|
BILL'S THEATRICAL BIO
|
WHAT FOLLOWS IS A
CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING OF MY THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE.
{NOTE: An asterick(*) indicates
summer seasons}
- 195?:
McCASKEY HIGH SCHOOL, Lancaster, Pa.
- While in grade school, I was asked to play one
of the young children in an area high school's
production of "Carousel."
- 1963 (*):
THE GUERNSEY THEATRE, Lancaster, Pa.
- This was my first 'professional' theatre job. I
was in the chorus for a production of a local
author's musical: "Let's Go Dutch." The show as
supposed to go into a reperatory cycle after it's
initial two week run. I don't think this ever did
happen, however, shortly after the initial run I was
cast in a play at The Ephrata Star Playhouse.
- 1963-1968 (*):
EPHRATA STAR PLAYHOUSE, Ephrata, Pa.
- This was a professional summer stock
Equity theatre. My first production was "The Sound
Of Music" in which I played 'Fredrich.' In the
years that followed I was in a number of different
productions and also served as a technician when the
roles were not available due to my young age.
Producer/Director: Mr. John Cameron.
- 1965-1969:
LANCASTER CATHOLIC HS, Lancaster, Pa.
- While I was a student at L.C.H.S., I had roles
in
the annual spring musicals; the drama competition
during my junior year and played the role of 'Felix'
in my Senior Class production of "The Odd Couple."
I
also served as student director of the competition
play my senior year and worked on the publicity
staff
for the spring musical. We garnered a lot of
attention when I was able to contact Miss Miller (a
'famous audience member' from the old Merv Griffin
and Jack Parr TV shows) and brought her to Lancaster
to be in our audience.
Drama Coach: Miss
Patricia Wallace.
- 1969-1971 (*)
THE SUMMER THEATRE, Lancaster, Pa.
- This was a youth theatre group for which I was
co-founder. After the first summer I became the sole
producer. In the three summers we were active, we
produced about 11 different Comedies, Musicals and
Dramas. I served as Producer/Director/Designer and
sometimes Actor.
- 1969-1973:
CATAWBA COLLEGE, Salisbury, NC
- During my four years at Catawba I was involved
in
almost every area of theatre production with
the Drama Department's productions. I was also an
active member of the College's Drama Club, The
Blue Masque. I served as the clubs V.P. my
sophomore year and President my junior year. My
involvement with the theatre and the Blue Masque
were
minimal during my senior year when I began a "part
time" job as technical director for the Piedmont
Players Community Theatre.
Degree: BA in
Speech.
- 1970-1975:
THE PIEDMONT PLAYERS, Salisbury, NC
- Began working occasional productions '70-'72;
began working full season/part-time for '72-'73
season and then full time (upon graduation from
Catawba College) for the '73-'75 seasons. My
position was as tech director, however, I often
designed either the sets and/or lights for the
productions. I also wrote the play scripts for
the Platypus Productions - a touring children's
theatre arm of the Piedmont Players. I designed the
sets for these shows as well (usually a main stage
set and a separate one for the tour).
- I also did freelance design/technical work
for:
- The Salisbury Conservatory Of Ballet.
- The Salisbury Conservatory Of Dance
Arts
- 1972-1977 (*):
BROWN LEDGE CAMP, Mallett's Bay, Vt.
- This girls summer camp not only teaches
skills in about 15 different areas, but life skills as
well. The girls are allowed to set most of their own
daily
schedule and are expected to fulfill the obligations
thereby created (i.e.:classes, rehearsals, etc.)
The theatre department is an intensive 8 week
program
which features 3 major productions (Review, 3-Act
and
Musical) along with 15 one-acts produced in a
flexible performance space. I worked here for six
seasons as instructor, director, designer and
actor.
- 1975-1976:
NC CETA PROGRAM, Raleigh, NC
- Assigned to Edenton Little Theatre,
Edenton, NC
- The adult responce here was very poor and my
main
efforts were put into directing a Children's Theatre
production and assisting with the High School's
(John
A. Holmes) first musical production as Set/Costume
Designer and Choreographer.
- 1976-1977:
HARRISBURG COMM. THEATRE, Harrisburg, Pa.
- Served as tech director/lighting designer formain
stage productions. Also director/instructor for
Children's Workshop which included directing touring
show and organization for local high school one-act
play competition.
- 1977-1978:
FREELANCE TECH/DESIGNER, Harrisburg, Pa.
- The Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
- Harrisburg Civic Opera
Company
- Riverside Center For the Arts
- 1978-1981:
FLORENCE LITTLE THEATRE, Florence, SC
- Served as TD/Designer for main stage
productions;
directed one production each season and TD for
performances & padgeants leasing the theatre space.
- Also did Freelance work
for:
- Florence
Civic Ballet Company
- Epsilon Chi Omega
Chapter/AKA
- FLT Children's Workshop
[NOTE: After resigning, returned to fill in
for several weeks when my replacement was 'let go'
and another had to be found.]
- 1982 - PRESENT:
- Have worked various non-theatre
jobs.
- Continue to work on my play scripts.
- Create inch-scale dollhouse miniatures.
|
|