Thank You 5

In Season Two, Episode 8 of Thank You Five, actress Sherry Fletcher recounts her extensive experience in theater, from her early involvement in Maryland to her active participation in Omaha's theater scene since 1979. She discusses her roles in various community theaters, her role as a volunteer docent at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo, and her work with the Omaha performing arts community. Sherry also shares her adventures with the Omaha Dancing Grannies, the improvisational comedy group Off the Cuff, and Theater-To-Go performances. She talks about her passion for comedy, her favorite roles, and her travels around the world, as well as her love for interacting with children through children's theater.

In Season Two, Episode 7 of Thank You Five, Omaha native Courtney Stein Cairncross drops by the green room to discuss her extensive career (30+ years) in dance and theater. Courtney's journey includes education at California Pacific College of Performing Arts and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, along with international studies in New York and Japan. The episode delves into her work on various productions, including her transition to professional theater at the Omaha Community Playhouse, her choreography for Nebraska Shakespeare, and her roles in the Nebraska Theatre Caravan and Opera Omaha. Courtney discusses her passion for teaching and arts advocacy, highlighting her initiatives during the pandemic and her role with Circle Theatre. The episode concludes with Courtney sharing personal anecdotes and reflecting on her love for performing and choreographing.  

In Season Two, Episode 6 of Thank You Five, I sit down with Bill Kirby, resident creative and technical director at the Blue Barn. Bill shares his rich background, from his origins in England and Pennsylvania, to his extensive education and career in theater. We discuss Bill’s Quaker upbringing, his early passion for theater and sound design, and his educational journey at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Bill highlights his experiences working at venues like McCarter Theater Center and his eventual move to Omaha to join the Blue Barn Theatre. The conversation delves into his process for sound design, memorable productions, including 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike', and the challenges and innovations in theater technology over the years.  

In Season Two, Episode 5 of Thank You Five, Murphy Scott Wulfgar (fka as Scott Kurz), drops by the green room (also recorded in my backyard - it was a beautiful evening) to reflect on his 30-year career in Omaha theatre, notably with the Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company. Murphy delves into his vast work as producer, director, and performer, and discusses his advocacy for neurodivergent artists. He shares with us the unique experience he had of converting a synagogue into a performance space and the serendipitous selection of the play. Murphy emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in theater, offering insights into how neurodivergence shapes his directorial approach and highlighting the necessity of accommodating diverse learning styles to produce authentic performances.

In Season Two, Episode 4 of Thank You Five, I welcome Scott Working, theater program coordinator and instructor at Metropolitan Community College, to the green room (on location at the Shelterbelt Theatre). Scott shares with us his expansive career in theater, including the founding of the Shelterbelt Theatre, his time in LA pursuing screenwriting and acting, and his return to Omaha to teach and further the arts. Scott elaborates on his past work with the Great Plains Theater Conference (now Commons), Brigit St Brigit theatre company, and his literary dramatizations for the Joslyn Castle’s Art and Literary Festival.

In Season Two, Episode 3 of Thank You Five, Breanna Carodine stops by the green room (literally - we recorded in my backyard) and shares her journey from acting to directing. A member of the Omaha Community Playhouse Directing Fellowship's inaugural class, Breanna highlights her directorial debut with 'Lasso of Truth' and her subsequent successful projects, including 'Pipeline' and 'Pretty Fire.' Breanna discusses her acting experiences, including her most recent role as Chris in ‘POTUS’ at the Blue Barn Theater and her love for comedy. Lastly, we take a deep dive into her personal and professional growth, her inspirations, and her hopes for the future.

In Season Two, Episode 2 of Thank You Five, seasoned theater professional Kevin Barratt drops by the green room to share stories from his rich career as an actor, director, and fight choreographer. Covering his extensive work across various theaters, including the Omaha Community Playhouse and numerous others in Nebraska, Kevin recounts his roots in a small Iowa town, his educational journey at Dana College and UNO, and his transition into educational roles at Omaha Benson and South High Schools. He offers insights into some of his roles, the challenges of touring theater productions, and his focus on education. Kevin’s anecdotes also touch on the shifting dynamics of small-town life, his family influences, and his passion for stage combat.

In Season Two, Episode 1 of Thank You Five, I interview Kerron Stark, also known as “Mr. K,” the creator and host of Omaha’s live action educational preschool television series 'Mr. K's Clubhouse'. Kerron shares with us his personal background, and the early influences that shaped his love for performing and teaching. He discusses the development process, the significant role his family and community played, and the challenges faced while establishing his children's show. Kerron touches on his vision for the future of 'Mr. K's Clubhouse' and his mission to positively impact young minds through education and entertainment.

Ready for an encore?  Season 2 of Thank You 5 is coming this summer to shine a spotlight on Omaha's vibrant performing arts scene.  I'm diving into more interviews, stories, and behind the scenes glimpses to celebrate the creativity buzzing in our city.  Whether you're a seasoned theater goer or just curious about what's happening on stage, we've got something for everyone.    Join me this July for a fun filled exploration of Omaha's theater community. 

Actor - Director - Playwright Kaitlyn McClincy drops by the greenroom to discuss her varied work in Omaha, including her direction of The Rocky Horror Show for OCP and Dis-Enchanted for The Candy Project; where she gets her inspiration for playwriting; and how the alternative programming series is shaping up.