Month: January 2013

MR. CECE STRICKLIN

What drew you to Charleston Stage?
My wife Char and I have been members of the Director’s Circle for a long time, and we have always enjoyed the performances.  When asked to join the board, I thought the time was right for me to become more involved.

 

What makes you most excited about being on the Board of Trustees?
The quality and professionalism of the board members.  Everyone is involved and willing to support the organization with their time and talents.

 

How does being on this board differ from other boards?
I have been on a number of non-profit boards, and they have all been different.  This board works in close support, of what I believe, is an exceptional artistic and business management and staff.

 

What made you passionate about the arts? 
I have always enjoyed live performances, but for many years, I only volunteered with social service type organizations.  As I have participated more with the arts, I have learned how dedicated and hard-working the performers and staff are and how much they give to the community.  My enthusiasm just continues to grow.

 

Please share a little more about yourself.
I’m married to my wife Char, who is a big participant and supporter of the arts.  I have three children and three grand children.  We’ve lived in Charleston for 16 years, and I’m currently the chairman and co-owner of The Real Buyers Agent, although semi-retired.  I was formerly the Vice President of Employee Relations and Administration for ICI Americas.  My hobbies include:  travel, golf, family activities and bridge.

 

MRS. MARY PAT DONNELLON

Featured Left:  Mary Pat and the Donnellon Family.

What drew you to Charleston Stage?
I have served on nonprofit boards in both education and in human services.  I love theatre and the arts and am thrilled to learn more and contribute more to this extremely important part of the nonprofit world.

 

What makes you most excited about being on the Board of Trustees?
As I am new to this beautiful city, I am really looking forward to meeting, collaborating and contributing with fellow theatre-lovers.

 

How does being on this board differ from other boards?
It’s an intimate, hands-on, working board.  If you’re on the Charleston Stage Board, you have real, tangible responsibilities.  I like that.

 

What made you passionate about the arts?    
I think it’s because my parents enjoyed and supported the arts, so I grew up with an overall appreciation.  Now, my 21-year-old daughter is a passionate Broadway and musical fan, and the two of us are “theatre buddies.”  I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.

 

Please share a little more about yourself.
Our family moved to Charleston in June, 2012 from Lancaster, PA, for my career at Blackbaud.  My husband Tim and I have 3 children, Laura, Sam and Will.  Laura and Sam are both in college (Xavier University and Ohio State University), so you’ll see me at all the shows with Will, who’s a 7th grader at Charleston Catholic.  I am working hard at cultivating another art-loving citizen!   We all appreciate the warm welcome Charleston has given us.

 

 

 

 

Charleston Stage is known for producing the biggest shows in town. Our production staff continually raises the bar to bring Charleston full-scale professional theatre, providing this great city the dazzling theatre it deserves.  Meet J. Kenneth Barnett III and Paul Hartmann, members of Charleston Stage’s Production Staff.

 

J. Kenneth Barnett III
Production Manager/Resident Scenic Designer

Where did you grow up?  Were there any activities you did as a child that led to your passion for the arts?
I grew up in Rockford, IL.  As far I as I can remember, I have always drawn or painted. In the sixth grade, I was in my first play, something about George Washington.  I played the villain, King George.  I went to a performing arts school from 7th grade to 12th grade.  Art and theater were my favorites.

 

Where did you go to school/receive training?  How did this prepare you for your work in theatre?
I am a graduate from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.  I have a B.A. in Theater and a minor in Art.  I studied to be an actor, but worked in the shop (building and painting scenery) as part of my TSA scholarship.

 

Describe briefly your position at Charleston Stage and what you do for the company.
I am the Production Manager/Resident Scenic Designer.  I work with the Production staff to make sure each production goes as smoothly as possible from the beginning of the build to the load in/load out of a show.  I design and draft the new productions at Charleston Stage.  I am also the Properties Master and Scenic Artist.

 

Where have you worked previously before Charleston Stage?
I worked at New American Theater in Rockford, IL as their Resident Scenic Designer/Properties Master/Scenic Artist (1991-1997). Most recently, I worked at The Chattanooga Theatre Centre in Chattanooga, TN as their Resident Scenic Designer/ Properties Master/ Scenic Artist (1999-2010).

 

What do you do in your spare time?
I love to spend my spare time with my wife and our 6-year-old son.  We love Folly Beach and living here in beautiful, historic Charleston.

 

Paul Hartmann
Technical Director/Lighting Designer

Where did you grow up?  Were there any activities you did as a child that led to your passion for the arts?
I grew up in Hanna City, IL, a small town just west of Peoria, IL.  I didn’t really become interested in theatre until college.

 

Where did you go to school/receive training?  How did this prepare you for your work in theatre?
I have a BFA in Design/Technical Theatre from Millikin University in Decatur, IL.  The program was growing very rapidly and there were many opportunities for hands-on learning experience.

 

Describe briefly your position at Charleston Stage and what you do for the company.
I am the Technical Director/Lighting Designer which entails making sure the sets get built and built well, and making sure they have light on them so we can see the actors.

 

Where have you worked previously before Charleston Stage?  
I have experience in educational, community, and professional theatre.  My last job was a fun one.  I was Lighting Designer at a mid sized concert venue in Chattanooga, TN called Track 29.

 

What do you do in your spare time?
I like to go to the beach and take long walks with my dog.

 

WANT TO WORK ON SCENERY, COSTUMES OR BACKSTAGE?
Contact J. Kenneth Barnette III at (843) 577-0868 or email kbarnett@charlestonstage.com.

 

 

 

Professional Resident Actor Josh Harris is rounding out his second season with Charleston Stage and will be making his directorial debut with TheSecret Garden. You may remember Josh in roles such as Amos Hart in Chicago, Skip in Inga Binga and most recently as Grown-up Ralphie in A Christmas Story. “The story of The Secret Garden is beautiful, timeless and beloved by millions of people,” states Harris. “At the center of the story is a garden, a symbol of renewal and growth. Even though it may look and feel as if it’s no longer alive, beneath the rough exterior lies a source of life that, with enough care, can blossom again. Just as our heroine Mary shows us, we must find the power and strength within each of us to deal with life’s unexpected challenges. We can be faced with situations that require tremendous strength of spirit. It is not what is thrown at us, but how we respond to it.  This is what makes The Secret Garden such an amazing story.”

The Secret Garden runs January 25 – February 3 at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, call (843) 577-7183 or purchase online at www.charlestonstage.com.