Picture Above: Cat as Fleur in Madeline Puccioni’s short play, “Said the Spider to the Fly” (our December 2022 production).
March 20 will mark the debut of four new directors with CLC’s Drama with Friends. After a year of working without a director, followed by a year of relying on one director, DwF is now recruiting directors from within the troupe. Four members – Kathy Stefano, Joe Kaniewski, Martin Pfefferkorn, and Catherine (Cat) Hampton – stepped up, one for each short play we’re presenting on Monday, March 20.
Cat is one of the early members of the troupe; she joined us three years ago this coming August. Over the years, she’s assumed various roles, creating costumes to fit the part (See Picture Above).
In addition to acting, Cat is a professional storyteller and playwright. She directs adult and children’s choirs at two churches, studies improvisation, and is completing a children’s book on space travel. An accomplished harpist, Cat has been known to accompany herself on the harp or a small flute.
“Directing,” she said, “is something new, it’s a challenge. I have to find my way into my own sensibility and confidence. It’s a different voice than what you use as an actor. You have to sell the play – make it interesting, evocative, and entertaining. Directing forces me to see the whole picture, not just your own part. Lexi (Alexis Barry, one of the members of the troupe and a theatre student in college) has helped me develop my directing eyes to see the arc and subtext. It’s a whole new skill.”
“I love Drama with Friends,” Cat continued. “It’s been a real blessing during the pandemic. We’re creating magical stories that come to life with limited resources.”
Join Cat and the rest of the troupe on Monday evening, March 20, at 7 pm when Drama with Friends presents a free performance of four short plays by prize-winning local playwright Bill Bivins. A Q&A will follow the plays with the playwright. Drama with Friends gives a Zoom performance every third Monday night of the month. If you are interested in acting or want to join our mailing list, contact Judy Goddess at judygoddess@gmail.com.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/832984770686 or call in at 888-475-4499.