Tag Archives: V-Day

Meet the Cast: Debra Verdicchio

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Debra Verdicchio

Debra Verdicchio is a long time activist and advocate for women. Her professional stage debut was as a member of our V-Day Sextet last year, and she is rocking the stage for her first ever monologue this year and we couldn’t be happier to have her with us once again!

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“I was actively involved in my High School theater program – that was 25 years ago. I’ve been doing theater around the seacoast for a year now.”

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

“There were so many fun roles, but I would have to say my favorite was playing Mrs. Greer in Prescott Park Arts Festivals’ production of ‘Annie’ last summer. It was a thrill for me to be up on stage in front of a live audience!”

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

“I was part of the Sextet for V-Day 2103.”

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

“It was such an empowering experience to be a part V-Day last year that I had to do it again this year! Such an amazing group of talented women and men all coming together to raise awareness about Domestic and Sexual Violence against women and children.”

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

“I have not one, but many women who are influential and that are in my life, that would be my sisters or “my sissies” we call each other. They definitely have had my back and have supported me when I have been at low points in my life!”

Q – What or who inspires you?

“If there is one person who inspires me it’s me, it’s my niece Racheal. She taught me much more about life then I could ever teach her. She was such an influential young women who was a talented artist and childrens illustrator. She had a great sense of humor and wit that I truly admired. My niece lived her entire life in pain due to a rare skin disorder, yet she never complained. She lived her life according to her terms, she was a feisty girl. In November 2011 Racheals pain came to an end and she is now at peace, yet she continues to be an inspiration to everyone she has ever met and whose life she touched, including myself! I do this monologue in honor of you Rach!”

Debra Verdicchio

Meet the Cast: Susan Turner

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Susan Turner V-Day 2012Photo by Mat Kingsbury/2046

Susan Turner is well known for her excellent work with one of the long standing production companies on the Seacoast, Generic Theater. This will be Susan’s third V-Day with us, and we just love working with her! She has such a unique perspective that lends its voice to our collective V-Day cast.

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“I came back to theater in the late 1980’s. I have been working with Generic Theater for 29 of their 32 years along with any other company that would cast me!”

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

“’Dix Tableaux’ that Generic Theater did several years ago at the Players’ Ring. It involved 10 separate scenes with 10 different costume changes and at least 5 wigs, but the best part about it was working with Peggi McCarthy. Another favorite was ‘Cemetery Club’ with Garrison Players, directed by Donna Goldfarb, and of course ‘Mornings at 7’ with Generic Theater’s exemplary cast!”

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

“Yes, this will be my 3rd year. And a different monologue!”

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

“The Sisterhood of the Cast – all the different personalities and ways of working with each other and the continued need to make ‘words’ important and how they are used.”

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

“Probably my Mother, since I blame so much on her and seem to be following in her footsteps!”

Q – What or who inspires you?

“Justice; striving for balance.”

Susan Turner

Meet the Cast: Carly Souza

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Photo by Jacqueline Martell

Photo by Jacqueline Martell

Carly Souza is a V-Day Rockstar! She has been one of the most outspoken and passionate V-Activists we know, having organized her own V-Day productions at the University of New Hampshire before joining us. We love Carly, and you will too!

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“I have been involved in theater since I was old enough to read.”

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

“Senior year of high school I played Bloody Mary in South Pacific; that was my favorite role. Bloody Mary is the girl I love :-)”

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

“I have performed in the Vagina Monologues every year since 2009. I am pleased to say this is my 4th V-Day.”

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

“I wanted to be involved in V-Day because I believe in the cause–to end sexual and interpersonal violence against human beings. I like that I can support the cause while doing what I love…performing!”

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

“My mom is a very important woman in my life. I have several important/influential women in my life.”

Q – What or who inspires you?

“Support and kindness, my friends, family, gratitude, teachers, and life lessons inspire me daily.”

Photo by Jacqueline Martell

Photo by Jacqueline Martell

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

Meet the Cast: Constance Witman

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Photo by Mat Kingsbury/2046

V-Day 2011 Any One of us: Words from Prison
Photo by Mat Kingsbury/2046

Constance Witman has a long standing history as a V-Day actress and activist. V-Day just wouldn’t be the same without her! Constance not only brings her impeccable talent, grace and emotional depth to The Vagina Monologues each year, but she also brings so much of her heart, empathy and passion to help raise awareness and end the violence. We love her activist spirit as well as her amazing performance!

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“Since the age of 5. I played a tree in Sleeping Beauty and I was covered head to toe in green felt.”

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

“Blanche in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, Vivian in ‘Wit’, Jane in G.Matthew Gaskell’s original play ‘Lawyers, Guns & Money’ and Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ all in the last few years at the Players’ Ring.

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

“This will be my 6th year!”

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

“To continue to make people aware that we are still battling violence and it needs to stop.”

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

“My Mum. She’s an amazing kind-hearted woman. She has taught me so many things.”

Q – What or who inspires you?

“My Daughter [Genevieve Witman]. She is such an amazing free spirit. I Love the way she looks at things and how wonderful and smart she is.”

20140118-095240.jpg Constance Witman as Vivian in Wit
Photo by Mat Kingsbury/2046