by Lorie Lewis Ham
This week we continue our series of interviews with the current board members of Reedley’s very own theatre company, River City Theatre Co.(RCTC)–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 Jacob Alvarado.
KRL: How long have you been on the board and how did that come about?
Jacob: I have been on the board for a year and a half. The opportunity came from Erik Valencia, asking current members of RCTC if any of us are interested in becoming a board member.
KRL: What specifically is the board’s role at RCTC?
Jacob: The board has many roles at River City Theatre Company. We are in charge of the budget of the theatre company as well as choosing the shows for each season and any volunteer and fundraising aspects that we can bring in through the year.
Jacob Alvarado
KRL: When did you first become interested in theatre?
Jacob: I first became interested in theatre when I was at Saint LaSalle elementary school. We did Christmas pageants every year so that was my first jump into the theater pool. My family has always been a theatre family so we would see the touring shows that come to Fresno every year.
KRL: What was your first show and first role?
Jacob: my first show was at Saint LaSalle in kindergarten, but my first lead role was when I was an eighth grader, and we did a Charlie Brown Christmas and I played Linus.
KRL: First show and role at RCTC?
Jacob: My first show at Reedley’s River city Theatre Company was the Sound of Music and I was in the ensemble.
KRL: Have you also directed shows?
Jacob: I made my director’s debut at River City Theatre Company this past fall with Murder at the Opera House.
Jacob on stage at the Opera House
KRL: What other aspects of theatre have you been involved in, for example, stage managing, tech, costuming, etc.?
Jacob: I have done it all. I have been an assistant stage manager, a stage manager, an assistant Director, a choreographer, and also behind-the-scenes such as lighting and sound.
KRL: Do you have a preference between directing and acting in a show?
Jacob: I believe I prefer acting in shows, but I will always be there to help out if the company needs someone off-stage.
KRL: Have you been in shows with other theatre companies?
Jacob: I have worked in Kingsburg at E&E Theater Company. I was in their productions of Guys and Dolls, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. as well as leading their glee club.
KRL: What would be your dream role?
Jacob: My dream roles include Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, and Marius in Les Misérables.
KRL: Why do you feel having a theatre company in Reedley is important?
Jacob: I feel like having theatre in a small town like Reedley is important because not many people get to experience big cities and big shows, but we give our little town a slice of Broadway and theatre.
KRL: Why do you feel theatre is important?
Jacob: I believe theatre is important for many people to be able to express themselves and do something they wouldn’t normally get the chance to do.
KRL: Are you directing any of the shows coming up in this next season?
Jacob as Pugsley in “The Addams Family” production of RCTC
KRL: What are your future goals and desires for RCTC?
Jacob: I would love to see the company do more shows that would be Valley premieres and shows that not a lot of people have heard of.
KRL: Does RCTC have any needs that the public can help with such as volunteering or financial?
Jacob: RCTC is always looking for volunteers and people and companies to help sponsor our shows and keep the theatre magic in Reedley alive.
KRL: Anything else you would like to share?
Jacob: I really hope the community enjoys this coming season of theatre in Reedley and hope they continue to support this wonderful company that I am privileged and proud to be a part of.
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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