by Lorie Lewis Ham
KRL has had the pleasure throughout the years of seeing local actor Peter Allwine on stage many, many times in many different shows. An extremely talented actor and singer, the local theatre scene hasn’t seen a lot of him on stage for the last few years. Now he is taking on a very different type of role as the new General Manager of Reedley’s River City Theatre Company, which operates out of the Reedley Opera House, so we sat down to chat with him about this new adventure.
Peter Allein
KRL: For those who may not be familiar with you, can you share just a little about your background in theatre?
Peter: I got my start in theatre in second grade, playing one of three narrators in a classroom performance of Charlotte’s Web. I didn’t think anything of it at the time and didn’t try drama again till it was an elective I took in junior high at Kastner in Clovis. I fell in love with performing at that point, discovered a massive love for improv there, and have been hooked since.
I got into Good Company Players by chance in high school thanks to one of my high school drama teachers, Elizabeth Feister (Biz), when she asked me my junior year if I was interested in being in the ensemble of Hello Dolly summer of 96 at Roger Rocka’s – and the rest is history, haha!
KRL: What are the most recent shows you have been in?
Cast of “All is Calm”
I stopped performing for a long time due to finally getting myself back to college to complete my degree, and I started working as a production technician/video director for CrossCity Christian Church in Clovis and due to my work schedule, I couldn’t find the time on weekends to perform. I was able to be creative in a completely new way with my work, and while I missed performing, I felt my creative side was absolutely nourished and satisfied.
Peter on the right in GCP’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance”
KRL: Have you done any directing?
Peter: I directed numerous Junior Company’s over a ten-year span from 1998 – 2008, and loved being able to see my “kids” grow in Juniors, moving into roles with mainstage, and love following their journeys throughout their lives. I directed a few times in high school, but nothing beyond that and the Junior Company time. I would love a chance to get a shot at something that interests me, so time will tell when the directing bug finally bites me.
KRL: Can you tell us more about your new position with RCTC and what will your duties be?
RCTC Board Members -2023
Janet K Adams, Stevie Barnett (Secretary), Holly Lynn Salcido, Jacob Alvarado, Peter Allwine, Erik Valencia (President), Chrystal Laita (Co-treasurer), Susan Lusk, Bryan Awbrey (Co-treasurer)
KRL: How did you learn about this position and when did you start?
Peter: One of my best friends, Christian David, sent me a message on Facebook, and told me I needed to apply for the position. I hadn’t seen it or heard of the position prior to him telling me, but once I read the description – I knew the job was perfect for me, so I applied, and the rest was Kismet. I started mid-May, and we made the formal announcement of my hiring at the beginning of June.
Peter and RCTC board president Erik Valencia
KRL: What was it that interested you?
Peter: I think what really drew me to the position was knowing that everything I had done theatrically and professionally to this point in my life has really prepared me for a position like this. I knew that I was ready to take on a challenge like this in my life, but I also knew I would love doing this, and I do, I really do. I love knowing that I don’t have to be onstage to still be attached to theatre, and I can’t wait for people to come to the Opera House and see the magic we create!
KRL: What are your hopes and goals for RCTC?
Peter: I am excited to come to the Opera House and RCTC and bring my years of experience to help the theatre company grow and flourish. I have such a deep admiration for the company and its founder Mark Norwood. Mark is a dear friend of mine, and I know this is essentially his baby; I respect that dearly, and I want to help make the company just as incredible as it has been in the past.
I am looking forward to us announcing our 2024 season here very soon, and I can’t wait for audiences to come back to the Opera House and experience some amazing theatre here in Downtown Reedley. Our next production, Beehive opens July 14, and we have an incredible cast performing some of the most well-known hits of the ’60s; hits from Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and so many more. The show is being directed and vocal directed by a good friend of mine making her directorial debut – I don’t know if you know her – Camille Gaston – but she is piloting this Beehive ship fantastically, and I know audiences will love this show.
KRL: KRL is very familiar with Camille! How wonderful. Anything you would like to add?
Peter: I am lucky to be doing what I do, to still be attached to theatre after starting to perform thirty some odd years ago and to now call this my career – I am blessed. I hope this ride doesn’t end anytime soon, and I can’t wait to see all your faces here at the Reedley River City Theatre Company in the historic Reedley Opera House!
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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