress rehearsal before we know it! Please be sure
to book your tix if you haven’t done so already. Director Bill Coldwell and
Producer Dan Bergner have reported an increase in ticket sales over last year - which quite possibly could mean
selling out. Don’t miss out! www.cvft.org
