SPOTLIGHT: Kristin McFadyen

Interviewed by Phil Quevillon

Our spotlight this month is aimed at Kristin McFadyen, a familiar face behind the concessions counter during productions.  Kristin is the owner-operator of Yo Dog Pet Grooming in Twisp. A former resident of Illinois, Kristin joined the Methow Valley community on September 2, 2010 and was the catalyst that later brought her father, mother, and later her best friend and Merc board member Phil Quevillon to our slice of paradise. I asked Kristin what she thought about volunteering and attending shows at The Merc.
 
What was the first show that you attended at the Merc Playhouse?
It must have been Proof.  I believe Donald McLaine was one of the actors.
 
When did you first become involved volunteering at the Merc?
Probably back then or after I stopped working at Sunny Pine, so two years after I moved here, which would be about 12 years ago.
 
You have volunteered in many spots at the Merc, including the tech booth, concessions and backstage. What have you enjoyed doing the most?
I think a mixture of volunteer jobs. I like mostly working behind the scenes; however, I do like running concessions. While working at the counter, you have opportunities to hear and see audience members talking about the play, but when you’re behind the scenes, such as backstage as a stagehand or other position, you get kind of a secret backstage view of all the nervous actors before and after they are on stage.  I think both volunteer positions are fun.
 
If you met someone that had never been to theater or experienced live theater, what would you say to entice them or sell them on the idea of buying a ticket and being part of an audience?
It’s real people, real community people expressing and doing an art form that they feel pulled towards. I think that seeing any kind of creativity with people is good even if it’s bad.
 
KristIn, I’ve been interviewing you while you’ve been washing a bulldog. What's the Bulldog’s name?
His name is Douglas.
 
Douglas, do you have any thoughts on live theater?
(nervous) Thank you thank you for the belly rubs (heavy panting)
 
And we thank Kristin for stepping into The Merc and being part of our volunteer community. 

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