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. Recently, they hired local actor Peter Allwine as their new General Manager. KRL thought it would be interesting to get to know some of the current RCTC board members a little better—many are also local actors themselves who have been on the RCTC stage many times over the years. We are starting off with Stevie Barnett, who is their current board secretary.

KRL: How long have you been on the board, and how did that come about?

Stevie: I have been on the board since the summer of ’22 but have been actively involved as a volunteer on and off for over a decade. After we re-opened in 2021 post COVID closures, I was approached to help with Sister Act as a costumer, something I’ve been on and off for RCTC and RHS since 2011. Since that show, I have been involved in some way or another for each production. Joining the board seemed like an obvious next step in trying to make a difference in the community that helped form me.

KRL: What specifically is the board’s role at RCTC?

Stevie: Currently, the board’s role is to help oversee the decision-making process in all things financial and creative. Within the company, we have a variety of committees (Financial, Creative, Education) that are made up of both board and community members. Those individuals help make decisions, provide assistance to the general manager, directors, and make up a large portion of our volunteers. When those committees meet, they take decisions or recommendations to the board, and the board votes from there. Typically, board members attend those meetings but also volunteer at each show, work days, clean up days, and assist as needed.

KRL: When did you first become interested in theatre?

Stevie: My older sister (by 3 years) started doing theatre in high school, and I got to see how much fun she had doing shows. So, for three years, I had to just watch as she had fun and made new friends, since there wasn’t any drama or theatre program in my middle school. Once I got to high school, I started auditioning and never looked back. (Ironically, we’ve never actually done a show together despite her being the reason I got into theatre!)

KRL: What was your first show and first role?

Stevie: My first show was A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream at RHS (Reedley High School) my freshman year, where I played The Philostrate. Funnily enough, years later, I played that same role again at the Selma Arts Center in 2018. Which was really fun getting to look at a role in a totally different light than I did at 13 versus 25.

KRL: What was your first show and role at RCTC?

Stevie: My first performing role at RCTC was in the ensemble in White Christmas. However, I started volunteering and doing tech about two years before that. My first show doing tech was Forever Plaid. Throughout the years, I’ve been both on stage and behind the scenes.

KRL: Have you also directed shows?

Stevie: Yes, I have! I directed Arsenic and Old Lace in 2022 and Steel Magnolias in 2023 here at RCTC. I am also currently directing Matilda here at RCTC with a cast of 32! (10 adults and 22 children, which for anyone who works with children, know that’s a lot of children.) And we open December 2nd!

KRL: What other aspects of theatre have you been involved in? (stage managing, tech, costuming, etc.)

Stevie: I’ve done a little bit of everything, which has honestly been a great help when it comes to directing. I’ve stage-managed multiple shows, run lights, spotlights, and soundboard/mics. I also thoroughly enjoy costuming, and it’s been really fun getting to the point in costuming where I can guess if a costume will fit someone without them trying it on. I think it’s really important for a leader of any kind to have a good grasp of all of the aspects of what they are in charge of. I truly believe as a director, a manager, or leader that if you aren’t willing to do something (like cleaning bathrooms), you shouldn’t be asking others to do those tasks. Now, that doesn’t mean you need to be an expert in everything. But knowing how hard something is, or how time-consuming it can be is essential in being an effective and strong leader.

KRL: Do you have a preference between directing and acting in a show?

Stevie: For the longest time, I have wanted to try my hand at directing. I studied theatre in college and would always look at a show and imagine how I would present it. So, when last season came around, I put my name in the hat to direct. While daunting and incredibly time-consuming for someone who has a full-time job, I realized just how strong my passion for directing is. It’s a huge puzzle with so many moving pieces that allow you to be so incredibly creative. I’ve also realized that all of the fun parts of performing that I love, I can help cultivate in a performer. The creation of a character, finding those beats in a scene, and just diving into a character, as a director, you get to help performers make those connections. While I still love performing, I think my real passion lies with directing/the behind-the-scenes work.

KRL: Have you been in shows with other theatre companies?

Stevie: I’ve done a few shows with Selma Art Center, Fresno Pacific University, and one show with 2nd Space. As well as pretty much every production in high school at RHS.

KRL: What would be your dream role?

Stevie: I was really lucky to get to play one of my dream roles last summer as Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, as well as Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein in 2017. However, my big dream role is Alison Bechdel in Fun Home or the Narrator in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.

KRL: Why do you feel having a theatre company in Reedley is important?

Stevie: I could go on and on forever on why theatre, especially in smaller communities like ours, is important. But allowing those who may not have the opportunity or means to travel out of the area to still participate or experience theatre is essential. The first time I saw a Broadway touring company, I was in my mid-20s, and I remember being blown away. Being able to have access to the arts in our town is amazing, and I don’t think everyone realizes just how rare that can be in smaller communities.

KRL: Why do you feel theatre is important?

Stevie: Looking back on my childhood, if I hadn’t gotten into theatre when I did, I truly do not know where I would be right now. My father passed away the summer before my freshman year, and I found myself floundering when I got to high school. So many of my middle school friends moved on to new cliques, and I was alone. When I started doing theatre, I found a group of friends who truly accepted me. Some of which are still lifelong friends. I found a confidence and strength in myself that I didn’t know existed. So often smaller communities get the short end of the stick when it comes to the arts, and the fact that we have this little slice of heaven right here in our backyard says something to me. I live in Fresno, I work in Fresno, I could very easily do theatre five minutes away from where I live. But I love the idea of making a difference in a community that means so much to me. Hopefully, being the reason others find their community and find their voice.

KRL: Are you directing any of the shows coming up next season?

Stevie: I will be directing 12 Angry Jurors this next year. I’m very excited to take on a show that I did while I was in high school, with my own vision.

KRL: How are the shows chosen and does the board have a role in that?

Stevie: Our Creative Committee is in charge of selecting shows for the next season that they will then present to the board for approval. Typically, we try to take a look at our community: both performers, resources, and audience wise and use those factors to make the decision. This last season we presented the board with one set of options for approval, then reached out to the companies that hold the rights for approval. Sometimes there are touring companies, or the rights are not available in our area, and we get a rejection. From there, the Creative Committee presents their backup options. The board has the chance to ask questions and eventually votes on the selection.

KRL: What are your future goals and desires for RCTC?

Stevie: My goal is to expand our educational reach. I want to see our theatre become the place to go to learn all aspects of theatre, whether that is on stage, behind the scenes, in the tech booth, or in the front lobby doing guest services. As an educator myself who has spent a decade working with youth, and as someone who knows how important those formative years are, I would love to see us become a safe haven for those young performers to come and learn everything about the theatre. But also, how to be good people, thoughtful communicators, and pillars in the community.

KRL: Does RCTC have any needs that the public can help with? (volunteering, financial?)

Stevie: Yes, yes, and yes! We are always looking for volunteers ranging from set construction, to serving during shows, to backstage assistance. We are also always looking for donors and show sponsors. Community theatre is historically, unfortunately, underfunded. Post COVID closures, our attendance, like many other organizations, dropped, and we are slowly working our way back up to regular season attendance. But the way we can continue providing quality performances, and a safe space for performers of all ages, is through the assistance of the community we serve. If you are looking for ways to get involved or donate, please reach out to Peter at Peter@rctcreedley.com!

KRL: Anything else you would like to share?

Stevie: Just a huge thank you to KRL for being supporters of our company and for taking the time to do these interviews!

KRL: Thank you Stevie for taking the time to chat with us. It has been our pleasure to cover Reedley theatre these many years. After we did this interview, I went back and asked Stevie to tell us just a little more about their upcoming performance of Matilda, here is their answer.

Stevie: I am currently working on RCTC’s winter production, Matilda. We have been hard at work since the end of September and open on Dec 2nd. We’ll have a three-week run and close on December 17th! These kids and adults have been working so hard the last few weeks and I am so proud of them and our amazing dedicated staff. I have a wonderful team working tirelessly to create the best show possible, and show this new group of young performers just how amazing the performing arts are. I could not do this production without Briana, my Assistant director, Nicole, my stage manager, Marisa, Glenda, and Holly our choreographers, and Jessica and Dottie our fearless musical directors. Some may be surprised at the number of staff members we have, but when you see the show, you’ll know why! It’s a huge show with a lot of moving parts, and we can’t wait to share it with the community!

To keep up with RCTC be sure to follow them on Facebook and check out their website. Also, keep an eye on KRL for info on RCTC’s upcoming shows and auditions!

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!

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery novel, One of Us, is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre!<