The Importance of Being Earnest STAFF

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Producer / Director
Shane Emery
This is Shane's third production with the Bedford Theatre Arts program and his second year teaching at Bedford High School. Outside of the theater, he can be found teaching 9th and 10th grade English, advising the high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance, or getting lost in the woods. He would like to thank the incredibly talented cast and crew for the time and energy they've invested in this production, as well as the Supporting Cast for their invaluable contributions. Enjoy the show!
Tech Director/Assist. Director/Producer
Brandon Smith
This is Brandon’s ninth show with Bedford and his fifth year in the district.. During the day he can be found hopping between buildings as the choir director for Bedford High School and Junior High School. He is also an active Barbershopper, directing the “City Lights Chorus” and competing/performing in five countries and counting with the 2018 BHS YBQC International Quartet Champions “Frontier”. He would like to thank the wonderful cast and crew for all of their hard work, the Supporting Cast for all of their dedication, Kathy Giese, Shane Emery, and his wife Elizabeth for her support and patience. Enjoy the show!
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Set Designer
William J. Priest
Bill practically lived in the BHS theater during high school. Since graduation, Bill has continued to enjoy both sides of the stage. He has served as producer, technical director, production trustee, lighting, sound, stage manager and set design/construction. He has appeared in dozens of shows with various companies. He has received several OCTA Merit Awards for set design and acting. When not on stage, or back stage, Bill’s hobby is genealogy.
Construction Coordinator
Jeff Bennett
Jeff has been the Construction Coordinator for Bedford High School for the past five shows and has been working with the theatre department for the past seven years. When not working on the productions he can be found as the Captain of the Sylvania Fire Department, in charge of the safety and training of the entire department. During the summers he can be found on the lake with his family or doing various home projects. Jeff would like to thank the students for allowing him to live vicariously though them and he is continually impressed with all of their hard work and dedication to the program!
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Costumer/Prop Coordinator
Kathy Giese
This is Kathy’s ninth show with the Bedford Theater Department. In addition, Kathy has been the head of the uniform squad for the Bedford Music Department for eighteen consecutive years! When she is not at the school, which isn’t often, Kathy can be found working on band, choir and orchestra uniforms at home! Kathy would like to thank the amazing cast and crew. It is their incredible attitude and cooperation that brings her back to the program year after year, even after her own grandchildren have graduated!
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Assist. Costumer
Sarah Duarte
Debbie has been a semi-professional wig / hairpiece expert since 2012. Her first production was in a small community theatre in Sioux City, Iowa and has most recently worked with the touring productions of Shrek and Beauty and the Beast. Debbie would like to thank her younger sister Little Debbie for treating her well over the years.