These local thespians sure are passionate about acting! Read on to learn more about the faces you see on (and sometimes behind) the main stage.
Jesse Glenn
What is your favorite aspect of theatre?
My favorite aspect is the act of combining all the various aspects to create a performance. As an actor, designer and technician, I love the art of making all the pieces fit.
What fuels your passion?
I started in theatre as an actor, but quickly grew to love the technical side of things. Until recently, I was employed with the Flint Community Players in a technical director/administrative/producer role, involved all areas of a production. These days, I’m back to just acting.
Which role was the most challenging?
An enjoyable challenge was playing Smudge, one of four characters in Forever Plaid, singing in tight harmonies without much room for mistakes.
Do people recognize you on the streets?
Yes, people recognize me often. I just ask them if they’re coming to see the next show.
Do you want to pursue this as a career?
Until recently, theatre was my career, and I will always look for places to perform; but right now, I’m focused on developing my other passions in art and illustration.
What are you currently working on?
As I write this, we are entering our final weekend of performances for Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at Flint Youth Theatre, in which I play Mr. Bucket, Charlie’s father.
What do you hope for your future in theatre?
I just hope there will always be a place for me somewhere.
What do you think Greater Flint’s theatre scene adds to the community?
Having worked with various area theatres and currently Flint Youth Theatre and their students, I’ve seen many people find themselves and find their own voice. It’s a great place to be. As for audiences and the greater community, theatre provides thoughtful entertainment and a platform for new works. In addition to traditionally popular shows, local stages can bring stories to life that would never have a chance in film or television because of development costs and the need for wide appeal. Local theatre can show you the face of your community on the stage, and in the seat beside you. ¸
Brian Haggard
What is your favorite aspect of theatre?
I enjoy the opportunity to work on my craft, to improve and grow as an actor.
What fuels your passion?
It has been my honor on many occasions to utter the words and try to bring some meaning to the thoughts of some of the greatest artistic minds humanity has ever known. I always keep in mind the words of one of my favorite playwrights, Tom Stoppard: “Words are sacred. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones, in the right order, you can nudge the world a little.”
What was your favorite role?
I performed the role of Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple way back in 1996. He was the character who was most like me, and it was fun to play up some of his worst qualities. It was also the directorial debut of my future wife, Shelly Hoffman, and she made the process very enjoyable while she took her first crack at telling me what to do.
What role was the most challenging?
Last fall, I played King Henry in The Lion in Winter, and that was an incredibly challenging role. Aside from the sheer volume of lines and stage time, the character is very complex. Trying to determine when he was lying and when he was telling the truth, and then how to play the scenes according to that interpretation made for an exhilarating, yet challenging time. I should note that my wife, Shelly Hoffman, directed this one and it took a great deal of convincing to get me to do it. I actually prefer smaller roles – I get all of the benefits of the stage without the stress.
Do people recognize you on the streets?
They do. I typically tell them that they’re mistaken. For the last several years, I’ve played the villain, Miser McFeely in the Crossroads Village Christmas melodrama. Thousands of people see that every year and I do get recognized “on the street.” This is particularly rewarding, because I know that I am a part of the Christmas tradition for a great many people.
Do you want to pursue this as a career?
Acting is my career. I recently earned my SAG AFTRA card, so I am a professional screen actor. I’ve done numerous commercial spots and, while I am paid for my stage acting, it is the commercial work that helps to keep the lights on.
What are you currently working on?
198 performances of A Crossroads Christmas.
What do you hope for your future in theatre?
I hope I have a future in theatre. People have been saying for decades that the theatre is dying. If it does, I hope it takes me with it.
What do you think Greater Flint’s theatre scene adds to the community?
It helps to foster a sense of community, which is incredibly important as we become more and more fragmented. I like the way theatre, particularly Flint Youth Theatre and The Kearsley Park Players’ fairy tale, engages youth as both participants and audience members. It’s a treat to see young people experience a play for the first time. It’s a small but significant cultural experience for a population that might not otherwise have this opportunity. ¸
Shelly Hoffman
What is your favorite aspect of theatre?
My favorite aspect is the connection it provides us to the past and to each other. Theatre has served as the bedrock of culture for millennia. It both reflects and influences civilization. Today, people perform pieces that are hundreds and even thousands of years old, yet they are still relevant and we can, if we choose to, learn from them.
What fuels your passion?
Aside from the cultural relevance of theatre, I have been grateful for all the connections I have made with people from all strata of society through participation in the local theatre scene.
What do you typically do (acting, tech crew, directing, etc.)?
These days, I mostly direct, although I have run the gamut of jobs in the theatre. I have even served as a critic.
What was your favorite role?
My favorite was Yente in Fiddler on the Roof, which is also my favorite play … for multiple reasons. First, it is, essentially, the story of my family … a poor Jewish family forced to flee Russia at the start of the 20th century. Second, it was in a production of Fiddler at the Flint Community Players in 1994 that I met the man who would become my husband (Brian Haggard).
What role was the most challenging?
They are all challenging … that’s what I really love about theatre! I love the rehearsal process and discovering the character, and then bringing that character to life. I particularly love directing because I get to experience and influence the entire preparation process, watching actors explore and play, and then, once the show opens, I get to turn it over to the actors.
Do people recognize you on the streets from productions you’ve been in?
Surprisingly, yes! I’m always shocked when someone says, “You were in such-and-such, weren’t you?”
Do you want to pursue this as a career?
Maybe, someday I would pursue work in the theatre full-time. I only dabble in it now. I like my actual career a lot, and don’t know if I’d like to give it up.
What are you currently working on?
Brian and I own a murder mystery company, ComedyMurderMysteries.com and it’s murder mystery season. So, that’s what I’ve been working on. I did, though, just direct The Lion in Winter for the Kearsley Park Players.
What do you think Greater Flint’s theatre scene adds to the community?
I have always been struck by the way theatre brings people of disparate backgrounds together. I’ve done shows with kids, college students, fast food clerks, CEOs, lawyers, teachers, physicians, professional actors, and so many others. If it weren’t for theatre, our paths would probably never have crossed in any sort of social way. With that in mind, I think it helps bring the community, as a whole, together. Actors tend to be the most empathetic people I have met. That may come from their exploration of character; but I suspect it also has a lot to do with working closely with so many different people. ¸
Tomoko Miller
What is your favorite aspect of theatre?
I love stories of all kinds, books, movies, plays. Theatre is about sharing stories, from playwright to audience, and everyone in between. I love bringing that experience to people; it’s why I work for a theater and why I started directing.
What fuels your passion?
It started with me trying to find like-minded individuals, but now it’s an extension of that feeling. I found where I belong through community theatre. I’ve met most of my friends, and even my husband through my involvement; so now, I hope I can pass on some of that excitement and fun to others.
What do you typically do (acting, tech crew, directing, etc.)?
I’m usually acting, although in the last two years, I’ve started doing more behind the scenes. I’ve directed two shows, am in the middle of directing another, and scheduled to do one in June. I’ve also run lights for shows since September.
What was your favorite role?
I don’t have favorite roles, so much as favorite shows. A great script or a great character is only half the equation. The camaraderie of the cast and crew is what keeps me coming back. That said, I think my favorite show was A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking. The cast is just two people, so it was just me and one other woman, Elsa Harchick (who has since moved to New York to pursue acting). It was a magic combination of a fun script and a great actor to play with.
What role was the most challenging?
For me, roles that have technical aspects like tricky accents, intricate blocking or choreography, or singing are more difficult than any dramatic script. I get excited for a script that’s an emotional rollercoaster, but dancing or fight choreography makes me want to hide.
Do people recognize you on the streets?
It’s happened a couple of times. I used to wish it would happen more, but now I’m happy being anonymous as soon as the show is done. It may be why I’ve been doing more technical/behind the scenes work the last few years. Although, it’s nice to know that something stayed with them, that the story lingered after the show closed.
What are you currently working on?
I’m directing Picasso at the Lapin Agile. We open January 12. This is only my third time directing, and I’m simultaneously overjoyed and terrified. I’m going to direct The House of Yes in June. I’m also involved in some small way for every show on the Flint Community Players stage, whether doing paperwork, coordinating with cast and crew, or doing publicity.
What do you hope for your future in theatre?
More time! I wish I had time to see more shows, to be on stage for more shows, direct, run lights, and still have time to do my day job for FCP.
What do you think Greater Flint’s theatre scene adds to the community?
I meet people from all walks of life – paramedics, teachers, plumbers, bank tellers, etc. We come together for a common goal. It’s a bright flash, a whirlwind of time and energy spent putting on a show. Then in a blink, it’s gone, and a new group of people walks through the door. It’s sad and exhilarating at the same time. It keeps going. The population has shrunk, but the love of the arts hasn’t begun to dwindle in our community. Sometimes I’m amazed at how much we can do with fewer hands, but that speaks to the power theatre has to inspire people. I love being part of that, and helping provide an outlet for people who create art.
Daniel Ragan
What is your favorite aspect of theatre?
It would have to be how we tell an engaging story from the stage through dynamic characters. It is incredibly fun and challenging to take on another persona.
What fuels your passion?
Acting has been a dream of mine since I was a small child. Since I started at the Fenton Village Players, I have inundated myself with as much theatre and acting as I possibly can.
What do you typically do (acting, tech crew, directing, etc.)?
I mostly act. I have also done tech and stage management. I have been doing more directing recently and I’m really enjoying it. I’m also currently serving as Vice-Chairman on the Fenton Village Players’ Board of Directors.
What was your favorite role?
My favorite would have to be John Smith in Run for Your Wife. It was the first time that I got the main character part and some of my good friends got the other roles. It is by far the funniest show I’ve ever done and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
What role was the most challenging?
That would have to be George Tesman in Hedda Gabler. That show opened at the Starlight Theatre the weekend after we closed Run for Your Wife at the Fenton Village Players. My friend (who was also in Run for Your Wife) and I only had six rehearsals before opening night to learn a four-act drama set in the late-19th century.
Do people recognize you on the streets?
Occasionally, people recognize me. It is really fun when this happens because I get to reminisce about the show they saw me in, get their feedback, and feel like a star for a few minutes.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently assistant directing A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which goes up February 16-19, 24-26, and March 3-5.
What do you hope for your future in theatre?
I hope that I can continue contributing to the art I that have fallen in love with, whether it be in a community setting or professional setting.
What do you think Greater Flint’s theatre scene adds to the community?
I think it provides a necessary service. Theatre tells stories that people might not otherwise get to hear. These stories can be funny, dramatic, mysterious, heartbreaking, or uplifting and they all should and need to be heard. I think Greater Flint theatre does a good job of providing this service to the communities. However, there is always room for improvement. We have a good patron base among these theatres, but we should always be looking to expand it and reach out to new people.
