IMFourPlay

It is rather difficult to describe Dana's position and responsibilities when it comes to FourPlay. Suffice it to say, that if something needs to get done, and we're not sure who to ask, it's probably Dana who ends up doing it! Dana agreed to talk to me briefly in the SAK tech booth while soldering a mic connection with her left hand, refocusing a light with her right hand, and painting a flat with her feet...

Current favorite musical: Mamma Mia!
Current favorite improv game: ABC/Shakespeare/Should've Said

DC: Dana, we've joked a lot throughout this process about how difficult it is to define or describe your position. From painting the stage, to refocusing the lights, to mixing the sound, to stage managing, you've been involved with practically every physical aspect of the production. Is there a particular area that you enjoy working in most?

DR: I enjoyed working on all aspects of the production. When I stage manage at other theatres I usually get into all aspects of the show because I want to know that they are done the way they are supposed to be. I love painting and I wanted the show to have a fresh look when we opened it. Sound is my weakest area of technical theatre (but I am trying to get better at it) and I am always up for a challenge.

DC: You are clearly a theatre addict! How long have you been involved in the world of theatre, and what brought you to the SAK family?

DR: I originally got involved in theatre in high school (like most theatre people) but it wasn't because I liked theatre. I wanted to go into TV Production and had been in it at my high school up in Maryland. When my family moved down here, I tried to get into a class in that but there were not enough people so they cancelled the class. Then my guidance counselor said that I could take a humanities class (where I would have to read books) or stagecraft (what the hell was that?). Read books or do something else? Yes, I took stagecraft. That is how I started. I worked with Chris [Drew] at VCC on a few productions and he had just started back at SAK. At the beginning of our spring break, I asked him if he needed any help that week and I haven't left since.

DC: You mean that literally, don't you...?! In addition to your considerable work at SAK, you've also been involved with several other theatre companies in town. Tell me a little about that.

DR: I started my major theatre experience at VCC. I then met director John DiDonna and stage managed for him at VCC. He liked what I did and he took me to Theatre Downtown to stage manage Long Days Journey Into Night and The Rocky Horror Show. He then started a theatre company called Empty Spaces Theatre Company and I am the Production Stage Manager for it. I have also stage managed for shows at Fringe, Playfest and Play In A Day and worked with the Rich Weirdoes who do The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Universal. Needless to say I am all over the Orlando theatre community and I LOVE IT!!!

DC: As one of the few people who have seen the vast majority, if not every, public performance of FourPlay last year and this season, do you have a favorite memory or moment that you'd like to share?

DR: Yes, I think I am the only person on the face of the earth that has watched every public performance of FourPlay last year and so far this year. I loved all of your parodies from last year. And I loved Charles's version of the Styx song (I think that was done during rehearsal).

DC: Thanks for giving me a little of your time... How you ever managed to make that popsicle-stick log cabin while we were talking, I'll never know!

To learn more about Dana, go here.