MEET THE DIRECTOR (Michelle Leigh Dodge)

 

        

           

     I first stepped onto stage at the age of 14. I had no idea why I was there, but the overwhelming desire to “try it” was more than I could ignore. I was shy and quiet, your all around wall flower. It was the spring musical my freshman year in high school, they cast me into the chorus. It was like someone opened a floodgate, my whole perspective changed over those three months and I found a strength and confidence I didn’t know I possessed. The world stopped looking so big and scary.  Suddenly I felt I was able to control my choices and actions. That one show was my springboard. My dad retired from the Marines and my family moved to Oregon City, Oregon, another new school. But I was ready to rule to the theatre program! I jumped into every class they would allow me to take as a beginner and immediately auditioned for the fall show. Although I only got one line.  I felt like I was the star and nothing could stop me.

    I realized quickly that there were so many other aspects to theatre, so I began to ask questions and learn. I found that I had organizational & memory skills that were appreciated in the theatre and sought after by many. I was asked to direct a student production when I was a junior. I knew I found my niche. It was the most thrilling thing to see one of my ideas come to life on stage and hear the response of the audience!

    By the time I was 25yrs old, I had directed, performed or stage managed almost 100 shows in Oregon and California.

But life, as it often does, gave me a curve ball. My first child was born in 1994 and during that year of pregnancy I became very intrigued with nurse midwifes. I decided it was time to “grow up” a little and make certain I always had a job. I started back to college for my nursing degree and graduated in 2000.

    I made the decision to get my children on stage at a young age. I hoped that this would offer to them the same confidence, strength and skills I had found. My oldest daughter performed in a summer camp at 5 years old. She was the most beautiful butterfly you have ever seen. Tears came to my eyes as I watched her swing, sway and sing. As the years passed and she performed in more and more shows she became more aware of my history in the theatre and began to ask if I would do another show. I tried my hardest to put off her questions for a couple of years, assuring her that what she was asking was all but impossible! Just the financial side of a production was overwhelming.

    Then I had a thought, would kids be willing to pay a small fee, like they do with sports and other activities, that could be used to provide for them costumes, sets, props, etc?

 

 I had only one rule – no one would be excluded – if a child wanted the opportunity – the opportunity was there for everyone to take!

 

    I presented the idea to my daughters elementary school principle and she thought it was a great idea.  I put out a registration page to do “Alice in Wonderland.” I had 32 kids sign up to be in the cast and three 6^th graders signed up to be my crew, most with no experience, but all possessed that same unavoidable desire that I had at 14. Watching the pieces fall together was truly amazing and I realized that the support and willingness of others is there if you are willing to give of yourself.

    I had my first meeting with community schools to help me arrange a space for my kids to perform their play in a theatre. Little did I know that this was the meeting that would lead to who we are today!

    Our first show went over beautifully and I was asked if I would do it again! I said I would try, as I now knew that the theatre had drawn me in again. My first love was alive after a long break and now it was time to give back to the next generation!