Virginia's Point of View: The Company in Years

Since it is my decade mark as being the Artistic Director, I've been thinking about longevity. So, on this last night before I really have inside news, since rehearsals don't start until tomorrow, I have been doing some counting.  It is Paul Steger, our Executive Director's 13th year working for the Rep. Julie Hagemeier, our General Manager, has logged in 29 seasons, and Brad Buffum, Production Stage manager, 18 years.  David Landis, who is playing Mayor Meekly in Unnecessary Farce this season has played at least 15 with us.  Dan Stratman, lighting design for every season in the last decade, also couldn't be pinned down to an actual number. He started working for the Rep 43 years ago, but couldn't give me an accurate count of how many shows. Judy Hart, actress extraordinaire among other things, says 5 or 6 years, though I think that must be low. Janice Stauffer, costume designer for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and I counted up all her years and it came to an even 30.  I know Ed (as in Ed Stauffer) who just retired from the Johnny Carson School after 35 years is not far behind that mark. But Ann Watson wins with 39 seasons and if you didn't already know, this is her last, as she is retiring this July after the last show is open. We will miss her like crazy!

For more recent records, Rachel Owings has worked in our costume shop for six years and Quentin Robb has worked in the scene shop or electrics for just as long! 

Clearly we all love doing what we do, and are proud to do it again and again.