Thank You 5: Recent Episodes
Daena Schweiger
In Season Two, Episode 8 of Thank You Five, actress Sherry Fletcher recounts her extensive experience in theater, from her early involvement in Maryland to her active participation in Omaha's theater scene since 1979. She discusses her roles in various community theaters, her role as a volunteer docent at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo, and her work with the Omaha performing arts community. Sherry also shares her adventures with the Omaha Dancing Grannies, the improvisational comedy group Off the Cuff, and Theater-To-Go performances. She talks about her passion for comedy, her favorite roles, and her travels around the world, as well as her love for interacting with children through children's theater.
In Season Two, Episode 7 of Thank You Five, Omaha native Courtney Stein Cairncross drops by the green room to discuss her extensive career (30+ years) in dance and theater. Courtney's journey includes education at California Pacific College of Performing Arts and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, along with international studies in New York and Japan. The episode delves into her work on various productions, including her transition to professional theater at the Omaha Community Playhouse, her choreography for Nebraska Shakespeare, and her roles in the Nebraska Theatre Caravan and Opera Omaha. Courtney discusses her passion for teaching and arts advocacy, highlighting her initiatives during the pandemic and her role with Circle Theatre. The episode concludes with Courtney sharing personal anecdotes and reflecting on her love for performing and choreographing.
In Season Two, Episode 6 of Thank You Five, I sit down with Bill Kirby, resident creative and technical director at the Blue Barn. Bill shares his rich background, from his origins in England and Pennsylvania, to his extensive education and career in theater. We discuss Bill’s Quaker upbringing, his early passion for theater and sound design, and his educational journey at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Bill highlights his experiences working at venues like McCarter Theater Center and his eventual move to Omaha to join the Blue Barn Theatre. The conversation delves into his process for sound design, memorable productions, including 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike', and the challenges and innovations in theater technology over the years.
In Season Two, Episode 5 of Thank You Five, Murphy Scott Wulfgar (fka as Scott Kurz), drops by the green room (also recorded in my backyard - it was a beautiful evening) to reflect on his 30-year career in Omaha theatre, notably with the Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company. Murphy delves into his vast work as producer, director, and performer, and discusses his advocacy for neurodivergent artists. He shares with us the unique experience he had of converting a synagogue into a performance space and the serendipitous selection of the play. Murphy emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in theater, offering insights into how neurodivergence shapes his directorial approach and highlighting the necessity of accommodating diverse learning styles to produce authentic performances.
In Season Two, Episode 4 of Thank You Five, I welcome Scott Working, theater program coordinator and instructor at Metropolitan Community College, to the green room (on location at the Shelterbelt Theatre). Scott shares with us his expansive career in theater, including the founding of the Shelterbelt Theatre, his time in LA pursuing screenwriting and acting, and his return to Omaha to teach and further the arts. Scott elaborates on his past work with the Great Plains Theater Conference (now Commons), Brigit St Brigit theatre company, and his literary dramatizations for the Joslyn Castle’s Art and Literary Festival.
In Season Two, Episode 3 of Thank You Five, Breanna Carodine stops by the green room (literally - we recorded in my backyard) and shares her journey from acting to directing. A member of the Omaha Community Playhouse Directing Fellowship's inaugural class, Breanna highlights her directorial debut with 'Lasso of Truth' and her subsequent successful projects, including 'Pipeline' and 'Pretty Fire.' Breanna discusses her acting experiences, including her most recent role as Chris in ‘POTUS’ at the Blue Barn Theater and her love for comedy. Lastly, we take a deep dive into her personal and professional growth, her inspirations, and her hopes for the future.
In Season Two, Episode 2 of Thank You Five, seasoned theater professional Kevin Barratt drops by the green room to share stories from his rich career as an actor, director, and fight choreographer. Covering his extensive work across various theaters, including the Omaha Community Playhouse and numerous others in Nebraska, Kevin recounts his roots in a small Iowa town, his educational journey at Dana College and UNO, and his transition into educational roles at Omaha Benson and South High Schools. He offers insights into some of his roles, the challenges of touring theater productions, and his focus on education. Kevin’s anecdotes also touch on the shifting dynamics of small-town life, his family influences, and his passion for stage combat.
In Season Two, Episode 1 of Thank You Five, I interview Kerron Stark, also known as “Mr. K,” the creator and host of Omaha’s live action educational preschool television series 'Mr. K's Clubhouse'. Kerron shares with us his personal background, and the early influences that shaped his love for performing and teaching. He discusses the development process, the significant role his family and community played, and the challenges faced while establishing his children's show. Kerron touches on his vision for the future of 'Mr. K's Clubhouse' and his mission to positively impact young minds through education and entertainment.
Ready for an encore? Season 2 of Thank You 5 is coming this summer to shine a spotlight on Omaha's vibrant performing arts scene. I'm diving into more interviews, stories, and behind the scenes glimpses to celebrate the creativity buzzing in our city. Whether you're a seasoned theater goer or just curious about what's happening on stage, we've got something for everyone.
Join me this July for a fun filled exploration of Omaha's theater community.
Actor - Director - Playwright Kaitlyn McClincy drops by the greenroom to discuss her varied work in Omaha, including her direction of The Rocky Horror Show for OCP and Dis-Enchanted for The Candy Project; where she gets her inspiration for playwriting; and how the alternative programming series is shaping up.
Veteran stage director and actor Susan Baer Collins drops by the green room to discuss her career in theatre, including her time with The Nebraska Theatre Caravan, WTBS in Atlanta (yes, with Ted Turner), and The Omaha Community Playhouse.
Veteran stage director and actor Susan Baer Collins drops by the green room to discuss her career in theatre, including her time with The Nebraska Theatre Caravan, WTBS in Atlanta (yes, with Ted Turner), and The Omaha Community Playhouse.
Veteran Stage Manager Steve Priesman drops by the greenroon to discuss his 35+ year career as a stage manager for the Omaha Community Playhouse, Norton Theatre, Grand Old Players, and the Omaha Symphony Christmas celebration. He reminisces about traveling to Austria and The Soviet Union with OCP, and his enduring friendship with Charles Jones
Veteran actor Leanne Hill Carlson drops by the greenroom to discuss some of her memorable roles, including Belle in Beauty and the Beast, the Prime in Indecent, and Sarah in Murder Ballad. She also discusses her love of new works, and reminisces about her first lead role... in the first grade.
On this St. Paddy's Day Thank You 5 I welcome choreographer Melanie Walters to the greenroom to discuss her penchant for sleeping through earthquakes, why show choir is nothing like 'Glee' and some of her favorite show memories.
Veteran actor Connie Lee drops by the greenroom to discuss some of her favorite roles, her moving experience in Washington DC, and how she approaches the characters she creates.
Veteran Nebraska Theatre Caravan, Omaha Community Playhouse, and Nebraska Shakespeare actor Cork Ramer drops by the green room to discuss some of his iconic performances, including performing as Ebenezer Scrooge on tour for 18 seasons with Nebraska Theatre Caravan, his love affair with Man of La Mancha, and of course... his favorite curse word.
Amanda Fehlner, associate costume designer at the Omaha Community Playhouse, drops by the greenroom to discuss some of her more challenging designs and the world of cosplay (she has designed 31)!
Ashley Laverty, founder of Kerfuffle, drops by the green room to discuss her work in theatre for the very young.
Award winning actress and playwright Laura Campbell drops by the green room to discuss her plays Eminent Domain and Worms, and her most current stage role as Tracy in Sweat at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
Beth Thompson, Artistic Director for the Shelterbelt Theatre, drops by to discuss her path to becoming a director, why she is passionate about new works, and gives us an update on the theatre's search for a new home.
Kimberly Faith Hickman drops by the green room to discuss how a "Southern Girl" wound up as artistic director for the largest community theatre in the country and her extensive career as a director. We also get to hear yet another flub by the podcast host... and it's a doozy!
Taylor Leigh Jackson drops by the green room to give us the lowdown on the role of the stage manager in theatre, opera, and ballet; why she loves to call complex shows; and of course… her favorite color.
Omaha Community Playhouse Resident Music Director Jim Boggess drops by the green room to discuss his long and winding path to the Omaha Community Playhouse, his favorite (and not so favorite) shows, and what it would take to see him onstage again.
Lighting and Scenic Design guru Steven Williams drops by the greenroom to discuss color theory, why he hasn't signed on yet to LED lights, and how the kid from New Mexico came to Omaha for 2 years but ended up staying 24 (and counting!)
Darin Kuehler from the Omaha Community Playhouse drops by the green room to discuss water pitchers, saluting pigeons, and home brew!
On May 27, 2019 Thank You 5 was invited to record a special event hosted by the Great Plains Theatre Conference. The event - Direct Address: Assorted Stories of Teachers, was hosted by Scott Working. As Scott said on the GPTC website...
"As we honor the work of Maria Irene Fornes, who was such an inspiring mentor to so many playwrights, we have asked a few selected guests to share a story about a great teacher or mentor from their past."
Who will share their stories? GPTC PLAYWRIGHTS: Matthew Ivan Bennett Laura Campbell A. Emmanuel Leadon
GPTC GUEST ARTISTS: Mary Beth Easley Itohan Edoloyi Scott Glasser Khalid Yaya Long Katie Pearl
Youth Actor Chloe Irwin drops by the greenroom to discuss her most challenging roles throughout her busy, albeit early, stage career and lets us in on why she would love to sit down and chat with William Shakespeare!
This week on Thank You 5 I welcome Lighting Designer Joshua Mullady to the green room. Topics will include his Guinness Book of World Records entry in the category of 2 year degree completion, why he thoroughly enjoys directing the Burke Rockstars program, and his OCP...ness. Yes, it sounds just like you think it would on headset. It was weird and awkward.
Kate Wiig, Theatre Educator, drops by the greenroom to discuss her passion for teaching theatre to middle school students, her love of The Rose Theatre, and how she and her husband bonded over impacted wisdom teeth.
Roxanne Wach stops by the greenroom to discuss some of her favorite projects, what's next on her plate, and to give us an update on a new home for The Shelterbelt Theatre.
Marie Schuett drops by the greenroom to discuss why she moved to Omaha to become a playwright and her upcoming projects. She also reveals some insider info on why rehearsals for The Break were so fun. Oh, and Daena asks ANOTHER dumb interview question. #CaptainObvious
Sarah Brown, interim Artistic Director for Nebraska Shakespeare, drops by the greenroom to discuss her career, what's new and exciting "On The Green" and, of course, her favorite color
John Gibilisco drops by the greenroom to discuss his 40 year career at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
Timothy Vallier drops by the greenroom to discuss his passion for music composition, his doctoral thesis, the bel canto style of singing, and his first theatrical role.
Moira Mangiameli stops by the green room to discuss being a working actress in Omaha, why she feels it is important to be paid for your work, and favorite roles over the years.
Amy Reiner stops by the greenroom to discuss her time in LA, her journey back to Omaha, time spent at The Omaha Community Playhouse, and her current role at The Bluebarn Theatre.
Steve Krambeck drops by the greenroom to discuss his most memorable roles on the OCP stage and how he strikes a perfect work / life / theatre balance.
Burke High School's Emily Mokrycki drops by the green room to discuss her journey to becoming a theatre educator, collaborating with her students, and where she sees her theatre program in 5 years.
Playwright Ellen Struve drops by the green room to discuss how she became a playwright, her writing process, and real jazz.
Camille Metoyer Moten, Omaha's most versatile singer, stops by the green room to discuss some of her most memorable roles at the Omaha Community Playhouse, working with Chuck Pennington, and how her faith lifted her up during her cancer journey.