by Lorie Lewis Ham
Over the last few months, we have interviewed several of the board members of Reedley’s very own theatre company, River City Theatre Co.(RCTC). This week is the last of those interviews as we chat with Mark Luzania, who is a past board president, and current member. Those who live in Reedley may also know Mark as a local dentist.
KRL: How long have you been on the board and how did that come about?
Mark: I was asked to be on the board of directors of Reedley’s River City Theatre Company, RCTC – I never really cared for that name – by Steve Jones in 2014. It seemed easy enough, so I committed a little time to attend the meetings.
Mark in the RCTC costume shop
KRL: What specifically is the board’s role at RCTC?
Mark: The board oversees and administrates everything related to the functioning of the theatre company. Creative and business considerations, as well as marketing, food preparation and serving, volunteer training, housekeeping, etc.
KRL: When did you first become interested in theatre?
Mark: I was never a “theatre nerd” in school. I was in a couple of junior high school plays, and never once thought about theatre in high school. I was a fan of live theatre after completing college. In 1996 I attended a couple less-than-stellar performances of local theatre. After the second goose-egg I told my date, “Heck, I can do better than that.” Her response was a challenge that got me into a couple of shows at the 2nd Space Theatre and a couple more at Roger Rocka’s Music Hall. All were a lot of fun but also took a lot of time. So, I stopped doing theatre in 2000.
KRL: What was your first show and first role?
Mark with Rene Mendel-White in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”
KRL: First show and role at RCTC?
Mark: I had no idea there was a theatre company in Reedley until 2002, when I was invited to see a show by a friend’s daughter who was in the show. Three years later, I auditioned for my first show with RCTC at the Opera House, Annie. I played President Roosevelt and was part of the ensemble.
KRL: What was the last show you were in?
Mark: My most recent role was last year as part of the cast of an original murder mystery, Murder at the Opera House.
KRL: What would be your dream role?
Mark: I don’t have a dream role. I do think the role of Man in Chair from the show The Drowsy Chaperone would be fun to do.
KRL: Why do you feel theatre is important, and why do you feel having a theatre company in Reedley is important?
Mark in “Dad’s Christmas Miracle” at the Roger Rocka’s 2nd Space Theatre
KRL: What are your future goals and desires for RCTC?
Mark: RCTC will begin an aggressive marketing campaign. This will bring more recognition and hopefully more revenue to RCTC. I hope it’s enough and in time. The sad reality is Reedley may lose its local community theatre company soon. Our current business model is not sustainable. RCTC gets no financial help from outside sources. No federal money. No state money. No city money. In fact, we pay the city of Reedley for the privilege of using and maintaining their property. They are our landlord. We pay them!
The city also gets a cut from everything we do at the Opera House to try to stay in business. They also get to use the facility free-of-charge several times a year. We also pay for our utilities and city services. Thankfully, the City did not charge us rent during the pandemic, although we were required to pay it back with any relief money we received. RCTC did get COVID relief money – minus back rent – but that was four years ago. Show sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations are our sources of income. And it is not enough.
We need to emphasize the “community” in community theatre! From our financial relationship with the community leaders and services, to our cultural relationship and accessibility with the entire community. I estimate over 90% of Reedley residents have never visited the Opera House. We need to change that.
Mark with some cast members of RCTC’s production of “Jekyll and Hyde”
KRL: Does RCTC have any needs that the public can help with?
Mark: RCTC and the Opera House are always in need of volunteers. We can use help of every kind. Your time, treasures and talents are very valuable – even if you don’t think they are. You have a valuable skill, or knowledge, or connections to services that are valuable to RCTC. We have volunteers helping with our bookkeeping, food service, ticketing, and general maintenance of the facility. We could really use a Grant writer, because I’m sure there are Grants we would qualify for, if we could just get a little assistance in locating them and applying for them.
KRL: Anything else you would like to share?
Mark: I invite you to contact the theatre company at rctcreedley.com for tickets or to volunteer.
The next show that will be on stage at the Opera House is Little Shop of Horrors running from July 12 – 28. Watch for a KRL review and go to their website to learn more and purchase tickets!
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!
Mark is truly a vital link in the viability of RCTC! I have worked on the board with him for five years where I have witnessed how his energy, creativity, problem-solving skills, mechanical aptitude, community outreach, donation of time, and “can do” attitude have proven invaluable assets.