When did you join the TAG Board?
“I joined the board in December 2022.”
What does TAG mean to you?
“It means community. It is important to me because of the community it creates and supports. We live somewhere very special, and the people we connect with in our community make it even more special. I believe that TAG fosters an environment of acceptance, creativity and love, helping people find their place in the “theater world”. Not everyone can be on stage, and TAG embraces and encourages people in every way.”
What is a memorable TAG shows for you?
“Pray the Gay Away from 2019.”
How would your life be different without theatre?
“It would be terribly boring. The joy that theatre brings cannot be matched.”
How do you take your coffee?
“As a Pink Lotus with Strawberry and whipped cream!”
What was your favorite TV show as a child?
“The Muppet Show”
If you could have one superpower, what would you pick?
“To wiggle my nose to get where I want to go. I hate wasting time traveling – I just want to get there….”
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role?
“I joined the board in 2017 and I am a part of the Properties directorship.”
What does TAG mean to you?
“One of the things I love most about community theater is how many chances there are to work alongside such a wide mix of talented people. Whether you’re into acting, directing, producing, building sets, or running lights—there’s something for everyone. It’s such a welcoming space where anyone can jump in and be part of the magic.”
What are the most memorable TAG shows for you?
“My most memorable TAG show has to be the 2016 production of Mary Poppins—it was my daughter Madelyn’s very first show. I signed up to help backstage with quick changes and wrangling kids, and I’ve been involved with TAG ever since!”
What’s your favorite show you’ve been a part of?
“My favorite show I’ve been part of has to be our most recent production—Newsies! I was lucky enough to be one of the producers, and it truly was a dream show with a dream team. It’s an experience and show I’ll never ever forget.”
Do you have any kids?
“I have two amazing kids and a wonderful, supportive husband. Madelyn is 19 and wrapping up her freshman year at Western Washington University, and Ayden is 17 and a junior at Mount Vernon High School.”
What’s your day job?
“I work as an event coordinator for a local character entertainment company called Enchanting Events. We bring princesses and superheroes to life at birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and community events. I love being part of a team that helps create magical moments and lasting memories for kids of all ages.”
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role?
“I joined the TAG Board in 2007. I handle mail correspondence and always help get program ads, as well as volunteer to usher and sell merchandise, etc., at shows.”
Why is TAG important to you?
“TAG is important because it builds friendships and brings the community together, involving people of all ages. TAG has been around for a long time and is a part of the fabric of Skagit Valley.”
What are the most memorable TAG shows for you?
“My first show with TAG was Annie that Jane Skinner directed in 2004. It is very special because it was the first show I did with my daughter, Alissa, and we had a wonderful experience. Since then, I’ve been on stage a few more times, including Mary Poppins in 2016 and The Wizard of Oz in 2012. I also loved producing Annie in 2018 with Kim Turner; that show will always have a special place in my heart because of that first production.”
What makes theatre magical for you?
“I love seeing the whole process come together, from the early planning phase to auditions to rehearsals to moving into the theatre and performing. Seeing it all come together is magical, and so is getting to be on stage in front of an audience!”
What is your favorite type of vacation?
“My favorite type of vacation is escaping the rainy Washington weather for a warm, tropical beach! My husband knows me well because he proposed to me in sunny Mexico. I’m also lucky that my daughter and granddaughter (who is 2 ½ and completely adorable) live in Las Vegas, where I visit them whenever I can.”
What’s your day job?
“I am a paraeducator at Mount Baker Middle School. I used to be a 4th grade teacher at Washington Elementary where I taught Ross Mathews who played Bilbo Baggins in TAG’s very first production ever, The Hobbit.”
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role?
“I joined the TAG board in June 2011 and have had the pleasure of music directing many shows since then.”
Why is TAG important to you?
“When I moved to Skagit County and didn’t have many connections, theatre provided a community that I would not have had otherwise. I have made many lifelong friends and memories through TAG shows and by being a part of the board. It’s not always easy—there are hard discussions and challenges to wade through, but it’s a quality group of people serving a common purpose.”
What are the most memorable TAG shows for you?
“In 2011, every night of the RENT performances at the Lincoln were magic. It was such a talented cast all around who gave it their all in every show. It was just amazing. Doing Forever Plaid in 2017 at the Conway Muse was also very fun. The Muse provided such a different venue and audience experience.”
What’s your favorite role that you’ve played or show you’ve been a part of?
“Playing Peggy Jones in the Andrews Brothers (a four-person cast) and getting to sing some classic songs with great harmonies, fun costumes and a solid team.”
How would your life be different without theatre?
“I would have more evenings free? ;)”
What is your favorite food?
“Our family loves a good cinnamon roll from Holly B’s Bakery on Lopez Island.”
Do you have kids?
“Stella- age 11, Dylan- age 8”
What’s your day job?
“High School Choral Music Educator”
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role?
“I originally joined the board in 2011. I took 2022 and 2023 off but I’m back and serving as treasurer.”
Why is TAG important to you? What does TAG mean to you?
“Community theatre is unique in that it provides an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to work together as peers. It is pretty fun to watch a seven-year-old share the stage with a 70-year-old with neither more important than the other in terms of the show’s success.”
What are the most memorable TAG shows for you?
What is a favorite theatre memory?
“Watching Tim Brown step in to play the lead in White Christmas one day’s notice. Tim had played that role four years prior at ACT but wasn’t even involved in the show and totally saved the performance.”
Over the next ten years, I hope that TAG…
“Continues to grow the TAGed program. As shown by the number of auditioners, there is a huge need for youth theatre opportunities in our community.”
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
“When I first joined the board, Harold Page told me, “It isn’t worth it if you’re not having fun.””
Do you have kids and/or pets?
“Both my daughter Josephine and dog Dennis are 6 years old.”
What is your favorite local store or restaurant?
“Pyung Chang Korean BBQ in downtown MV.”
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role?
“I joined the TAG Board January 2022 and took the secretary role this year. I’m on the I.D.E.A. and T.O.T.S. directorships.“
Why is TAG important to you?
“TAG has been part of my life since high school, and over the years, I have seen it make meaningful impacts on the lives of so many people. TAG shows bring people together who are all on their own journeys, but their paths intersect at this one magical moment so they can create a live story-telling experience for our community.”
What are the most memorable TAG shows for you?
“Every show is memorable, but two that stick out are Grease and Rent. Grease was my first TAG production in 2000 when I was a junior in high school. Teenagers are able to quickly form tight bonds and seem to feel things more intensely than their older castmates. I’m honored to still call many of my Grease castmates friends today. Rent was in 2011, but I’d been singing along to the soundtrack since about 9th grade. It was a bucket list show with an absolutely stellar cast.”
How would your life be different without theatre?
“Gosh, it’s hard to imagine life without theatre. I’m very fortunate to have found something I feel passionately about and to have found a group of people who feel the same way! Theatre has brought me an incredible amount of joy and purpose and taught me so much–how to act confident even when you’re nervous, how to adapt on the fly when something goes wrong, the importance of practice and consistency, how to create moments for others to shine, how to understand and have empathy for characters who are much different than you, how small details can have big impacts, and how tapping into people’s emotions is powerful.”
How do you take your coffee?
“My favorite is a hemp mocha from the Coffee Shack in Conway.”
Who is someone that had a big influence on you?
“I’m going to pick two–Teresa Vaughn and my mom. I had Teresa as my fifth grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary. We put on the play Charlotte’s Web, and I played Fern (shout out to fellow board member Sophia Christiansen who played Charlotte). I fell in love with performing during that play. She was also my son’s sixth grade math teacher–he loves her too. My mom was on the TAG board for many years and directed several of the plays I was in. She’s truly an inspirational person. She taught me the lion’s share of what I know about theatre, and I’m so excited to get the opportunity to direct Newsies with her in 2025!”
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role?
“I joined the TAG board May 2023, so just started my TAG board journey! I’ll be helping out with social media and technology stuffs. I’m also a part of our diversity, equity and inclusion team.”
Why is TAG important to you? What does TAG mean to you?
“Other than my husband proposing to me on stage during his first TAG show (Beauty and the Beast, 2018), you mean. TAG has brought so many people into my life that inspire me and I truly call family. TAG ignited a passion in me that I hadn’t been a part of since high school.”
What’s your favorite role that you’ve played or show you’ve been a part of?
What is something important that theatre taught you?
“How to be adaptable, go with the flow, and take risks. Even more important, how to tap dance.”
“My favorite board game is ‘Betrayal at the House on the Hill.’ I also love a mean game of nerts.”
Where did you grow up?
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role?
“I joined the board in 2017 and am on the TAG-Ed (Education) directorship.”
Why is TAG important to you? What does TAG mean to you?
“TAG allows amazing opportunities for all to be part of theater, whether it is performing, watching or playing a role behind the scenes. It is an amazing family to be part of.”
What are the most memorable TAG shows for you?
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role?
“I joined the TAG Board March of 2022 and am currently on the Production Handbook directorship. The goal of the Production Handbook Directorship is to create a document of all the duties and responsibilities of every person’s role in a TAG production while also describing how those roles interact with each other.”
Why is TAG important to you? What does TAG mean to you?
“I have been involved in many TAG productions over the years, and some of my best community theater experiences have been with TAG. The TAG family has embraced me with open arms and has a very special place in my heart. Joining the board was my way of giving back to an organization that has given me the opportunity many times over to be part of something that is greater than the sum of its parts, made by the community, for the community.”
What makes theater magical for you?
“Typically, I experience community theatre through the role of a Stage Manager. The journey usually begins with a script and a production team of 5 to 10 people. People who typically have families and other jobs but choose to volunteer their spare time in order to bring the performing arts to our community. After months of planning and rehearsing, this small group has turned into a cast and crew of about 30 to 40 people. When all the elements come together, the set and the props, the singing and dancing, the lights and costumes, and the audience roars with applause at the end of a scene or musical number, that is magic. Magic created by local citizens. Magic that all started with small group of people, a script, and passion and love of the performing arts.”
Do you have kids/pets?
“I have two children. My daughter Ellie is currently 13 years old and my son Lukas is 11 years old. While they enjoy coming to see the productions I’m a part of, they have no interest in being on stage. I’m still hopeful I can get them involved somehow. Time will tell.”
Where did you grow up?
“Born in California, but too young to remember any of that before we moved to Washington. During my Elementary years I lived in Kent, during my Middle School and High School years I lived in Marysville, and in 2008 me and my husband moved to Mount Vernon. As of 2018, Mount Vernon is the city I have lived in the longest.”
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role?
“I have been with TAG since it began with The Hobbit in 1992. During that time, I have had many roles: It was my honor to be the 2nd President of Theater Arts Guild, taking over after founder Bruce Vilders stepped down. I’ve gotten to produce many shows, the first being Annie in 2004 and most recently Mary Poppins. There was also plenty of time on stage. A couple of my favorite roles were Stromboli in Pinocchio, the Cowardly Lion from Wizard of Oz, and Mr. Mushnik from Little Shop of Horrors.”
“The thing that really makes me glad is when I see ten- and twelve-year-old children taking a curtain call side by side with adults and those children know that their contribution was just as important, just as appreciated as what the adults did. The “G” in TAG stands for Guild, a place where senior craftsmen share their knowledge with initiates. That’s the idea behind TAG, adults with theater experience sharing their knowledge with children and other adults to spread the culture and appreciation of live theater.”
What are the most memorable TAG shows for you?
“I’m going to pick four. Pinocchio, because TAG was brand new, and it was fun. Cinderella 1999: An original musical and an artistic triumph. Annie 2004: The first show I produced, and we made so many lasting connections because of this show. Rent: Artistically, one of TAG’s high water marks.”
What is your favorite theater memory?
“Scott McDade wrote and directed a wonderful musical, Cinderella, that TAG did in 1999. I had a small role, The Chamberlain. At a certain point in the play, the King, played by Trey Hatch, who had a voice as clear as a crystal bell on a cold morning, was giving (singing) advice to the Prince (Quon Pemberton) about how to choose a wife. It was a pretty sweet little song: “My son here’s my wish for you, a girl who wants the things you do…” and Trey rendered it beautifully. And he had back-up singers. The King’s counselors, Brian Paxton, Pat Shreve, and Jerry Vandervene, plus Yours truly, the Chamberlain. I remember standing on stage one evening during that number and being consciously aware of how wonderful it was to be there in that place at that moment.”
What is your favorite song?
“Right now, my favorite song is Forever Young written by Bob Dylan. I like the way Joan Baez sings it.”
Where did you grow up?
“Veradale, Washington, is about equidistant between Spokane and the Idaho state line. That is where I grew up.
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role (executive position and/or directorship)?
“I joined the TAG board in September of 2008! I became Secretary in January of 2009 and did that though December of 2015. I served as TAG President from 2016 – 2021 and am now the board treasurer.”
Why is TAG important to you? Or, what does TAG mean to you?
“It comes down to what so many people refer to after being part of a TAG production, the TAG Family! During every show bonds and friendships are made as you rehearse, toil, and celebrate your successes together. Those memories will last a lifetime and those people, although you may not always see them often, will remain a part of your TAG Family. Some of my best friends to this day and people I met during my first production in 1999! Every show gives us the chance to expand our family within community theatre.”
What are the most memorable TAG shows for you?
“This is where it gets hard because every show I’ve been part of has been incredibly special in its own way. But we’ll start by going way back to my first TAG show, Cinderella in 1999. This was special because it was an original musical adaptation by the McDades of LaConner. I went to auditions at the Lincoln knowing nobody. I hardly thought I’d even make the cut but to my surprise I was actually on the list (before the days of online posting so you had to drive down to the Lincoln and go to the door and check for your name!) as one of the Evil Stepsisters! Cast meeting and rehearsals began and I found friendships that have lasted since that time. I could name you all but you know who you are 😉 I do recall feeling real theatre magic when the cast would since the finale song together.
Another very special show to be a part of was RENT, in 2011. I was pregnant at the time with my oldest and something about being onstage with your baby on board was really cool! The cast of that production was absolutely wonderful and each part played with heart. Bringing that show to the valley was important for TAG to help share the message of love and acceptance. Important bonds were formed during that show as we had to really trust each other on stage. It was incredibly emotional content and very meaningful to be a part of. “
What advice do you have for new performers or those starting their theatre journey?
“My advice to new performers would be to be patient with yourself. Any new trade or adventure takes practice and improvement. There will be many opportunities for you to be a part of a production! It is so difficult for casting/production teams when they aren’t able to cast everyone who tried. But please don’t give up! Try again next time, or better yet, volunteer for crew or backstage to help see and learn another side of the production. Keep showing that you’re willing to learn and the right people will take notice. “
Do you have kids and/or pets?
“I have two wonderful and silly kiddos, Rory (10) and Mae Grace (7). We also have a friendly fat cat Caesar (10).”
If you could live in any decade, which would it be?
“Oh definitely the 1920’s. The fashion, dancing, and thrill of the time have always been exciting to me. So much so that we had a Roaring 20’s theme for our wedding in January 2020.”
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role (executive position and/or directorship)?
“I joined TAG in 2018 and am currently serving as Board Secretary.”
Why is TAG important to you? Or, what does TAG mean to you?
“To me TAG means family, opportunity, and fun. I have been doing shows with TAG since 2014 and can genuinely say that my time with TAG has truly changed my life. I feel in love with performing, discovered a love for teaching theater, and met some of my best and life long friends because of TAG.”
What advice do you have for new performers or those starting their theatre journey?
“Take every chance or opportunity you can to be involved with a production, either onstage or off and It’s okay to be disappointed if you don’t get the role you want or even cast in a show you want to be in, but being a part of the ensemble or continuing to audition speaks volumes and there’s a role and a show our there to everyone, continuing to try will only make you that much close to reaching your goals!”
What’s your dream role or show?
“Wicked – Galinda with a “gah””
What’s your day job?
“Part time nanny, part time Operations Coordinator at Anacortes Community Theatre and full time student working towards my masters in K-8 Education!”
How do you take your coffee?
“With a whole lot of French vanilla creamer, peppermint or pumpkin spice!”
When did you join the TAG Board and what is your role (executive position and/or directorship)?
“I joined TAG in 2018 and am currently serving as President.”
Why is TAG important to you? Or, what does TAG mean to you?
“After graduating with a degree in theatre in 2004 I hadn’t performed, directed, or even been involved with anything related to the theater, in over 10 years. Theater Arts Guild gave me a chance to get back on stage, encouraged me to direct, trusted me to produce, and nurtured my love of the arts. It is important to me that Theater Arts Guild continue to provide those inspirational opportunities to all of the Skagit Valley community.”
What are the most memorable TAG shows for you?
“I think my most memorable shows with TAG specifically would have to be acting in Forever Plaid, where I was one of the 4 cast members and got sing some amazing harmonies, and producing Pray the Gay Away, and helping that powerful creation come to be.”
What’s your favorite role that you’ve played or show you’ve been a part of?
“In the summer of 2004 I played Arthur Kipps in the musical Half a Sixpence. That performance was so energetic and the singing and dancing had me in the best shape of my life.”
Where did you grow up?
“I grew up in Lisbon Falls, Maine on the other side of the country.”
Are you a morning person or a night owl (why, or what do you do in the morning/night)?
“I am a night owl that plays guitar and video games much later than I should. Once the kids are in bed, my brother in Colorado and I get online to play together almost every night.”
