Tag Archives: V-Day Portsmouth 2014

Meet the V-Day Portsmouth 2015 Cast: Debra Altschiller

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Photo by M. Lavigne Photography

Photo by M. Lavigne Photography

Debra Altschiller

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

I have begun to wade back into the theatre waters in the past couple years after having been a back stage mom for twenty years. I have been in and around performance venues for more than years than would seem mathematically possible.

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

I am as enthusiastic audience member as I am performer, musical theatre is my favorite, I’ll never turn down a chance to see RENT, Avenue Q or Fiddler On The Roof…ever.

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

Hell to the Yeah! I jumped back on stage and WAY out of my comfort zone by being part of the sextet last year. What started as a mildly uncomfortable experience evolved into one of the coolest happenings of the year for me. Being a part of the show I had been attending as an audience member for six years was so incredibly cool.

Q – What made you want to be involved in V-Day this year?

Being a cast member for V-Day is a humbling responsibility that I take very seriously in the most fun way possible. There are so many survivors of sexual violence who have not yet found their voice, some never will. If we can speak and tell these stories, we must, it’s our moral obligation as humans to bear witness and speak out.
Also, Joi is very persuasive, she makes you think you just had the greatest idea and that you are the only one who could possibly execute it….meanwhile it was always part of her master plan….

Q – Who is the most influential woman in your life?

Marina Altschiller is the most influential woman in my life and she’s practically brand new at the being a woman thing. Marina is brave, not fearless but brave, there is a difference. Brave requires courage. She is a super talented singer and director. She founded Dive In Productions while rocking the Emerson College Deans list and working two jobs. She has a genuinely optimistic outlook on life which is hard to maintain, the world really NEEDS people like her. If you’ve met her you feel good knowing her and that is a gift.

Q – What or who inspires you?

For me, inspiration mostly comes from people. Howard Altschiller inspires me to try harder and be better at what I do. Marina inspires me to keep a positive outlook, Connell inspires my humor, Brady inspires me to slow my roll and enjoy more. Betsy inspires my compassion and Joi inspires my sense of adventure. Bacon can be pretty inspirational though…bacon and cheese, THAT is an inspirational combination.

Get your Tickets For V-Day Portsmouth 2015 The Vagina Monologues at The Music Hall now!

Photo by M. Lavigne Photography

Photo by M. Lavigne Photography

Meet the V-Day Portsmouth 2015 Cast: Michael Stailey

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michaelstailey

Michael Stailey

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

I caught the acting bug very young, playing Santa Claus in the school Christmas play at age 5. From there I’ve been on and off the boards, taking time away for music, school, and career, but somehow always managing to find my way back when my soul demanded it.

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

I had a phenomenal experience doing summer stock for the first time this year up at Hackmatack Playhouse under the guidance of artistic director Sharon Hilton and her amazing crew in their final season. That opportunity gave me the chance to create Dr. Einstein for Arsenic & Old Lace, sing barbershop harmonies in Music Man, and channel the Pythonesque insanity of Patsy in Spamalot. I’ll cherish those memories for a lifetime.

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

I was blessed to have performed “True” last season for V-Day Portsmouth at Seacoast Rep, and get an opportunity to
reinterpret that piece for The Music Hall this year.

Q – What made you want to be involved in V-Day this year?

After last year’s empowering transformative experience, it was a no-brainer to make myself available for another go-round.

Q – Who is the most influential woman in your life?

All of the women in my life have been equally influential. From the women in my family to the amazingly talented women I’ve done theatre with over the years, each has given me a unique perspective on the divine feminine spirit and what it means to the world.

Q – What or who inspires you?

I’m continually inspired by creative expression in all its myriad forms. You can find it everywhere you look, from the most mundane daily tasks and what brilliant people make of them, to the ridiculously impressive work of bold artists pushing the boundaries of entertainment and enlightenment. That all stems from people who have embraced living as their true authentic selves – flaws, scars, and all. I aspire to one day attain that same authenticity, so as to unlock and empower my true creative potential.

Get your Tickets For V-Day Portsmouth 2015 The Vagina Monologues at The Music Hall now!

Meet the V-Day Portsmouth 2015 Cast: Deb Barry

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Deb Barry (photo by Ben Bagley)

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

I recall an early original production (for which I was producer, director, and lead) when I was around the age of 7 or 8. It was a neighborhood performance staged at my best friend’s house for our families. So, it’s been … years!

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

Missing Wynter – book & music/directed by Billy Butler (co-stage manager); The Gift of the Magi: the Musical – adaptation by David Mauriello with music by Rob Johnson (director/producer); Without Walls – by Lawrence Hennessy (director/producer); The Smallest Room in the House – by Paul Goodwin (director) – all at the Players’ Ring and BareFruit: an Original Musical – concept by Frances Page at West End Studio Theatre (co-writer/director/producer).

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

No.

Q – What made you want to be involved in V-Day this year?

After seeing the 2014 production, it appealed to my passion for ‘awareness’ work. Having not performed on stage over 30 years, I didn’t initially think about performing in the 2015 production but felt compelled to get involved in some way. Just before this fall’s auditions, I decided to challenge myself and audition. Feeling pleased that I accomplished that, I was even more delighted when I was cast in the sextet. For me, this is personal.

Q – Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My mother is most influential on so many levels….as a mother, an activist, a woman ahead of her time.

Q – What or who inspires you?

I am inspired by people who care about and help others.

Get your Tickets For V-Day Portsmouth 2015 The Vagina Monologues at The Music Hall now!

Seeking Donations from local businesses for our annual Raffle for V-Day!

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Looking to help support both V-Day Portsmouth and V-Day Rochester this year?
One great way to do it is by donating a gift card or item from your local business to our annual raffle. Hundreds of audience members flock to see The Vagina Monologues every year, and this is a great opportunity for you to highlight your business as one of our wonderful sponsors!

It’s super easy to make your tax-deductible donation, just fill out this V-Day 2014 Donation Letter, and contact director & organizer Joi Smith to coordinate a pick up.

All of the proceeds from both productions will go to Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS), A Safe Place and V-Day.

SRT Lobby V-Day 2013