Erica Stephan, Resident Performer

First Season at TLP

Role: Ariel in Footloose; Multiple Characters in Working; Ferguson/Dancer in Guys and Dolls

From: Glen Ellyn, IL

College: Webster University, St. Louis, MO

Last Role in College: Young Wife in Hello Again

Why did you choose to come to TLP?

"When I was thinking of working in the summer, the location was important. I like being "in the woods" here. It's like camping. I love being able to do theatre in this environment, it is the ideal theatre experience. Also, the roles I were offered were exciting and challenging."

How did you get started in theatre?

"I was in ballet from ages 4 to 18. I was in my first musical, Annie, in the eighth grade and played Grace. I was in musicals in high school. When I was Amneris in Aida that is when I knew I wanted to theatre for the rest of my life."

You were just in Guys and Dolls. What did you enjoy about being in that production?

"I loved being able to see how quickly a professional show comes together. I realized it in the first musical rehearsal. I saw how talented everyone is and what a strong ensemble we have. It was very exciting."

What is your favorite thing about being in the current show, Working?

"I love being able to observe the guest artists: John Chase, Judy Knudtson and Sharriese Hamilton. They have a different level of excitement and intensity that is interesting to watch. Acting beside them is a blessing."

Why should people see Working?

"Any person in the audience can relate to the characters. Not only is it entertaining but when you are able to personally connect to the characters onstage, it makes the experience more enriching."

How do you like working with guest director, Chuck Smith?

"He gives you a note in rehearsal, you make the slightest change and it brings a whole new life to a character. He makes it a really comfortable atmosphere to work in."

You are currently rehearsing the next show, Footloose. What are you looking forward to, being involved in that production?

"I am looking forward to dancing. Artistic Director, James Beaudry, is directing and choreographing the production. The company is so strong and comfortable with each other. It is like having a fun dance party when we are in rehearsals! I am also excited to work with TLP Alum, Karl Hamilton. He is known for his ATT flash mob commercial. I have seen him on television and it will be exciting to work with him."

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

"I am a huge Harry Potter nerd. I love the books and movies so much that I wish I was a wizard."

Working performs now through June 30th followed by Footloose, July 5^th through 15^th. Performances are at 7:30pm, Tuesday through Saturdays and there are 2pm matinees on Sundays and Wednesdays. New this season, there is also a Saturday matinee performance on opening weekends at 2pm. Tickets are available through the box office during regular business hours, 11am - 6pm daily, at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or 815-244-2035. Timber Lake Playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll.

Timber Lake Playhouse, What's Your Story?

This program is partially supported by a grant for the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Production Sponsors are Kunes Country Auto Group and Compliance Signs.

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Iowa City, Iowa - To mark the opening of The Merchant of Venice at Riverside Theatre in the Park, the Apprentice Company will perform a free preview of The Merchant of Venice Green Show Friday, June 22, at 12:10 p.m. on the downtown pedestrian mall (near Washington St.).

At Riverside Theatre in the Park, the Green Shows are performed one hour before curtain. These 20-minute story theatre versions of the evening's play allow the audience to brush up on the plot in advance of the evening performance.

The nightly Green Show?and this preview performance?showcases the work of the Riverside Theatre in the Park Apprentice Company.

Green Shows are filled with humor and are family friendly.

Riverside Theatre in the Park runs now through July 8, featuring The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, directed by Kristin Horton and As You Like It by William Shakespeare, directed by Theodore Swetz.

For more information about Riverside Theatre in the Park, please call the Riverside Theatre Box Office at 319-338-7672 or visit www.riversidetheatre.org.

Chuck Smith, Director of Working, the musical

Eleventh Consecutive Season at Timber Lake Playhouse

From: Chicago, IL

College: Governor State University, Chicago

Currently: Twentieth Year as Resident Director at Goodman Theatre in Chicago

Why did you choose to return to TLP each year?

"Mainly it is one of the few places I can relax and enjoy myself and do the type of shows I wouldn't ordinarily do in Chicago. It is a completely relaxed atmosphere for me."

How did you get started in theatre?

"I had just got discharged from the Marine Corp and some guys I met talked me into being in a play. It was Mack Adam and Eve, a comedy, at a small community theatre group in Chicago."

Out of all of the shows you have directed in your life, which ones stick out to you as your favorites?

"The most recent successes normally stick out in your mind so I would have to say Race by David Mamet that I directed at the Goodman this past year. Over my career, another show that always sticks out in my mind is August Wilson's Ma Raney's Black Bottom. It set a box office record in the 70's at the Goodman Theatre and was my first main stage production."

What was your favorite show that you have directed at TLP?

"The Crucible is probably my favorite. It was my second season here. Artistic Director, Brad Lyons, was in the show and it featured performers from the Mount Carroll community. It was the show that really put me in touch with the people in the community here. I got to know them which is why I come back here...it is like a second home to me."

You are currently directing Working. What can you tell us about that show?

"Doing this show, I am saying, 'I would like to introduce you to some people I know, ordinary people in their jobs.' It was originally a book. I saw it on stage when it was presented in Chicago and thought what a big show from a big book. I saw it remounted again recently with only six characters. Immediately after the show I called James Beaudry, TLP's Artistic Director, and said that this show would work at TLP. I had never asked to do a show before but I knew this show would be great here."

You mentioned that you usually don't pick the show that you direct here at TLP. What is that like for you, directing a show you didn't select?

"It is delightful! It really takes the pressure off of me. I don't pick the show or the cast. I like coming in and directing in the second slot of the season. The company members are still fresh and energetic. This is not easy work for anyone and the company still has a lot of energy. I am a new person coming in to direct and they are always excited about that."

Why should people come and see Working?

"It is a good play and everyone will be able to relate to it. Everyone works. Even if you don't work, there is a housewife represented, so no one is left out. You know these people. They are ordinary people that you run into everyday. The musical numbers are quite wonderful, especially with the six talented people that are on stage. It is my eleventh year and I have never had a show go up so fast. It is because the cast is so good and so talented. It has made my job easy. This group is more effective than the show in Chicago...I would put this production against any show with a big priced ticket."

Working, the musical, runs June 21st through 30th. Performances are at 7:30pm, weekdays and there are 2pm matinees on Sundays and Wednesdays. New this season, there is also a Saturday matinee performance on opening weekends at 2pm. Tickets are available through the box office during regular business hours, 11am - 6pm daily, at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or 815-244-2035. Timber Lake Playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll.

Timber Lake Playhouse, What's Your Story?

This program is partially supported by a grant for the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Production Sponsors are Kunes Country Auto Group and Compliance Signs.

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