DIRECTOR ~

Beth Riley loves teaching, theater, reading, traveling, and working with young people.  During the school-year she's known as that wild & wacky teacher ... but during the summers it's that crazy soccer-mom, pole-vault fan and theater-buff.  She lives in Corvallis with her fabulous kids (well, Alison's off at college now, but Douglas is still here a few more months), with her wonderful partner, Bill.

Beth's theater experience started long ago with Aunt Abby in "Arsenic and Old Lace" and continued later with Lucy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" and then "You Can't Take It With You" here in Corvallis.  (You may remember her name as "Pentland" in those days.)  Since then Beth's been on and off the board of Corvallis Community Theatre, plus helped in various capacities for numerous local shows.  She also thoroughly enjoyed choreographing Willamette Children's Theater productions of "Rats II: The Key to the City" and "Robin Hood."  Over the past years she has adapted, directed and produced eight musicals for classes at Ashbrook Independent School and in Albany.  She now enjoys teaching fourth & fifth graders (including more theater adventures) at Oak Grove Elementary School in Albany, Oregon.

She's thrilled with the success of "Wonderland!" and then "No Strings Attached!" and Shakespeare himself called with accolades for "Romeo and Harriet" (he thought our dueling was dramatic!). After catching a wave with "Wipeout" she's now headed on an ocean cruise-gone-wrong with "HiJinx on the High Seas."  Watching all those talented youth on stage, singing and dancing their hearts out is definitely a highlight of her life.  She's looking forward to yet another summer of theatrical antics which she's sure will - again - be full of learning and excitement (and most importantly, FUN!).

SET DESIGN & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR ~

Erik Olson is a wonderful dollop of creative, fun-loving, artistic theater tech.  In addition to his visual arts talents, Mr. Olson plays several instruments and has performed with many high school and college musical productions.  Currently Ashbrook School's art teacher for grades K-8, he taught high school art and stagecraft for nine years in Seattle before moving to Corvallis.  He has lived and taught art in Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Florida and is planning a trip somewhere exotic this summer to feed his gypsy tendencies.  He is always a favorite of the kids with his great stories, incredible creativity and gentle joking around. 

To quote the kids, "He's the best!"

MUSIC DIRECTOR ~

Betty Busch is a phenomenal musician, and a talented choral director.  You'll love how she helps you sing!  She has multitude of musical experiences and she plays a mean french horn.  Betty conducts Jubilate! The Women's Choir of Corvallis, has taught at OSU, and now leads the music program at First United Methodist Church in Corvallis, plus she teaches voice and instrumental music to interested youth and adults.  When she's not making music, Betty loves to bike, kayak, explore nature, go birding, and travel ~ she even takes our "mascot" Sunshine on fun outings! 

Student overheard to say, "Wow! I wish we'd learned to sing like this in school; it's fun -- and we sound GOOD!"

CHOREOGRAPHER ~

Jenna Logerwell is an accomplished dancer and choreographer ~ she recently completed her degree from Western Oregon University.  Jenna is headed to OSU's Cascade Campus this summer to begin graduate work towards her teaching degree.  (Smart woman!)  She has designed and taught choreography for numerous productions, including "The Music Man,"  "The Spitfire Grill," and "The Sound of Music," plus of course each of our own performances.  Jenna has a wealth of experience creating and teaching dance movements to students from pre-school through high school.  Her dance routines have made it through top-level judged competitions, and she loves creating easy dance moves for all ages. 

You'll appreciate her great sense of humor and patient teaching style ~ yes, YOU can dance!!

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & STAGE MANAGER ~

Breanna Balleby . . . I need your picture, my dear!! 

Alison Pentland has been our Assistant Director, and chief-all-around-theater-helper.  She graduated from CVHS, and is now studying at Occidental College in LA where she sings with their renowned Glee Club and the mixed a cappella group "The Accidentals," and is enjoying many new adventures.  Last fall she studied in Granada, Spain, as part of her junior year!  Alison performed with Destination Imagination and sang with four choirs here in Corvallis.  You might have seen her as Sister Sarah in the Majestic Theater's summer 2007 production of "Guys & Dolls, Jr."  She helped choreograph for Willamette Children's Theater as well as acted in a variety of their productions.  Her organizational skills are incredibly sharp, and she cheerfully keeps us all pulling together.  Whatever the venue, Alison thoroughly enjoys working with youth and they with her.

COSTUME DESIGN & CREATION ~

Corey Jay, our Costume Designer, is an incredibly creative and talented fiber artist who is fabulous at designing costumes.  A graduate of Corvallis High School, Corey now studies at Scripps College in Claremont, CA, already has many credits to her name.  You might have seen her on-stage in the high schools' combined production of "The Spitfire Grill."  She also worked on Corvallis Community Theatre's production of "Ragtime" as a head production assistant.  Plus, she's just about the most wonderful and fabulously creative person you could hope to work with ~ Just wait until you see what she's dreaming up for YOUR costume!   

Plus we have the incredible assistance of:

KELSEY BURKUM ~ Creator of Incredible Props and Visuals - just amazing things!

ANDREW GARCIA ~ Acting Coach and Lighting Technician

MICHAEL GRANT ~ Sound Technician and Rhythmic Wonder

BRIELLE McCLAIN ~ Photographer and Dance Instructor