by Lorie Lewis Ham
Reedley’s very own theatre company, River City Theatre Co.(RCTC), has seen a lot of changes over the last few years. We thought it would be fun to get to know some of their current board members—many of whom are also local actors themselves who have been on the RCTC stage many times over the years. This time we are chatting with Co-Treasurer Chrystal Laita.
KRL: How long have you been on the board and how did that come about?
Chrystal in RCTC’s production of “Christmas Legends”
KRL: What specifically is the Boards role at RCTC?
Chrystal: The board is basically there to oversee the artistic vision for RCTC and to provide any assistance the General Manager may need.
KRL: When did you first become interested in theatre?
Chrystal: I always had dreams of being a singer or an actress as a little girl, but my first actual theatre experience was in high school.
KRL: What was your first show and first role?
Chrystal: My first show was Oliver and I played Bet.
KRL: First show and role at RCTC?
Chrystal: I was actually in the very first Theatre Tonight that was done by the company this was a cabaret style show so no real roles per se.
KRL: Have you also directed shows?
Chrystal: I made my directorial debut with Legends of the Grand Ole Opry back in 2021.
KRL: What other aspects of theatre have you been involved in, for example – stage managing, tech, costuming, et al?
Chrystal: Last year I had the pleasure of being the assistant director for the Opera House Murder Show.
KRL: Do you have a preference between directing and acting in a show?
Chrystal: I prefer to act but I did have a blast directing!
KRL: What would be your dream role?
Chrystal: Musical and would be probably Eliza from Hamilton or Jenna from Waitress and non-musical Lady Macbeth.
Chrystal in RCTC’s production of “Beehive”
KRL: Why do you feel having a theatre company in Reedley is important?
Chrystal: Having access to the arts in small communities is so rare, to have this in our backyard is so special to give people an outlet for expression beyond the normal school choir and band and sports is vital, and to give this opportunity for young and old is invaluable.
KRL: Why do you feel theatre is important?
Chrystal: Theatre provides a release and escape whether you’re an actor transforming into someone else for two hours or an audience member being transported to another place and time, not to mention the behind-the-scenes opportunities, bringing out someone’s artistic abilities in set design and sound design or costuming, the arts are vital in our society and provide so many wonderful skills that can be utilized in all aspects of your life.
KRL: What are your future goals and desires for RCTC?
Chrystal: I would love to see us continue to grow our youth program, and reach more of the community, keeping kids engaged in theatre arts and showing the community the joy, we all love being here.
KRL: Does RCTC have any needs that the public can help with, such as volunteering or financial?
Chrystal: We love volunteers in all capacities, if the stage isn’t your thing that’s ok there are many facets to our company, and we would love to have you. Financially we are a non-profit organization, so we do rely on our community to keep the dream alive we have many tiers of possible benefactors and would love to talk to anyone who would like to be involved in that capacity.
KRL: Anything else you would like to share?
Chrystal: Thank you for always supporting our company and Thank You to the communities for keeping us alive. Don’t miss Matilda it’s going to be spectacular.
The next show that RCTC will be producing is 12 Angry Jurors, on stage March 1 – 17, 2024. You can learn more on their website.
Check out more local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. And don’t miss out on Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast where we feature mystery stories read by local actors!
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