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 she turns theater-buff.  She lives in Corvallis with her fabulous kids (well, Alison and Douglas are now off at Occidental College in LA, but they're here in spirit!), and 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 nine musicals for classes at Ashbrook Independent School and in Albany.  She enjoys teaching fifth graders (including more theater adventures) at Oak Grove Elementary School in Albany, Oregon.

She's thrilled with the success of Adventures In Acting - from  "Wonderland!" to "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" we headed on an ocean cruise-gone-wrong with "HiJinx on the High Seas." And this summer we're time-traveling to resurrect some American History in "The Mirth of July."  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. 

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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 helped build houses and more in Guatemala this winter, and volunteers at Chintimini Wildlife Refuge.  Go Betty!

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

CHOREOGRAPHER ~

Laura Killip

Laura is a student of theater and dance at Western Oregon University, and has created many amazing dance routines.  Her flare for the dramatic merged with her energies and excellent teaching skills make her a dream to work with.  You'll love how she helps you move! 

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & STAGE MANAGER ~

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

COSTUME DESIGN & CREATION ~

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Plus we have the incredible assistance of:

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

      ~ Acting Coach and Lighting Technician

      ~ Sound Technician and Rhythmic Wonder

      ~ Photographer and Dance Instructor