Not to be overlooked or taken for granted, you may not recognize them the way you do the actors, yet they are the force behind the performers. They bring a show together, building the sets, creating the costumes, gathering the props, designing the lights, and directing, motivating and inspiring the performers. 

The director is the key person melding all elements of the show into a complete package. Tibbits has had some outstanding talent at the helm and this year features a group of veterans to our stage.

     We benefit from the local expertise as Charles Burr and Trinity Bird open the season with the musical revue "On Broadway," a project they're already working on as they have assembled a collection of songs representing some of the top shows on the "Great White Way" over the past 25 years. Trinity directs the production and was director of last summer's "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" as well as many Popcorn Theatre shows, community and high school productions. He'll also be directing "Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs."

Charles is well known to Tibbits audiences for his work on stage, directing and as artistic director. His reputation extends far beyond Coldwater and he is particularly well known for his adept work, finesse and impeccable timing on comedies and farces like last year's "Leading Ladies" and 2008's "Room Service." He'll be directing "Run For Your Wife" and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears."

Kevin Halpin returns as director and choreographer for "Crazy For You" bringing all of his skill with those grand-style musical, comedy and dancing shows. He directed "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" last summer and the crowd favorite, "Sweet Charity" in 2007."

After directing one of Tibbits' most talked about shows ever, "Hair," Raymond Gabica returns to bring out the quirkiness and charm of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Of this musical comedy Ray says "You are going to love this one too. I am so excited to return to Tibbits!"

Rounding out the directing staff are Brian Sage directing "The Emperor's New Clothes," Cheryl VanDuzen and Carolyn Bertrand musical directors, and returning for choreography is Alison Gritz.

Of our designers and technical staff Chris Aler returns and makes the move from master carpenter to technical director. Erin Tucker costume designer for "Hair" and "Gentlemen" returns to design "Crazy for Your" and "Spelling Bee." The rest of the design staff includes Theresa Hartman, costumes for the revue and "Run For Your Wife"; Andy Broomell, set design; Jeffrey Hannah, light design; and Kelly Teitsworth, props, all for the main shows. Popcorn designers are Elizabeth Goble, set design and scenic artist; Matthew Rogers, light design and master electrician; Laura Herbst, costumes; and Rachel Robinson props. Rounding out the technical staff are Kari Warning, production stage manager; Mark Abrahamson, assistant stage manager and Shaun Reis and Johanna Miller, carpenters.

We look forward to the arrival of all of these individuals and anxiously await the opening of the season to see the sum total of their talents.

See April's article on the Acting Company.
Read complete bios on the 2010 Summer Company  

  For more information on the shows and the complete schedule: TST