Life On the Wicked Stage: Act 2

Important Facts about Wayside Theatre: Interns and the Expectations of Youth

A few days ago I highlighted a testimonial from one of our former Interns, Katherine Yacko. Katherine is one of many young professionals who got their start or got a leg up at Wayside Theatre. It's a long list of very talented individuals who have given a piece of their lives to gain valuable experience in this business we call show. If you've been around Wayside Theatre before I'm sure you have heard about some of the distinguished alumni that have been on our stage like Susan and Chris Sarandon, Kathy Bates, Stacey Keach, Dana Delaney, and others. Well, most of those folks where young people getting their start at Wayside Theatre before they became the stars we know them as today. Here are just a few of the Interns from the last 13 years or so, who have delighted our audiences onstage and off. Who knows, in the years to come you may see their name in lights as well. Many of them are already on their way, acting, writing music, designing scenery, costumes or lighting, directing, running theatres, teaching, and yes, some have moved on to other pursuits.

Let's put it this way, for the brief time they spent or spend at Wayside Theatre, we're blessed to witness their talents on our stage and the growth and development that they bring to each and every performance. We call this place "the little theatre with a big heart." These folks, and the many who have preceded them and hopefully, with your help will succeed them, provide that heart each and every time we take the stage or call a cue or paint a flat.

Steve Przybylski
Bill Diggle
Jason Bruffy
Dana Colagiovanni
Jody Lee
Joette Orndorf
Jamie Campbell
Emily Dorsch
Cheyanne Racey
Vaughn Irving
Doug Wilder
Rex Daughtery
Melissa Graves
Sarah Blackwell
Susan Neeson
Catherine Lovejoy
Denim Petitt
Leslie Putnam
Meredith Avery
Meg Mason
Julia King
Scott Ruble
Robyn Raley
Teresa McGrath
Corinne Gabrielson
Katherine Yacko
John Stanier
Leah Raulerson
Dacia Dick
Matt Baldoni
Steve Yaussi
Eddie Staver
Jason Belew
Melanie Collins


And the list could go on and on. I'm sure we've left someone out. We don't intend to. These are but a few. But each and everyone listed here and all of the Interns that are not deserve a special celebration for bringing their gifts, their talents, their tireless dedication, and their willingness to take out the trash.

If you'd like to read more about this campaign please check out more infomation here on this blog, on Facebook, or at Wayside Theatre's website. If you'd like to help or share your story we'd be very grateful.

Children Stepping Up on Behalf of Wayside Theatre

Everyday in this campaign for Wayside Theatre brings new offers of support and assistance. Today we found out that two different groups of children are helping out Wayside Theatre.

Tonight at the Daniel Morgan Middle School Basketball game, several children who have worked with us are setting up a concession stand where the proceeds come to benefit the campaign. Thanks Cherith, Brady, Aaron and Hailey for setting this up.

And this Saturday get ready for a Suzuki Violin Play-In. Several Suzuki violin students will be playing at the Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester, accepting donations for Wayside Theatre's campaign. The performance is between 2 and 4pm. The picture is of the children performing at a similar event last year.

Bravo to these inspiring young people who are working to inspire others on behalf of Wayside Theatre.

A Wayside Theatre Supporter Shares His Thoughts

When we realized that we would have to launch this campaign for Wayside Theatre last month, we knew this was not going to be an easy task by any means. The small circle of supporters has been extremely generous to us of late and our subscriber base has been nothing but loyal. When our Board of Directors made the decision to not go forward at this point with selling subscriptions for a next season, and indeed saying that our next show may indeed be our last we understood the great risks associated with those decisions.

What we bet on in making those very tough decisions, was that enough of our supporters and many more would take the time to talk with us to explore together the larger issue of finding a way to build annual support for Wayside Theatre. That's a tough nut to crack. It requires a level of commitment and desire to hear the facts that takes both time and effort.

As we've engaged with a few of our supporters over the last week or so, we've begun a few, not nearly enough, of those conversations. There has been some anger, some frustration and confusion. We continue to do our best to use that as an opportunity to lay out the case and work forward.

One of those supporters, Thomas Madden, and his wife Teresa, have taken the time and made the commitment to find out those facts and work with us. They donated to the campaign and last night he sent me this email which, with their permission I am running here. I'm doing so not to congratulate and thank Mr. Madden and his wife for their support. It is our intent that this will help those who might have the same feelings, the same thoughts, and the same doubts about Wayside Theatre going forward, to understand that we are serious when we say we want to communicate and have the opportunity to lay out our case.

On to Mr. Madden's letter.

Warner,

My first attendance at the theatre was some years back when WINC had a "call in with the answer to win tickets" contest, and my wife successfully got thru and answered. Since then we've been hooked, and although not every presentation has always been in our comfort zone, it's important that live theatre be supported, and that emerging talent be encouraged in moving their careers forward. To that end, we have certainly found enjoyment in every show.

So, we've become what I guess I'd describe as "regulars": subscribing, snacking at the Curtain-Call before the show, and generally enjoying coming out from Manassas for the beauty and spiritual refreshment that comes from attending Wayside. It's also fun to sit in "our" seats there in the front row.

Knowing how much I value the theatre, my wife surprised me this past Christmas with a subscription to the upcoming season and an engraved brick for us. I was incredibly happy both in knowing we'd see the next season's shows and that there'd be a concrete (sic) reminder of our support.

So, it was a great shock to receive the note from Mr. Brill about the emergency need to again help keep Wayside going. My first reaction was anger and despair at the way the news had been broken to us...of course I'm sure many of the "golden" folks had similar initial feelings. After some reflection, it became an "if I had only been told sooner" feeling....and that was more disappointing. Although it started with that rather abrupt and shocking letter laying-out that things were so bad, I welcome the fact that the we are now seeing just what it takes to keep things running. These are concrete facts to be addressed in ways that are both material and emotional.

You are probably aware that I've been working with Thomasin over the past week to contribute towards this latest fund-raising campaign, but I also realize that these last-ditch efforts to keep things running don't approach the long-term requirements of the theatre; firm commitments are the best way to help ensure future needs are met.

I've thought about this for awhile, and have decided to embed myself further into helping meet these needs.

To that end, I intend to use PayPal at least once a month to donate towards whatever needs to be funded, whether is intern salaries, office-supplies and materials, upkeep for the building, vehicle repairs or whatever.

I will need help remembering this, however: a reminder via email to me a few days before the beginning of the month will ensure my attention.

I'd like to say that this is all due to my altruistic nature, but in reality it's a selfish act; I want to be able to continue seeing live theatre and my friends at Wayside well into the future....and you can certainly take this to the Board.

Regards and Best Wishes.


Back to Warner

If you'd like to talk with us, let us know. We know it takes time and effort. We're willing to spend the time and commitment with you.

Thanks for your support and please do all you can to share this post to your friends and neighbors.

Important Facts about Wayside Theatre: An Intern Tells Her Story

Wayside Theatre is a special place for many reasons. One of those reasons is our Intern Program, where young people get their start in this business called show. Here's a letter we received from one special lady, Katherine Yacko, who did her time as an Intern and comes back to perform at Wayside Theatre in addtion to performing at other theatres across the country.

 

Here's a story about Wayside Theatre from former Intern, now actress, Katherine Yacko

I remember my first day as a little intern, sitting in the plush, burgundy seats of Wayside’s house, listening to Warner’s first pep talk of the year. I recall you saying something to the effect of “Welcome to your new home. We will be your family for the next year. And families must work together.” As I stared up at the freshly installed wooden barn rafters for Shenandoah: The Musical, and smelled the faint scent of sawdust, I felt at peace, but also noticed a moment of electric energy – I simply could not wait to start working & creating in my new home.

And that’s just it. HOME. FAMILY. HARDWORK. All of these words irrevocably remind me of Wayside Theatre.

Even though it is still early in my theatrical career, I have NEVER experienced that feeling of a tight-knit family with any other venue or company. Only at Wayside have I truly felt that I was an irreplaceable piece of something truly important, mostly thanks to the smaller casts, but also because I was treated like a valued member of a family. Not many companies provide that. I haven’t met another one yet.

I miss seeing Thomasin running around working 7 days a week on the Education Programs, ad sales, thank you letters, and STILL managing to give a stellar performance onstage that evening. I miss Warner’s warm hugs & personalized curtain speeches asking everyone in the audience if they “like to save money?” and listening for that legendary woman who once shouted “NO!” I miss seeing Steve meticulously creating gorgeous musical arrangements for the home-grown actor/musician bands – when the original productions call for a 20 piece orchestra. I don’t want these to just be fond memories – I want this to be a regular part of the future. I can’t imagine Wayside not being around anymore, I don’t want to allow that to happen.

The Shenandoah Valley has to realize that they have a slice of paradise right in their backyard! What other town with a population of 1,500 (or less) can brag about the presence of a PROFESSIONAL theatre that has been producing quality work for over 50 years AND provides the major part of their tourism revenue each year. I strongly believe that Middletown would die without Wayside.

The productions don’t just entertain the audiences. They inspire the people. They empower the people. They provide an escape. They teach people how to dream. Isn’t this why we all attend live theatre? It’s this invisible energy which ebbs & flows as the audience inhales at the precise moment of the actors on stage. You can’t experience this energy through a projection screen. That’s where film & television fall short. The energy. It’s intangible. It’s indefinable. It’s magical.

But Wayside Theatre provides so much more than that. They have the energy, sure, but not every company can produce the caliber of productions with a 12-person staff. There are some theatres that don’t even come close to Wayside’s quality, and they have over 30 people working in their office! The difference is, at Wayside, everybody pulls their own weight AND MORESO. That’s what makes Wayside unique. Every employee wears many hats. From the technicians, to the administrators, to the box office staff, to the actors onstage, everybody does their part and helps out other departments when they need it. Without hesitation or complaining. Wayside gets the job done in a professional, diligent, and beautifully artistic manner. Why? Because it’s a family. And families must work together.

I miss you all. I hope & pray for you every day. More than anything, I wish I was there right now to help you weather this storm.


With sincerest love,

Katherine Yacko

Bon-Bon

A.K.A. The Yackster

 

Read more about Wayside Theatre, its campaign for survival here on this blog, on the Wayside Theatre website, or on Facebook. Help if you can and help us spread the word.

Wayside Theatre Campaign Update and More Important Facts

We're now starting the second full week of Wayside Theatre's Campaign to raise $90,000 in 90 days. We're off to a good start. In the first full week of the campaign we've raised $20,940 thanks to many generous donors from near and far. Thanks to those who have jumped in during the early going. We're still receiving lots of offers for help and some great memories and thoughts about experiences that folks have had at with Wayside Theatre and we want to keep those coming. After all the challenge is to widen the circle so that we can create a larger base of support for the future. And of course we have to keep up the effort.

Speaking of efforts, here's another "Did You Know" about Wayside Theatre. Did you know that each and every season we give away approximately 10% of our tickets to other not-for-profits in our community? That's right. When a not-for-profit is holding its own fundraising event or a school is seeking to raise money for a project they often come to Wayside Theatre and ask for a ticket donation. We never say no. We're a not-for-profit entity as well, and we know how challenging it can be to raise funds. So we offer subscription packages, pairs of tickets, and whatever we can to make it easier for our sister not-for-profits to aid their cause. We can't donate cash, but we can donate tickets that help both organizations.

There's not a not-for-profit or charity in our organization that we haven't helped and as long as we're operating we'll continue to provide this service as a way of giving back to our community. Partnering is a big part of the conversation that Wayside Theatre continues in its community.

If you'd like to help out or donate to our campaign contact us at Wayside Theatre 540 869-1776 or via our website or Facebook page. The same is true if you're a fellow not-for-profit and want to work with us to help your cause.

You can also read more at this link to posts here on this blog.

About Wayside Theatre, A Stage Manager's Perspective

Folks keep telling their stories about Wayside Theatre. This one is from Malia Arguello, a former stage manager, writing from that unique perspective. The Stage Manager runs the show. A stage manager is there for every rehearsal, every performance, every audience reaction, every actor moment that touches home, and every curtain call. Think of it this way, a stage manager is there from the moment of conception, through every step of a show's life, every joy, every sorrow, every challenge, every victory, right up until the show takes its last breath, and the audience has given their final applause to a magic moment in time.

How do you explain Wayside to other people? I think it may be impossible to wrap up my love for this place and these people in words no matter how many I use. But I will try. In a word it’s home. When people think of home it usually brings up a number of different emotions. A place where there are people you love who can also drive you crazy. A place where you are nurtured and challenged. A place where you grow even when you feel like you are regressing. A place for hard conversations and easy laughter. As a girl who grew up in Los Angeles coming to rural Virginia was quite the culture shock for me. But this sleepy one stop light town has offered me more than any metropolitan area in which I’ve had the opportunity to work. A lot of people have talked about the kids and how amazing it has been to watch them grow and blossom in this artistic environment and I agree. But for me it has really been watching the adults.

As the Stage Manager I would sit at the back of the theatre and while you watched the shows I would often watch you. I would watch you come in to the theatre after work, obviously tired, wondering if you had made a mistake buying tickets when there was so much to do at home. There were chores to do, bills to pay, children to take care of. You sat in those seats before a show feeling guilty about giving yourself those 2 hours away. I saw the weight of the world on you. You talked to your significant other about plans for the next day. “You have to get up early and mow the lawn before it rains.” “Did you pay the electric bill?” “Do you think the kids are ok? Should I call the sitter?” But then something magical happened. The lights dimmed. Your focus went from your cell phones to the stage. And then it happened. Your shoulders dropped. Your eyes widened. Sometimes it was laughter, sometimes it was tears. Sometimes it was quiet contemplation. In October it was almost always a frantic looking around trying to figure out “Who is the killer?” In December it was holding a family member’s hand and being so happy that they were there with you to share this moment. Remembering in that holiday season what you wished you could hold onto all year. In the Spring you let go of each other’s hands so you could clap along to the music (not always on the beat by the way!) of Buddy Holly or the Sander’s Family. In the summer you were whisked away to a farmyard for “Honk!” or Gilead for “Spitfire Grill”. And I loved watching you make that journey. That’s why I do this. I don’t save lives. I’m not a heart surgeon and I’ll never cure world hunger but I can do this. I can help to transport someone from their world into another for at least 2 full hours. And that is magic. And Wayside is the perfect embodiment of that magic.

It’s a little brick building in a sleepy one stop light town. And that community deserves it. The people of the Shenandoah Valley deserve to be shown the world. They deserve to see how beautiful their own world is through the eyes of playwrights and actors. So please, please do not let this place die. Please fight for it. If I could be there I would be there but due to budget cuts I was one of those forced to move on. But even so I love that little building. I make the 6 hour drive whenever I can to come home and watch you from the back row now and not the booth. This place is worth it. Please help if you can.

Important Facts You May Not Know About Wayside Theatre

This begins a series of posts about important facts you may or may not know about Wayside Theatre as we continue our campaign to keep Wayside Theatre going strong. Certainly part of our concerns is that we don't do enough to get the word out about the great things we do. As always great inspiration comes from the young people we work with and yesterdays' big victory for one of our students inspired this post and this series. Read on.

Did you know that one of the many ways Wayside Theatre gives back to our community is through the many programs from our Education Department. One of those programs scored a major victory yesterday.

One of the services our Education program offers is to assist high school students in preparing for college auditions and interviews. We all know how stressful that can be. Wayside Theatre artists work with students preparing auditions, putting them through a grueling series of auditions to simulate what the students will have to go through as they audition for college and university professors.

In addition we have offered workshops with experts on how to navigate the application and scholarship process to help them gain valuable information that can give the student and his/her family an edge.

Well, here's the victory story. Brandon Shockey has been participating in our Education programs for quite some time. He's heading to college next year. After working with our Wayside educators and artists he's been on an audition tour of the colleges of his choice. Yesterday he got news that he had been accepted at the University of of the Arts in Philadelphia and also received a Merit Scholarship as well. Congratulations, Brandon!

We certainly don't take all the credit. Brandon earned this great achievement on his own with his talent, drive, and hard work. But we're proud to have aided his quest along.

From the Mouths of Our Children about Wayside Theatre

Yeah, I know the cliché is from the mouths of babes. But to call the many children who come to Wayside Theatre to learn about theatre and take away so much more babes would be an insult. Each and everyone one of these children teach us so much while we teach and work with them. Most know of our amazing work as a professional theatre. Many don't know about the wonderful Education programs we offer and the amazing and talented children we have in our area who are just itching to find an outlet for the creativity and their energy.

Here's the words of one of those children. Audrey Nakagawa.

"I consider Wayside one of my homes. How would it feel if you lost your home? That's what it would feel like to me if I lost Wayside. I have many personal experiences that connect with Wayside. Starting from the beginning, I was just a small 9-year-old wanting to try something new. I was bitten by the "stage bug" and couldn't wait to do more theater! I came back to do "A Christmas Carol" after that and countless YPW's. I was blessed to do the lead role in Wayside's Christmas show, "Glory Bea! A Shenandoah Christmas", for two years in a row! With the help from Thomasin, Warner, and Steve, I've learned many valuable lessons, including responsibility, how to handle criticism, and staying "cool" during rehearsal, even if sometimes I would get frustrated. These lessons don't even include anything that has to do with my singing/acting. This theater would be a huge loss to the community if it closed. I love the staff, actors, and everyone who works there like family! I don't want to lose my home AND my family. Please help save this theater!"

~ Audrey Nakagawa
Age 12, Winchester, VA

$16,000 and Counting: The Wayside Campaign is Gaining Momentum

We're moving. Or I should say folks are moved and moving for us. After four days the campaign has received over $16,000 in donations and pledges. We've also received great and wonderful offers for help, all of which we're following up on. The challenge is a large one in both the immediate and the long term and it is going to take the wonderful efforts of folks who have stepped up so far and many more like them.

Again, if you can donate, please do. Every dollar helps. If you can't but have enjoyed a show at Wayside Theatre, or have worked at Wayside Theatre send us your story. Our fight isn't just about money, it is about creating and extending the awareness of what Wayside Theatre is and what it offers our community. You are a part of that. Your story, no matter how you view it, is a part of that.

As the cliché goes, keep those cards and letters coming folks. If you're a friend of Wayside Theatre, a friend of any of our artists, share a link, help us spead the word. Check out more on our Facebook page or on our website.

Folks are Stepping In to Help Out With Wayside Theatre. Share Your Stories With Us

The early response to Wayside Theatre's campaign has been really intense and really amazing. We've been going for three days and have seen donations and pledges of $15,000 already. That's wonderful news. What is equally as wonderful is the comments, testimonials, and stories about Wayside Theatre that people are sharing with us on Facebook, via email, and any other method of communication.

If you read this blog and attend Wayside Theatre, or have worked here, or have had a child in our Education programs tell us your story, your favorite memory, or even your gripe about Wayside Theatre. Those of us who work here have no problem talking about why we think our mission is important. But, what makes that effort easier and also makes it resonate so much further is if you tell us in your words your thoughts. We're sharing them on Facebook, and soon will be on our website.

Magic happens because you believe. Share why you believe and with your permission we'll share that with the world.

Here are a few thoughts that have already come in.

Tara Becht Shostek
I can't even begin to tell you how much Wayside Theatre has helped my daughter, Jessica, to blossom from being quiet and shy into a confident and self-assured 8 year old. Because of Wayside Theatre, she has an amazing ability to speak with confidence in front of her 25 classmates or in front of a theatre filled with 200 people. Wayside Theatre is an amazing place that has taught my child poise, self-confidence, discipline and how to work with adults in a professional setting. The opportunity to perform at Wayside Theatre, and the myriad of lessons she has learned from the professionals there, are gifts she will take with her for the rest of her life. She will always be a "Thtar!" Please help to keep this amazing place alive.

Cheryl Lemire Nakagawa
Why would the closing of Wayside Theatre be a huge loss? For me, it's personal. My daughter, Audrey, fell in love with Wayside at the age of nine with her first summer camp. From then on, we have considered Wayside a second home for our family. Now 12 years-old, Audrey has had many, many amazing experiences through this wonderful theater and the amazing people who run it. She has attended several workshops, where her acting and singing skills were honed. She was the Ghost of Christmas Past in "A Christmas Carol", and then was honored to play Glory Bea for two years, a story so well written worthy of broader attention. She has learned the value and beauty of live theater, where every movement and sound is scrutinized by attentive audience members. Who taught her this? An AMAZING staff! The tone begins from the top, from Artistic Director Warner Crocker, whose patience and skill are astounding to observe. And Thomasin Savaiano, who also has a amazing way with children herself, passing on her acting and singing knowledge almost selflessly. There isn't enough space to name everyone important to us and to Wayside, but I can tell you, EVERYONE who works there -- box office, awesome Musical Director Steve Przybylski, actors, interns, directors, board members -- everyone loves that theater and will work countless hours to support it.

I pray that this isn't the end of Wayside's history or Audrey's Wayside experience. The skills she has learned will be valuable throughout her life, no matter what she does. My hope is that this wonderful gem stays afloat for years to come, so that children and families can put down their ipods, cell phones, computers, and video games, for at least a little while, to experience entertainment the ways it has been done for centuries -- through PEOPLE.

Diane Artz Furlong

Everyone living in the Wayside Theatre community should realize what a very special gift we have here. A small hometown theatre where one can go for a bit of escapism fare is something to be nurtured, treasured, and protected.

The plays at Wayside were my introduction to live theatre. Living in the mostly rural area of the northern Shenandoah Valley, there was seldom an opportunity to see a play performed by professional actors. When we were teenagers back in the 1960s, my sister and I would attend Wayside's matinee productions during our summer vacations from school. We would "dress up" and she, the one with the driver's license, would drive us in Daddy's car to Middletown for an afternoon of delightful entertainment. I still remember leaving the hot summer sun behind as we entered the tiny, darkened theatre to find our seats and read our playbills, quietly anticipating the curtains opening and the enchanting world of real actors on a stage to appear before us. I know we saw many actors and actresses who went on to become famous but we were most delighted when Linde Hayen and Harold Herman performed.

I have enjoyed productions at Wayside for the past 45 years. I guess having a live theatre nearby where I can see the same quality acting as I can see in a theatre on Broadway has become a given for me. I thought Wayside would always be here, ready and waiting when I wanted to attend. I can't imagine not being able to do so.

I hope there are many who feel the same way. I hope there are many who can help Wayside now when it so greatly needs our support.

Keep them coming folks!