ZCT - Noises Off, a play in 3 acts by Michael Frayn June 4, 5, 11, 12, 2010 - 8pm, June 6, 13, 2010 - 2:30pm

	Amy Underwood (Dotty Otley / Mrs. Clackett) Noises Off has been a great challenge, loads of fun and a wonderful all-round theatre experience for me. I hope you will all enjoy this truly funny farce as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you. (But I must just say this, my dears - I never want to see another sardine in my life!)
	Steven Foreman ( Lloyd Dallas ) is making his debut in the world of live community theater as Lloyd Dallas, the Director of "Nothing On". As art often imitates life and visa-versa, he mirrors the academic passions of his character with a BSEd. in Engish Education from Ohio University. From the same alma matter, he holds a M.Ed. in Educational Administration. Steven is the principal of Westview Elementary School, the Muskingum Juvenile Detention Center, and Zanesville Virtual School. During the summer months, he serves as the Coordinator of Elementary Summer School Programs for Zanesville City Schools. He resides in Zanesville with his nine-year-old daughter, Madeline
	Todd King ( Garry Lejeune / Roger ) - Todd is what some might call a “seasoned veteran” of the Zanesville Community Theatre stage. He has performed in a number of productions here, since the early 1990’s. Most recently, Job in J.B. Last season he played dual roles in “Honk!” (two distinct forms of poultry), and prior to that as the lecherous footman in “Something’s Afoot”. He enjoys both the on-stage reverie as well as the backstage trench work. He encourages you to expect not just good community theatre from ZCT; but to expect excellent theatre from a company that happens to be right here, in your community.
	Amber Thompson ( Brooke Ashton /Vicky ) is a new face to ZCT and Zanesville itself. Before moving, Amber acted up with Center Stage Players in Columbus since 2006 in The Rocky Horror Show. Her memorable roles included Rose in Bye Bye Birdie, Ronette in Little Shop of Horrors, and directed/played Sara Jane Moore in Assassins. Amber most recently directed/appeared in Drawing Room Theatre’s debut show, Godspell. Amber would like to thank Sheryl and Co. for her 1st theatrical experience in Zanesville.
	Cayli Gill ( Poppy Norton-Taylor ) is 2010 graduate of Philo High School . This is her second play at ZCT. At Philo she has been in The Nitwits, Godspell, Once Upon A Mattress, Father of the Bride, Oklahoma !, Witness for the Prosecution, and most recently played Gertrude in Seussical The Musical. This fall she will be attending college majoring in graphic design and illustration.
	Steve Hammer ( Philip Fellowes / Frederick ) Steve started his career at ZCT in another British comedy, “Something’s Afoot”. Since then, he has participated in the Angel Tree production every year and the musical, “Honk”. Most recently he has enjoyed helping Carl out with sound for “JB” and “Death of a Salesman”. However, he couldn’t resist coming back on stage for the craziness that is “Noises Off”.
	Monica Van Nort ( Belinda Blair / Flavia ) joined ZCT last year as Truvy in Steel Magnolias. She absolutely loved playing that role and had so much fun with the whole theatrical experience. As a result of such a wonderful and enjoyable opportunity she looked for her first chance to get involved again with a ZCT production and to get her daughter involved in her first dramatic experience as well. Hence their roles in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever where she played Mrs. Bradley, and her daughter Payton played Beverly . She even talked her husband Larry into a small cameo role as a fireman to make it a family affair. This season, she was in Death of A Salesman and now Noises Off! Monica is originally from Louisville , KY. She's lived in Zanesville for the past 3 yrs. and works as a mental health counselor during the day. She enjoys spending time with her family by going to movies, playing games, and outdoor recreational activities.
	James Hock ( Tim Allgood ) is a 2010 graduate of Philo High School . This is his third play at ZCT. His was previously in Macbeth, and Murder is Announced. At Philo he was in The Wizard of Oz in kindergarten, Honk! as a fifth grader, and then in high school The Miracle Worker, Once Upon a Mattress, Father of the Bride in which he had the lead, and Oklahoma! as Jud Fry. James was the student director for Witness for the Prosecution and played Horton in Seussical The Musical. He has also been involved in the Bethlehem Walk in Chandlersville for several years, most recently as a guide. This fall James plans to attend college as a history major and eventually attend graduate school.
	Dan Von Gunten ( Selsdon Mowbray ) I have been involved with ZCT for many, many, many years--three decades and then some just to let you know. I started out in drag (Charlie’s Aunt) and now I am playing an aged actor with a propensity for alcohol. In between I have played gangsters, bigots, undertakers, leading men that sing, playboys, commoners and kings. My daughter has a degree in theater (there is a rumor that she was born on the ZCT stage) and has appeared in quite a few ZCT productions as well as being a director and choreographer. My lovely wife of 30 years has been the resident hair lady for ZCT for the same length of time and has worn the producer and director’s hat on a few occasions. I have also produced and directed several productions for ZCT. So our motto is: The family that plays together stays together. Sit back and get ready to laugh out loud. This is a hilarious show with the added attraction of several Grade “A” Hams tearing up the scenery. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
	Production Staff
	Sheryl Wise ( Director ) This is my second go round as director of “Noises Off”. The first time was with Philo Players many years ago. While the challenges of a revolving set were there, certainly not to the extent of trying to fit a two story, seven door, revolving set into our space at ZCT. Before submitting this show, I talked with Bruce and Rich about the possibility and they were up for the challenge. The set is really another character within the play, so when it comes time for curtain call I will be the first to lead the applause for Bruce, Rich and their crew that has made this set literally give us quite a turn. I am also excited to have many ZCT veterans as well as some newcomers to our stage. The show itself is a combination of Road Runner vs. Wiley Coyote, Tom and Jerry, and a few sardines for good measure so sit back and enjoy the ride Director's Notes: If you have ever been in a play you know that sometimes what goes on backstage and during the rehearsal process is sometimes funnier than the actual show. In fact I have heard many people say that we should sell tickets to rehearsals! This is what inspired Michael Frayn, the author of “Noises Off”. He named the play using the theatrical term for a sound heard in the wings—or backstage. This farce gives you a glimpse into the insanity that can go on. Props that are missing, set pieces that don’t work, sound cues in the wrong place, actors forgetting lines, love triangles between cast and crew, temperamental stars, while still trying to put on a performance. Our production team is actually the opposite of what you will see onstage. In fact, this production is the epitome of what community theater, in my opinion, is all about. A team of people who love doing theater and spend countless hours--and sometimes their own money- on making it happen. As is the case with many shows--area community theaters, high schools, and colleges borrow costumes, set pieces, and scenery from each other. Footlight Players in Coshocton generously allowed us to borrow their rotating platform. This show would not have been possible without them. Rich, Bruce, Shelley and crew have outdone themselves to make an eight door, two-story set fit in our space and THEN make it totally rotate! Get ready to laugh and then be amazed how it all goes round!
	Shelley Tolliver ( Producer ) In describing this show, the word "challenge" comes to mind. It is a daunting aspect to create a set with such demands...8 working doors, two stories and it has to rotate! Factor in the intimate stage setting that is Zanesville Community Theatre and you have a production where planning is only the tip of the iceberg. It is a cacophony of props, entrances and exits. It is gathering a group of skilled actors and actresses with the mental and physical stamina to handle such a boisterous show. And it is the team effort of those working behind the scenes who provide the arena for this all to happen that deserve a glimmer of spotlight, too. Set designers and builders Rich Tolliver and Bruce Revennaugh have spent every weekend and time through the week in constructing this epic set since the close of DEATH OF A SALESMAN. In gazing at the set, did you notice that the upper level is no longer there? How about the addition of extra entrances and exits in the lobby and stage right? The wonderful folks of Footlight Players deserve applause also, as their generosity has allowed us to make this a unit set. Without the use of their giant rotating platform, it would be a very different show indeed. Good stage managers are a blessing and this show is lucky enough to have two. (If you have never been a stage manager, I encourage you to try it. Good ones are a rare and wonderful asset to any show) Kelli and Kayla have tackled one of the most complicated shows known to theater and have done so with a fun attitude, style and grace. In being a Producer, my job is to get a show what they need as best I can. It is also my job to advertise the show and welcome folks to come see it. In producing for ZCT's season finale, NOISES OFF, it is not hard to find aspects to share with people. NOISES OFF has it all - a frisky story line with lots of unexpected twists and turns. It offers a carpentry wonder in its set design and when that mighty set turns, even though I have worked on it since the beginning, I am still amazed at how it all has come together. It also showcases actors and actresses who are tackling their "bucket list" - this is an actor's challenge if ever there was one! I encourage everyone to see this show on its many levels of merit. Whether you are intrigued by 8 doors, 2 staircases, 1 giant ladder, a flying telephone and sardines everywhere or just want to see a show that is so absurd you'll be laughing from start to finish - NOISES OFF will take you out of your everyday! Thank you for supporting the arts and efforts of Zanesville Community Theatre. Hope to see you at the show!
	Kelli Marsh ( Stage Manager ) Kelli spent her childhood in South Africa where she began acting and dancing in school and church plays. She loved the performance, so naturally when her family moved to California, she joined the drama department in high school where she was acting in and become choreographer for “The Sound of Music.” She spent several years traveling and doing humanitarian work that also included acting and eventually led her into directing which she took with her when she became an elementary school teacher. Kelli now lives in New Concord and says that she has the best job in the world in being a wife and a-stay-at-home-mom to her fifteen month old baby girl
	Kayla Hammer ( Assistant Stage Manager, Props ) Kayla is a noob to the backstage crew scene at ZCT. She has performed in a few other shows at the theater, but was willing to jump into something new and work behind the scenes! She loves the atmosphere and the insanity of everything (and the cast!). While stressing about all the 9,425,734 number of props in Noises Off, she is also a cast member in the summer musical All Shook Up. When she's not spending her nights at ZCT, Kayla is searching for a job at a pool for the summer. She is now a certified lifeguard!
	Bruce Revennaugh ( Set Design )
	Richard Tolliver ( Set Design ) - I started working on sets for church plays in the mid 70's. The first "real" script I helped build for was ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at Philo High School with encouragement from my Drama Teacher Linda Higgins - a love was born. The very thought that you can transform a space so it can enhance a script - sometimes subtly, sometimes deliberately over the top and occasionally taking on the role of almost being an extra character so that an audience can be drawn into the story is enticing. Time, space, budgets and director's input all play vital parts in the process. We've built on large proscenium stages, state parks, schools, community theaters, churches, private clubs, amphitheaters, private homes and more. It's been said that if I've been in your home part of it could wind up on a set...I can't really argue the point. I've played the Director (Lloyd Dallas) in NOISES OFF at Philo High School. I directed it at Cambridge Performing Arts Center and this is the second time I've helped design and build the set. Every face of this show offers up its own challenges. My hat is off to anyone who accepts that challenge. Take it to the wings, no matter where they wind up!
	Jan Kiikka ( Box Office ) has been involved in one aspect of production or another at ZCT for over 20 years. This is her second round with "Noises Off." She played Belinda/Flavia at Philo High School a number of years ago, and is having a second go at making the "window panes!" Jan is the library media specialist at Philo High School, and the play producer for the drama department there. Jan and her husband Niel live in the McIntire Terrace Neighborhood with their 5 dogs and 1 cat.
	Carleton B. Underwood ( Lighting and Sound Designer ) This show, Noises Off has a number of "firsts" for ZCT. As a Lighting Designer, it has always been a challenge to properly illuminate the upper area on our stage. And audiences have had to look up to see the action. For the very first time ever, we can now use the full stage area - from the back wall to the ceiling is clear space. If want to, we can put in a second level but a few feet lower than before - But if the show needs the extra height - like Noises Off, then we don't need to put in the second level! Please enjoy our new found flexibility as we lead you on a merry chase called Noises Off. BTW, I'm doing a Lighting Workshop July 31 10am-3pm - registration form and info: http://www.zct.org/Lighting_Workshop_Jul y2010.pdf

Head shots of cast members ©2005-2010 Dan Olson, used with permission.
Ph. 740-408-0428
Monica Van Nort and Amber Thompson head shots ©2010, Shelley Tolliver for ZCT, used with permission
Steve Hammer's head shot courtesy of JKImages, Julie Keirle, Photographer , used with permission
Sheryl Wise and Steven Foreman head shots used with permission