Behind the scenes
The Production Team
Out of the Shadows exists because of the time and talent of so many. We are blessed to have theater professionals working side-by-side with theater newbies. All are volunteers.
During our first production in Nov 2016 I was already planning 2017 but kept it under my hat. How was I going to convince this amazing production team to do it again? Just as I was about to ask Lorna, our director, to do it again she she pulled me aside backstage and said "Okay, so next year let's . . . "
And then Julie began to talk about the next production, then Kristi Mendoza, then Janet Waterdown . . . others wanted to but had other commitments. But they've come back since.
There is a core group here that has begun to add more folks from 2017 and 2018 and, I'm sure 2019, that have a deep connection to our actors. It seems that every year we get more "hangers-on". We are so very lucky!
Production team 2020
Founder
Wendy Carroll
Wendy has been in the film and theater business for 40 years as a producer at Disney Studios, an actress on stages in the US and Canada, and as an adjunct faculty member of Scottsdale Community College Film & Television Dept. Her son Toby, who inspired her to create OTS is, of course, in all the shows.
Artistic Director
Lorna Hamilton
Lorna is a well-established and sought out director and choreographer in the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene area. She frequently directs at Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater and Lake City Playhouse. Lorna has been with OTS from it's first production in 2016.
Musical Director
Julie Powell
Julie works with the Coeur d'Alene School District as a music teacher. She has been with OTS from our first show in 2016. Watching Julie work with our cast is a performance in itself!
Board of Directors
Jamie Sciarrio
Jamie is a seasoned actress and in-demand stage manager in Spokane. She joined us for our second production in 2017, returned in 2018 and is back yet again. She admits she is addicted. Her son Paul has also joined in as a shadow actor.
Set Design & Lighting Design
Michael McGiveney
Michael was born in the theater, his father being a world-renowned quick change artist, a skill Michael also perfected. He has worked on stages in NYC and Los Angeles, Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater, and was with us for our first season. We are thrilled to have him back.
Costume Designer
Mary Basta
Mary joined our second production as an assistant costumer and now is our designer. She also designs costumes for Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater. She can do amazing things with needles and thread. And safety pins. And staples. and tablecloths. Her son and daughter also participate as an actor and a shadow actor.
Choreographer
Kristi Mendoza
Kristi and her family were in the audience for our first show. The following year she, her husband and two daughters stepped up as shadow actors and choreography assistants, and the following year she became the choreographer herself in our third show and now our current one. She is assisted by her two daughters and has managed to drag her husband along so it is a family affair. Kristi also choreographs for Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater.
Production Assistant
Janet Waterdown
Janet was involved from the inception of Out of the Shadows, being the sounding board for Wendy's wacky idea and offering support. She's our IT expert and is there to pick up the pieces and hold things together when they get crazy. They often do. She is also the mom of one of OTS's regular actresses.
Photographer, Videographer and Social Media
Mitchell Crane
Mitchell is a Spokane film producer who got drawn into this unaware of its power during our 2018 show. He takes the most amazing photos of our rehearsals and performances. And his videography and editing are just plain perfect. Two of his daughters participate as shadow actors (that's sort of how he got caught in this thing).
You
Join us! be a part of the magic!