We hope that you have come to enjoy the shows that we present at CSTOCK. Did you know that our non-profit organization is run entirely by volunteers? Besides those talented actors you see, our organization requires another army to make those shows happen. Yes, I’m proud to be a CSTOCK militia woman!

There are so many amazing opportunities to give back to our community, our theater, even if you don’t want the pressure of being on stage. We need people to make the costumes, move the sets, run the lights, serve refreshments, sell tickets, share their amazing ideas on committees, and even help us with administrative tasks.

One of my favorite “unseen” roles over the years has been challenging myself in assisting with props and sets at CSTOCK. I also love doing period research for make-up and hairstyles.

Some of you may have seen me on stage, the chubby perky blond who enjoys playing bimbos and other lovable character chicks.

But, when not angling for that brilliant and adored spotlight, I am thrilled to do research and stretch my creative wings in new and exciting ways! Perhaps, the little girl I keep bottled inside is still looking to play dress up. I have to do something to appease her (I never let her have Twinkies any more!) Adding those historically accurate touches really make or break a show for the audience.

In my last show, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” I hope that the audience appreciated the accurately reproduced spray guns, along with the great ’shwooshing’ sound effect! My husband did a brilliant job building them - and he really isn’t into theater. It is a great way for us both to be involved, and he never had to leave his garage! I also had great fun working with the other girls in the cast learning that the Roaring 20s was the birth of cosmetics - and therefore not all that much variety was available. I think our cast looked fantastic in their accurate shades of pink, red and orange.

We all have so many talents that we dismiss regularly as being uninteresting. Let us try to use and abuse you! We have so many opportunities to give back, I’d like to personally challenge each and every one of you to give SOMETHING a try. After all, we offer free admission to our current show in exchange for your volunteerism, so who could it hurt! You only stand to be entertained…

Danielle Aldana Priest