Don't miss out on this and other great packages ... - PCPA Theaterfest

Ensuring the Future of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts
Winter 2010
2 Leadership Letters
3 Narnia Quilt Fundraiser
PCPA in the Schools
New scripts added to
PCPA library
4 Macbeth - The legends,
lore, and what to expect
from PCPA’s production
5 Spotlight on Peter Hadres
6 Name A Seat Campaign
Farewell to a Friend
Alumnus named
Denver Actor of the Year
7 PCPA Newcomers
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PCPA Foundation
800 S. College Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93454
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Tel: 805.349.9135
Fax: 805.346.6085
Email:
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PCPA Foundation
Ringing in the New Year at the ‘happiest place
on earth’ could not be better spent than in the
company of PCPA’s own Disney aficionado,
Director of Education & Outreach, Leo Cortez.
Last October,
at the annual
gala, paddles
were flying for
the chance to pick up the premier auction package of
seeing in the new decade at Disneyland.
Included in the 3-day, all access, ‘mousecapade’ for four,
were Park Hopper passes for both California Adventure
and Disneyland, dinner at the Cajun-themed Blue Bayou
restaurant, breakfast at historical landmark Canter’s Deli,
a VIP screening of “A Christmas Carol” at El Capitan
Movie Palace and much, much more.
After a flurry of feverish bidding, and a last second nod to
the auctioneer, the opportunity to spend New Year with
Leo and Mickey was snapped up by Dr. & Mrs. Hansen.
So what did the winners think of their New
Year’s Eve experience? After taking the trip,
accompanied by their two young grandsons,
Mrs. Hansen said, “This trip was just
magical, there were surprises around every corner. Thank you Leo.”
Don’t <strong>miss</strong> <strong>out</strong> on this and other great packages coming to
the Gala again this year!
Save the Date
PCPA Foundation Gala October 9, 2010
Thanks again to the Sponsors of Gala 2009:
Dr. Herb Kandel, L.Ac.OMD, Acupuncture Center of Santa Maria
Ng & Ng Dental & Eyecare
Byars, Thompson & Buchanan Insurance
DB Specialty Farms - Darensberries HelpForMommy.com
Spotlight, Page 1

Looking Forward
PCPA Foundation President Nancy K. Johnson
PCPA FOUNDATION
Board of Directors
Nancy K. Johnson
President
Maryellen R. Simkins
Vice President
Dr. Daniel Ng
Secretary
Judge Royce R. Lewellen
Past President
Judy Hearn
Billy Hurbaugh
Dr. Herb Kandel
Dr. Suzanne Levy
Catherine Luckett
Cindy McKellar
Robbin Medina
Ron Nanning
Cathy Pepe
Susan Rees
Dr. John Reese
Dr. Dennis Shepard
Maren Thomas
Tim Bennett
AHC Trustee
Judy Frost
AHC Foundation
Pat Hitchcock O’Connell
Director Emeritus
Bob Jurgensen
Director Emeritus
Jan Severson
Director Emeritus
Brooks Firestone
Honorary Director
Mark Booher
PCPA Artistic Director
Mike Black
PCPA Managing Director
PCPA Foundation Treasurer
FOUNDATION Staff
Gillian Cole-Andrews
Executive Director
gcole-andrews@pcpa.org
Carrie Rosing
Development Coordinator
crosing@pcpa.org
Tel: (805) 349-9135
Fax: (805) 346-6085
Design and lay<strong>out</strong> of
The Spotlight
Susan Rees
805.922.8363
Spotlight, Page 2
2010 has arrived and we are looking forward to another stellar year.
Our experiences of last year show that a continuous effort must be
made annually by all of us who love PCPA.
One of the greatest strengths for us is our Conservatory where our great
resident professionals have taught nearly 6,000 students over the last
46 years. They help them discover a future in the arts and provide us a
depth of talent seldom seen in regional theatre. This is what makes it
possible for them to perform such a wide variety of productions.
This all comes with a price. Most of our students attend PCPA with the help from our
Scholarship Fund and this will be the focus of this year’s Act Now! Fundraising goal. You were
so helpful in our time of need last year and we are extremely grateful. In order to continue the
high quality of our own Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, please help us fill our
Scholarship needs with any amount that you can give.
The Foundation Board is once more partnering with PCPA to continue our success. We thank
you now for your contribution. As you enjoy the shows, remember that you helped to make it
possible.
Powering the Stars of Tomorrow
PCPA Foundation Executive Director Gillian Cole-Andrews
Spring at PCPA very much has the
feeling of a wave ab<strong>out</strong> to crest.
The immensity of expectation that fills
the halls as, for some, the last semester
of training begun; as the shops
engage for a build of Shakespearean
proportions; as the studios discharge
the product of intense rehearsal onto our main stages and <strong>out</strong>
on tour.
That momentum, impetus and thrust are all propelled by you.
The talent and inspiration comes from the artist, but you are
the accelerant in the process.
A prolific amount of art is produced by PCPA annually. A
glance at our season brochure tells some, but not the entire
story. Behind the numerous titles produced for the Marian, the
Severson and the Festival Theaters there are even more shows
produced for the ‘in the schools’ program, multiple readings
rehearsed for Interplay, intensive workshops, professional
auditions, conservatory showcases, numerous sharings.
The energy which bursts forth at this time of year, the surge of
vitality that pulses through each and every piece of art, textual,
physical or human, is seemingly nothing less than that which
powers the very universe we seek to describe.
In astrophysics, the simplest definition of fusion reads
“that process in nature which powers the stars.” You are
powering the ‘stars of tomorrow’; you are the reactors that will
ultimately produce the reaction, the awe, the excitement in
future audiences. For that we thank you.
Interplay: The
Stage Between
A festival of new plays
Shipwrecked
Tender
March 12 - 21
Severson Theatre
Generously sponsored by
Dr. Richard and
Laverne Ainley

Raising Money One Stitch at a Time
Bob and Vicky Hyland of Santa Ynez now have
more than just a happy memory of their visit
to PCPA’s holiday production of The Lion, the
Witch, and the Wardrobe. As the lucky raffle
winners of the beautiful quilt specially created
from the show’s costumes, they now have a
tangible reminder of the C.S. Lewis classic.
Created by Foundation board member Dr.
Suzanne Levy, the unique Narnia quilt was hand
stitched after working with PCPA Resident
Costume Designer Julianne Starks. After
selecting signature pieces from the multitude of
gorgeous fabrics that had gone into the original
costumes, Suzanne additionally transferred some
of the show’s production photos to fabric. By
incorporating on stage images of the characters
into the montage of muslin, fur and velvet, a
truly one of a kind art piece was created.
Many thanks to Suzanne for her artistry and
many thanks to the hundreds of raffle tickets
buyers who supported PCPA Scholarships
through this unique fundraiser.
Catch PCPA productions
in local schools
this season
Hooway for
Wodney Wat
Lifelong Love of Theatre Enriches Conservatory Library
A lifelong fascination with the collection of scripts, scores and sheet music is now a theatrical treasury accessible
to PCPA’s students and faculty.
As a young navy yeoman, Santa Maria native Donald Pereira took advantage of an east coast posting to enjoy the best
of 1940’s theater. Assigned to a recruiting center in New York City and waiting to see action in the Pacific, he took
every opportunity to see every star on Broadway. Though free tickets through the USO were
often standing room only, Donald’s eyes sparkled as he recalled seeing amongst others,
the original cast of Oklahoma. “I saw it three times!” he exclaimed.
After Korea, Japan and China, peacetime saw Donald hooking up with an old navy chess
buddy in Seattle, whose family owned 27 theaters, affording him the opportunity to
see some of the greatest performers including Gene Autry and the Mills Brothers. The
‘GI Bill’ and a return to California saw Donald teaching English in LA and once again
in the proximity of entertainment. With many of his junior high students being the
offspring of performers in show business, and being a patron of classic Hollywood
Theatres, he continued to be among the stars through<strong>out</strong> his career.
Coming home to Santa Maria for summers and finally for his retirement,
he has been able to enjoy PCPA productions over four decades,
particularly enjoying the classic musicals.
Sadly, in 1978, his original collection was destroyed in a devastating
fire. Since then, Donald has successfully rebuilt his library and recently
we were thrilled to be the recipient of an extensive collection of scripts
which he has donated to the Conservatory. His gift will enrich our
resources immensely and be well-loved and used by faculty and students.
Our extreme gratitude goes <strong>out</strong> to Mr. Pereira – we thank him for sharing
his lifelong love of the theatre and passion for education with the next
generation of artists!
Spotlight, Page 3

By the pricking of my thumbs,
Superstitions Surrounding “The Scottish Play”
There are many superstitions
surrounding the play of Macbeth.
The title itself is said to be so cursed,
that actors should avoid saying
even its name and instead use the
euphemism “The Scottish Play.”
Some avoid quoting the lines from
the play, particularly the Wyrd Sisters
incantations, but generally, <strong>out</strong>side
of a theatre, the play can be spoken
of openly. Some companies require
that if an actor speaks the title of the
play in the theatre, he should leave
the building, spin around three times,
spit, curse, and then knock to be
allowed back in.
The origin of these superstitions? Some say the witches’ speeches are
actual spells, others say because there is more swordplay in Macbeth
than most other Shakespeare plays, there are more chances for
someone to get injured. There is also a legend that the play itself was
cursed because the first time it was ever performed, the actor playing
the lead role died shortly after the production. It is also said that the
original production of the play used actual witches and witchcraft,
and so the play is cursed!
Spotlight, Page 4
T
he shortest, and possibly bloodiest,
of Shakespeare’s plays, Macbeth
tells the story of a general, who on
receiving a prophecy that he will soon
be King, becomes so consumed with
accelerated ambition that multiple
murders and madness ensue.
Though not a complicated play,
Macbeth is powerful, brutal and
intense. Enthralling audiences for
many centuries it is as sure to ensnare
our sensibilities just as readily today
as it did 400 years ago.
The production this spring is directed
by Dr. Patricia Troxel, PCPA’s Resident
Literary Manager and Artistic Associate
and no stranger to the text. Although
she has dramaturged the play six times, taught the text numerous
times and seen the play more times than she can possibly remember,
this will be her first time as director. Choosing to set her production
in the historical period of the play’s events, PCPA audiences will find
themselves in the dark brooding lowlands of 9th century Scotland.
Director’s Notes
Patricia M. Troxel
– Literary Manager,
Artistic Associate,
Director; Macbeth
Macbeth 2010 is set in the original
historical period of the play’s events.
Traditional productions of this work
often choose to place it in the Elizabethan/Jacobean
period in England
but PCPA’s design team and director
found authentic 9th and 10th
century Scotland to be a far more
intriguing and visually arresting. Fred
Deeben’s costume designs reflect
both the period fashions and specific
markers of rank, social status, gender
and nationality. Since Macbeth
incorporates England and Norway
as players in the world of Scottish politics, Deeben has
selected specific styles and colors to represent those
national distinctions.
Dave Nofsinger’s environmental design for the set expands
the experience of the Marian Theater and places the
audience in the heart of the action. The events triggered
by characters’ choices happen with us, rather than to us.
As Shakespeare intended, we are drawn into the action of
the play through our ability to share the internal emotions
and thoughts of the principal characters. We are also part
of the natural world of Scotland; Nofsinger and director
Troxel drew their inspiration from the ancient ruins of the
Orkney Islands and the natural features of the Scottish
Highlands to interweave the unique world of stone and
wood that is still part of Scotland today.
And while Macbeth is a play that opens and closes in civil
war, it is very much a story of individual conflicts – an
exploration of the dual parallel of man’s choices. As a result,
the design team was also intrigued by the gladiatorial
arena. In this production, that image is a striking feature
of the set and reminds the audience of our potential
complicity in the <strong>out</strong>come of each set of choices.
For this staging, the team has also chosen to explore live
sound design – with an on stage percussionist. Live action
sounds will be heard through<strong>out</strong> the performance, with
director Troxel and sound designer Elizabeth Rebel creating
a vibrant and immediate experience for the audience. In
this play, the author specifically indicated the crucial role
of sound in telling his story; with our ‘live action’ technique,
sound is a character portrayed. All these elements
combine to support Shakespeare’s tale where “function is
smothered in surmise and nothing is, but what is not.”

Something wicked this way comes.
Macbeth Act IV, Scene i
Spotlight on Peter Hadres
Why do
people
think
Macbeth
is cursed?
In a 1672 London production,
‘Macbeth’ substituted a real dagger
for the stage dagger and killed
‘Duncan,’ in full view of the audience.
In Holland in 1721, an audience
interrupted performance led to the
theater being burned down.
In America in the mid-1800s, during
concurrent performances, rival
audiences instigated riots which led
to militia firing on the crowd. More
than 20 people died and another 30-
plus were wounded.
In a 1942 staging, with Sir John
Gielgud in the title role, three actors
(two witches and Duncan) died and
the set designer committed suicide.
And in 1953, Charlton Heston, while
playing the lead role, suffered severe
burns on his groin and leg because
his tights had accidentally been
soaked in kerosene!
Peter S. Hadres,
PCPA resident actor
for over 10 years, is
also the Company’s
Artistic Associate.
Performing in over
30 productions
including Art,
Ragtime, and The
Real Thing, Peter
is a lynch pin in
season selection, conservatory training and faculty
professional development.
Prior to PCPA, Peter worked at the California
Shakespeare Festival, San Jose Rep, Idaho
Shakespeare Festival and the American Citizens
Theater.
Peter’s extensive talents extend to circus acrobatics
(most recently enjoyed in last year’s A Midsummer
Night’s Dream) and stage combat. His prodigious
skills with a battle axe and broadsword will
be showcased in the upcoming production
of Macbeth as fellow cast members hope to
emulate his seemingly
limitless abilities and
join themselves in battle.
But you’ll have to
look very closely to
recognize Peter himself
on stage. Opting again
for a role where his
chameleonesque body will
be put to the test, Peter takes
on the challenge of playing
a variety of characters to
include one of the Wyrd
Sisters and the Porter.
Underwriting the Bard
Many PCPA productions are
supported by sponsors like you.
This season’s production of
Macbeth has been generously
underwritten by
Judge & Mrs. Royce Lewellen
Top to Bottom - Art 2008,
A Midsummer Night’s Dream 2009,
The Weir 2008,
The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe
2009
Spotlight, Page 5

Your Name Here
For 46 years, PCPA Theaterfest has
provided you with professional
theatre productions that you have
enjoyed with family and friends. Last
fall, we asked you to help keep the
theatre flourishing through a very
special opportunity-
PCPA’s Name-A-Seat Campaign
(2009-2014).
This spring, thanks to the leadership
of campaign chairs Dick and Patti
Melsheimer, we will be revealing the
new and renewed named seats in
the Marian Theatre on the opening
night of Curtains. For five years, a
brass plate embedded in the arm of
each named seat will recognize those
who came alongside us. There is still
time to participate in this exciting
Campaign Chairs,
Dick & Patti Melsheimer
partnership, for a tax-deductible gift of $650 ($1,000 for two seats), your name,
family name, business, or name of a loved one can be engraved on a seat, too!
To find <strong>out</strong> more, please call the Foundation at 349-9135 or visit our website at
www.pcpa.org.
PCPA Forever -
L e g a c i e s T h a t L i v e O n
Mr. Arthur Jacobs
Sadly, this fall we said goodbye
to longtime PCPA supporter
Mr. Arthur Jacobs. A great friend
to the Company and member
of PCPA Forever, he leaves a
generous financial legacy ensuring
many more generations of
students will enjoy and benefit
from the unique training at PCPA.
To his son, family and friends
in the Solvang Valley,
we offer our condolences.
Alumnus Bouchard Flies High in Mile High City
Michael Bouchard, PCPA Class of 2003, recently relocated to the frigid climate of
Denver, Colorado. Seems the cold has treated him well. Since May, Michael has been
seen in nine shows in the Denver area including Swiss Family Robinson (Ernst), The
Imaginary Invalid (Dr. Gastreau), A Wonderful Noise (Ned), Boomtown (Ensemble),
Kimberly Akimbo (Jeff), CRT Songbook (Ensemble), Grimm Pajamas (Wilhelm), The Second
Tosca (Nathaniel) and Honk (Cat). These roles landed him great acclaim from the critics
earning him Best Actor of the Year from the 2009 Denver Post Ovation Awards.
Critic John Moore said, “Michael Bouchard is the best actor you’ve probably never seen.
He’s a cerebral, curious actor with a blessed/cursed baby face that has landed him teen
roles in everything from comedies to musicals. But anyone who saw Slabtown in 2005
knows Bouchard is just as capable of playing forceful, violent characters. In a boggling,
busy 2009 that included winning turns at Moliere, children’s theater, barbershop
harmony and much more, Denver audiences finally got a glimpse at what Bouchard can
do when he played a lovesick songwriter in The Second Tosca. Seriously, if every artistic
director in town knew what this guy can do, they’d all be fighting over him.”
When we spoke with Michael, he simply said, “It’s a real honor, considering my season only actually started in May.
Somehow I snuck in nine shows in seven months. It’s also pretty funny to reflect on the fact that I just won a prestigious
award when most people in the Colorado theater community don’t even know who I am. In any case, having just
moved to Denver, it’s a nice way to start off my time here!”
We certainly agree.
To read more ab<strong>out</strong> the 2009 Denver Post Ovation Awards, go to: http://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_14103103
Spotlight, Page 6

Enter Stage Right,
PCPA welcomes...
Cast a Giant Shadow
Re-joining PCPA is the
beloved but imposing
figure of Erik Stein
(Class of 1990).
Standing over six feet
tall and well-known
to audiences as the
authoritatively campy
Officer Lockstock in
Urinetown and the
tragic and conflicted
Javert in Les Misérables,
Erik returned to his homestage this fall in a new role, that of Casting
Director.
Interestingly, this new position almost immediately led Erik into a
déjà vu situation.
“In January 1988 while at Fresno State,” he recalls, “ I auditioned
for the conservatory training program for then
Casting Director, Paul Barnes. In December of
2009, I was in the same room at FSU, sitting
in the exact same spot Paul was 21 years ago,
but this time it was in reverse and it was me
auditioning the students!
To be part of the leadership of PCPA’s
conservatory training program is a dream come
true. I’ve had the great fortune to perform on
Broadway, off Broadway, and in Tony Award
winning regional theatre, yet my dream has
always been to be a resident artist with PCPA.
PCPA is where I learned to be the actor I am
today, yet more importantly it is where I learned
to be the person I am today. I am thrilled to give
back to the theatre and the community that gave
me so much!”
Carrie Rosing is the new Development
Coordinator of the PCPA Foundation. A Santa
Maria native, Carrie has been inspired by PCPA
since she was a child. This led her to earn a
Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts with
an emphasis in Theatre Arts from George Fox
University. Since then, she has been working
for various non-profits and is thrilled to be in a
position where her love for theatre meets her
non-profit experience.
Dr. Suzanne Levy is
no stranger to PCPA
- her daughter having
acted as a young
performer with the
Company. Bringing her
considerable talents
now to the Foundation
Board, she looks forward
particularly in helping
with alumni networking
and with the early
preparations for PCPA’s 50th Anniversary in 2014.
As Scenic Designer,
DeAnne Kennedy came
to PCPA after finishing
her graduate program at
the University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign.
While there, her
advisor, R. Eric Stone,
who had worked with
PCPA for five years,
said he had had a
wonderful time and
highly recommended her making this her first
professional experience.
Tracy Ward is originally
from Michigan and
previously worked
at Sierra Repertory
Theatre in Sonora, CA
and the Shakespeare
Theatre in Washington
D.C.. She holds a MFA
in Costuming from the
University of Florida.
Tracy started this
January as our new
Costume Shop Manager. Welcome, Tracy!
Lisa Nelson came
to PCPA last autumn
as the new House
Manager. Previously
working for Interface
Children Family Services
in Ventura, she also
had been the Publicity
Associate for the Boar’s
Head Theatre Company
in Michigan. Happy to
be back in the theatre
once again, Lisa is excited to be part of the PCPA
company.
Spotlight, Page 7

P.O. Box 6803
Santa Maria, CA 93456
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Santa Maria, CA
Permit No. 210
Karin Hendricks & Nicholis Sheley, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
PCPA 2009, photo by Clint Bersuch
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Rehearsal photo from
Hooway for Wodney Wat
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Macbeth
Feb 18 - Mar 7
Marian Theater
Santa Maria
PCPA Box Office
805.922.8313
For Groups 12+
800.PCPA123
www.pcpa.org
What's On Where?
Sylvia
Jun 24 - Jul 3
Marian Theater
Santa Maria
Jul 9 - Jul 25
Festival Theater
Solvang
Curtains
Apr 15 - May 9
Marian Theater
Santa Maria
Jun 17 - Jul 3
Festival Theater
Solvang
Westside Story
Jul 9 - Jul 25
Marian Theater
Santa Maria
Jul 30 - Aug 22
Festival Theater
Solvang