Jewel Box Theatre Welcomes 3 New Board Members

The Jewel Box Theatre Board of Directors is very pleased to announce the addition of three new Board members.

Rick Darrow, President and CEO of Liberty Bay Bank, the theater’s 2011-2012 Season Sponsor, and Gabe Carbajal, Education and Programming Manager for the Kids Discovery Museum and former Educational Director and Summer Program Director at Bainbridge Performing Arts, joined the theater’s Board of Directors Dec. 1. Todd Eggers, a shareholder and key member of the management team of Southard, Beckham, Atwater & Berry, a CPA firm in Port Orchard that has clients across the US, joined the Board effective Jan. 1.

Rick has been with Liberty Bay Bank since 2010 and has been commuting from Edmonds until recently. He and his wife Janna were regular patrons at the Taproot Theater in Greenwood. They enjoyed the small, intimate feel of this lively community theater and are looking forward to being regular patrons at the Jewel Box. Rick will be helping the theater introduce businesses and other local organizations to the opportunities for performance buyouts and sponsorships, as well as to the excellent venue for fundraising by non-profits in our community.

Gabe comes to the Jewel Box after over five years creating and implementing children’s educational programming at Bainbridge Performing Arts. He is well known by both Board member Ashley Hurd and former Jewel Box artistic director Todd Erler. Gabe initiated the children’s theater program at BPA and grew it into a very successful enterprise. In addition to his theater work, Gabe manages education and programming for the Kids Discovery Museum and is a middle school math teacher at West Sound Academy.

Gabe is excited about launching a children’s theater program at the Jewel Box as part of its Second Stage offerings. Working with Gwen Adams, the theater’s new Artistic Director, the Jewel Box expects to begin telling patrons about this exciting new venture very soon, with the first programming scheduled late in the current season.

Todd has been with Southard, Beckham, Atwater & Berry since 1998. He is a graduate of South Kitsap High School and was introduced to community theater through his parents. That tradition continued as Todd’s children have had the benefit of grandparents who value the rich, theatrical arts scene in our area.

Todd attended Central Washington University in Ellensburg and is a Certified Public Accountant. He will bring his financial management expertise to the Treasurer’s role at the Jewel Box.

Todd and his wife, Susan, make their home in Poulsbo, and he is a member of the North Kitsap Poulsbo Rotary Club.

Key Volunteers Assume Expanded Roles
at the Jewel Box Theatre

The Board of the Jewel Box is very pleased to announce several expanded roles for key volunteers at the theater. Please join us in congratulating and thanking the individuals listed below:

Gwen Adams, a director and long-time volunteer at the Jewel Box, will be assuming the Artistic Director position officially on January 1. Todd Erler and his wife, Alice Ostdiek, have decided to start a family. Although Todd is stepping away from the Artistic Director position, he and Alice will continue to be involved with the theater as key volunteers in improv, acting, directing, and teaching.

Todd has done an exceptional job at the Jewel Box as its Artistic Director for over two years and as an actor and director for eight years. He has attracted new directors and performers to the theater, as well as recommending an assortment of plays and musicals each year which have been well received by our patrons. Todd started improv classes and expanded our Second Stage offerings of play readings and Poulsbo Live! The Board is very pleased that Todd will continue to be an active part of our Jewel Box Theatre family.

The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Gwen Adams into this new position. She has been serving as the Assistant Artistic Director for many months and knows the theater well. Gwen was the director of the Jewel Box productions of Spitfire Grill, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, and Grey Gardens. She is directing this season’s production of Nunsensations: the Nunsense Vegas Revue.

During the next several months, Gwen and Todd will work together to support the directors who are producing the fall’s shows so that there is a smooth transition, and they will be jointly involved in recommending plays and musicals for the 2012–2013 season.

Kate Nunes, JBT Board member, has become the Front of House Volunteer Coordinator for the Jewel Box. Since Kate joined the Board in June, she has been a very enthusiastic supporter of our volunteer program, bringing creative ideas for improving our volunteers’ experiences and reaching out to new volunteers. She has recruited new volunteers, helped streamline our scheduling processes and learned all the front of house positions, filling in when needed. Her experience in business and her work with community volunteer advisory groups is a big asset for the Jewel Box.

Shannon Stepan has become the Marketing Coordinator for the theater. Shannon has been maintaining the Jewel Box’s website and producing our weekly electronic newsletter, Out of the Jewel Box. As Marketing Coordinator, she will also write, edit, and produce our Treasure Chest quarterly newsletter, write and distribute all of the theater’s news releases about auditions, upcoming shows, and Second Stage events, and maintain our Facebook page. Shannon works closely with our graphic designer, Richard Thornton.

Jim Sund, Board member, has assumed the role of Acting Treasurer. Jim has been a Board member for over a year. He is taking care of the Jewel Box’s bills and receipts and producing the financial statements while the Board identifies a new Treasurer.

Jerry Deeter, Board member, has been elected for another two year term. Jerry has been an invaluable member who has taken care of the affairs of the Jewel Box facility and is responsible for coordinating the recent front entrance upgrade.

Judy Broeking, key volunteer and House Manager at the Jewel Box for many years, has taken on several administrative duties. She works with Jim Sund in accounting for the theater’s receipts, produces the comp tickets for the volunteers and tracks attendance at the performances.

Rotary Club of Poulsbo–North Kitsap
Supports Jewel Box Theatre with Gift of $3000

The Board of Directors has accepted the very generous initial gift of $1500, with an additional $1500 in matching funds from the Rotary Club of Poulsbo–North Kitsap. This donation goes a long way toward supporting the new light board that was recently installed, as well as the upgrade of the exterior of the theater which was accompanied by a new sign.

Poulsbo-North Kitsap Rotary has an extensive and proud history of supporting local organizations which contribute to the quality of life that makes Poulsbo such a special place to live. The theater is especially grateful to be among the names on that list.

Thank you very much.

Central Market Contributes $2,500 to Theater

Town & Country Markets Inc., including Central Market in Poulsbo, has contributed $2,500 to the Jewel Box Theatre-the largest single gift from a business the theater has ever received. The funds will be directed toward much-needed improvements in theater facilities, as well as to show sponsorship.

"We want to thank Town & Country and Central Markets for their generous support," said Jewel Box President Gary McVey. "The company strongly believes in supporting the communities it serves, and we're very proud to be one of their community partners. These funds will help us immensely as we continue to improve our facilities and stage high-quality shows that add vitality to downtown Poulsbo and North Kitsap."

“Town & Country Markets Inc. is a locally owned and operated independent retail grocery company. Founded in 1957 on Bainbridge Island, today the company operates six stores in the Puget Sound area, including three each under the Central Market and Town & Country Market banners.

David Bryant Named Theater’s Backstage Volunteer Coordinator

David Bryant has been appointed to the new position of Backstage Volunteer Coordinator for the Jewel Box Theatre. He will be responsible for recruiting, orienting and assigning backstage volunteers for each theater production, working closely with Managing Director Erin Denton Moydell, Artistic Director Todd Erler and Assistant Artistic Director Gwen Adams.

The owner of Ascent Home Repair and Improvement, Bryant has served in a number of backstage and front-of-house volunteer positions for the theater. Most recently, he served as stage manager for the theater’s production of The Price, and helped construct the set for Grey Gardens. He’s also volunteered for the theater as a lead set builder, light and sound tech, actor and in several front-of-house positions.

“We’re thrilled that David has stepped up to fill this important, new position,” said Moydell. “He’s served in many of the backstage volunteer positions that are critical to the theater’s success, and that will help immensely as we continue to assign current volunteers, as well as recruit and train new ones.”

Theater Announces New Seating Policy;
Season Ticket Holders, Entry Passes to Get Priority

The Jewel Box Theatre has initiated a new seating policy that gives priority to season ticket holders, as well as to those who arrive early to receive their entry passes.

Season ticket holders are now being admitted to the theater auditorium for seating ahead of other ticket buyers. Following season ticket holders, the theater is now admitting patrons to the auditorium in the order of their numbered entry passes. Entry passes are received at the ticket table in the theater lobby following purchase/check in.

In order to receive seating priority, season ticket buyers and entry pass holders must arrive and receive their passes at least 30 minutes prior to show time when the auditorium doors are opened. Patrons must remain in the lobby area to receive seating priority.

Other than these priority seating changes, the theater remains a general admission house, and sells no reserved seats. Patrons using wheelchairs, walkers, or with other physical disabilities will continue to receive seating priority - provided they arrive at least 30 minutes prior to curtain time. The exterior doors to the theater are opened one hour prior to show time to permit access to the lobby and to entry passes.

Season tickets for the current 2010-11 main stage season are still available and can be purchased at the theater, or by contacting jewelboxtickets@gmail.com, 360.697.3183. Four plays remain in the current season, which runs through August. They include Art (now through Feb. 20), The Price, Grey Gardens, and Dancing at Lughnasa.

Jewel Box Honored Among Best of Kitsap Theater for 2010

Kitsap Sun Theater Critic Michael Moore recently announced his Best of Kitsap Community Theater picks for 2010, and the Jewel Box Theatre and its performers received several accolades.

Steve Nagle, who delivered a riveting performance as Mickey in Greetings, was named Best Actor in the comedy/drama category. Fred Saas received an honorable mention in the same category for his acting work in Scotland Road.

Nicole Bird and Christine Usher received honorable mentions in the Best Actress/Musical category for their terrific roles in the popular, Spitfire Grill, directed by Gwen Adams.

In the Best Show, comedy/drama division, the Jewel Box’s productions of Scotland Road and Greetings were chosen for honorable mentions. Scotland Road was directed by Todd Erler, who also serves as the theater’s Artistic Director. Greetings was directed by Fred Saas - his first production at the Jewel Box and his first full-stage turn as director.

Congratulations to all of these Jewel Box performers and directors, as well to all of those who performed and participated in these award-winning shows. Thank you for sharing your talents with our patrons, and congratulations for being chosen among the best in Kitsap theater!

Key City Public Theatre in Port Townsend was named Best Theater for 2010, a distinction the Jewel Box received in 2009. There’s always next year! For a complete list of this year’s best in community theater winners, as selected by Michael Moore of the Kitsap Sun, go to: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/dec/19/from-the-cover-north-continues-to-rule-list-of/

Rotary Club of Poulsbo-North Kitsap and Local Businesses and Individuals Support the Jewel Box Theatre

The Rotary Club of Poulsbo-North Kitsap agreed to donate $1500 in matching funds if the theater could raise an additional $1500 from local businesses and individuals. Below are the individuals and organizations that stepped forward with contributions. This total gift of $3000 is in addition to the original $1500 donated by Rotary to support the exterior renovation of the theater.

The Board of Directors and volunteers of the theater thank the Rotary Club of Poulsbo-North Kitsap and our community for supporting our theater:

CAbi, Margene Smaaladen; DME Auto Service, Keith Russell; Edward Jones, Todd Tidball; Gresham Well Drilling, Craig Gresham; J.C. Madison, Inc., Chris Madison; KAT's Carpet Care, Julie Katana; Kitsap-Trident Homes, Jim and Justin Ingalls; Lucky Dog LLC, Bob Doane; Martha & Mary, Chad Solvie; Michele Interiors, Michele Doyle; RPM Systems Corporation, Steve Garfein; Ardis Morrow, Karl Hadley, Naveen Chaudhary, and Walt Washington.

Cindy Garfein is the New Jewel Box Board President

Cindy Garfein assumed the role of President on October 1. She joined the Jewel Box Board a year ago and has served as the Volunteer Coordinator and chair of the Gala Fundraiser Committee. Prior to retiring, Cindy worked for over twenty-five years in human resources and general management for major corporations and entrepreneurial, private companies.

Liberty Bay Bank to be Presenting Season Sponsor for 2011-12

Liberty Bay Bank of Poulsbo is partnering with the Jewel Box to be a Presenting Sponsor for the theater's entire 2011-12 season, which will run from September 2011 through August 2012.

Liberty Bay Bank's mission is to be the community bank of choice for businesses, professionals and individuals by providing personal relationship banking, responsible financial solutions and uncompromising customer care. The bank opened in 2009, and it has quickly established itself as the leading community bank in the region. The bank has partnered with the theater before as an individual show sponsor, and it has partnered with other nonprofits in the area, including North Kitsap Fishline. The bank is led by President Richard Darrow.

"We're thrilled to partner with Liberty Bay Bank as a Presenting Sponsor for our upcoming new season," said Gary McVey, president of the Jewel Box Theatre. "We've been one of the bank's customers from the beginning, and we've experienced first-hand the tremendous service they provide. They're a community bank that truly supports and invests in our community. There's a nice symmetry to Poulsbo's community bank and its community theater partnering together."

More information about the bank is available online at www.libertybaybank.com, or by phone at 360.779.4567. If your organization is interested in reaching new customers by partnering with the Jewel Box Theatre, please e-mail: jewelboxpoulsbo@hotmail.com.

The New Face of the Jewel Box

A facelift and renovation to the front entrance initiates the 11th season at the Jewel Box Theatre!

The creativity and vision of Gary McVey, former Jewel Box Theatre Board President, Jerry Deeter, Board member, and Bill Austin, local businessman and Poulsbo historian, made the project a reality.

Work on the project started in April when Richard Thornton, our volunteer designer, submitted several examples of updated logo designs for the theater to the Board.

Bill Austin volunteered to put forth his ideas for upgrading the front entrance and closing in the triangle area in the ceiling so that feathered friends of the theater would be encouraged to find another place to sit.

Bill also suggested the design for a lighted sign. After Jerry’s work with the City on permits, Bill’s construction expertise, and the very generous donation from Hanson Signs in Silverdale for much of the sign’s cost, the theater had a new “face”. The sign broadcasts the location of the Jewel Box to anyone passing by or driving through the Post Office.

Gifts from Central Market and the Rotary Club of Poulsbo-North Kitsap allowed the Jewel Box to go forward with the project in September. The sign was installed in the middle of The Marvelous Wonderettes and contributed to a sellout crowd the final weekend of the performance run.

Jerry Deeter and Bill Austin in front of the theater

Poulsbo Live! Second Season Results

During the successful second season of the open mic talent show hosted by MC Melissa Holiday, audiences were treated to performances by acts of all ages, with “winners” chosen by the audience. Winners from this season’s shows included rock band The Leading Indicators (Greg Warns, Sean Jones, and Kevin Parmley), dancer Melissa Spence, musician Antoine Perez, and magic duo Zachery Gregg and Cullen Shoquist.

This seasons "winners" were The Leading Indicators.

Thanks to all who participated!

Greetings most successful non-musical in JBT history!

It’s official! The Jewel Box Theatre’s recent production of Greetings was the best-attended and highest-earning non-musical production in the theater’s history. Nearly 1,000 people came to see the show, which sold-out several performances. Greetings was directed by Fred Saas, and it ran from Nov. 19-Dec. 12, 2010.

The success of Greetings, the second production in the theater’s 2010-11 season, comes on the heels of the record-setting show, The Great American Trailer Park Musical. Trailer Park, which opened the season last Fall, was the best-attended, highest-earning musical in theater history, drawing more than 1,200 patrons.

Greetings marked Saas’ first time directing a show at the Jewel Box. The production show received an honorable mention for Best Show in the 2010 West Sound community theater awards recently selected by Kitsap Sun Theater Critic Michael Moore.

“You couldn’t ask for a better start to the season than two record-setting shows,” said Jewel Box President Gary McVey. “It’s a credit to the quality and entertainment value of our productions.”

Nearly 70 volunteers teamed up to stage Greetings, including actors, back-stage, front-of-house, marketing and others. We’d like to thank and recognize all of them and invite the following to take a bow: Abi Campbell, Al Gunby, Alice Ostdiek, Carmen Pinto, Carol Durbin, Cass Quinn, Claudia Kilburn, Cori Donnelly, Danielle Mutter, David Bryant, Dolores Lynch, Donna Rice, Elisa Michelson, Erin Moydell, Evie Nelson, Fred Saas, Gail Strand, Garth Gunnarson, Gary McVey, Gwen Adams, Herron Miller, Janelle Jones, Jerry Deeter, Jerry Vogt, John Jensen, Jonathan Hibbs, Judy Broeking, Judy Thomas, Karen Archer, Kathryn Lisic, Kathy Currie, Kathy Willyard, Ken Evans, Kitty Evans, Larry Blain, Loretta Rossien, Loyd Jones, Lynda Pinkham, Marilyn Stuart, Mark Nass, Michael Donnelly, Michael Tucker, Michelle Peterson, Nancy Silk, Nancy Frye, Nicholette Neff, Pat Brown, Patty Brown, Paula Gritzmacher, Rhonda Selesnow, Richard Thornton, Rosy Bennett, Ruth Anne Hansen, Shannon Stepan, Sharon Greany, Sheila Romoff, Sonia Lien, Sonja Selboe, Steve Nagle, Susan Nass, Todd Erler, Tony Black, Tricia Grace, Trish Kaldenberg, Wayne Nelson.

Theater Uses Funds to Complete Lobby Renovations

The next time you visit the Jewel Box, we invite you to check out the recently completed improvements to the theater lobby. The face-lift was made possible by funds contributed at last year's Gems of the Jewel Box fund-raising event in Port Gamble.

The improvements include fresh paint in the theater atrium, lobby, and main hallway. In addition, a new hook-and-rail system was installed in the theater gallery space. The new system allows paintings, photographs, and other art works to be displayed more professionally and without causing damage to the lobby walls. The lobby renovation was coordinated by Jewel Box Board Member Jim Sund.

Fischer Painting of Kingston served as the painting contractor. The company co-sponsored the theater's recent production of Greetings. Ascent Home Repair and Improvement of Poulsbo installed the gallery hanging system. The firm sponsored the theater's production of The Great American Trailer Park Musical.

"We want to thank all of those individuals who contributed at last year's Gems fund-raising event for making our lobby renovations possible," said Jewel Box Theatre President Gary McVey. This marked the first time since the theater was constructed 10 years ago that we've been able to spruce up the lobby. It's made a real difference in the appearance of the theater, and we couldn't have done it without the support of our donors and sponsors."

Trailer Park Musical sets Attendance Record!

The Great American Trailer Park Musical, which closed Sunday, Oct. 17, was the best-attended show in the Jewel Box Theatre's 10-year history! The show, which was directed by Gwen Adams and featured a terrific cast, was seen by more than 1,200 people during its five-weekend run. In terms of attendance and revenue, the show beat out such previous popular Jewel Box productions of Sweet Charity, Spitfire Grill, and Nunsense. The theater had attempted to get the rights to the show for the past three years, and it was worth the wait. Ten of its 14 performances were sold out.

"The overwhelming success of Trailer Park Musical was a great way to kick off our new, 10th Anniversary Season," said Gary McVey, President of the Jewel Box Theatre Board of Directors. "Thanks to Director Gwen Adams, the very talented cast and crew, and to our front-of-house volunteers who graciously served record numbers of patrons."

The Jewel Box Theatre's Board of Directors would like to thank all of the volunteers and patrons who helped make The Great American Trailer Park Musical happen. More than 80 Jewel Box volunteers pitched in to stage the hit show, including cast, crew, front-of-house, marketing, and other volunteers.

Sincere thanks to all of those who attended the show, and to our wonderful volunteers who made it all possible. Gwen Adams, the talented Director of Trailer Park, also extended special gratitude to the theater's front-of-house volunteers who successfully served a record number of patrons.       

"On behalf of the Trailer Park cast and crew, I'd like to extend my special thanks to our wonderful volunteers," said Adams. "You set the tone as people come in the door and helped create a very positive experience for our audiences. You may not receive the applause on stage, but we are applauding you!"

If you haven't volunteered at the Jewel Box, consider what a difference you can make to your community theatre. It's a great way to meet new people, learn new things, and to support your community. We'll provide you with free training, free show tickets, and invitations to special volunteer-only events. To learn more about how to get involved, please contact volunteer coordinator Erin Denton Moydel at jbtvolunteers@gmail.com, or go to http://www.jewelboxpoulsbo.org/.