Charles John Huffam Dickens; 7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870 was an English novelist and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters, and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and, by the 20th century, critics and scholars had recognized him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are widely read today. Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school at the age of 12 to work in a boot-blacking factory when his father John was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. After three years he returned to school, before he began his literary career as a journalist. Dickens edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed readings extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, for education, and for other social reforms. Dickens's literary success began with the 1836 serial publication of The Pickwick Papers, a publishing phenomenon—thanks largely to the introduction of the character Sam Weller in the fourth episode—that sparked Pickwick merchandise and spin-offs. Within a few years Dickens had become an international literary celebrity, famous for his humor, satire and keen observation of character and society. His novels, most of them published in monthly or weekly installments, pioneered the serial publication of narrative fiction, which became the dominant Victorian mode for novel publication. Cliffhanger endings in his serial publications kept readers in suspense. The instalment format allowed Dickens to evaluate his audience's reaction, and he often modified his plot and character development based on such feedback. For example, when his wife's chiropodist expressed distress at the way Miss Mowcher in David Copperfield seemed to reflect her own disabilities, Dickens improved the character with positive features. His plots were carefully constructed and he often wove elements from topical events into his narratives. Masses of the illiterate poor would individually pay a halfpenny to have each new monthly episode read to them, opening up and inspiring a new class of readers. His 1843 novella A Christmas Carol remains especially popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities (set in London and Paris) is his best-known work of historical fiction. The most famous celebrity of his era, he undertook, in response to public demand, a series of public reading tours in the later part of his career. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social or working conditions, or comically repulsive characters.

Ray's adaption of the Dicken's Classic has been shown to sold out audiences in several venues over the years, and each year a little extra something is added to the production to make it fresh. Ray wears many hats at our theater. He is our foundation President, and from time to time you might catch him either in a play or directing a play. In this current season he has directed, ‘A Christmas Carol’, and 'Clue', both to sold out audiences. In the past, he has directed, ‘Over the River and Through the Woods’, ‘Sing On!’, and ‘The Thanksgiving Play’ for those who want to be more ‘woke’. A child actor appearing in numerous commercials, he later progressed to be a well-publicized stand-up comedian, comedy writer, and seasoned actor/director. Ray now in fact owns an Allstate agency in Springfield and is our primary benefactor responsible for over $250,000 theater buildout and our new 6,000 square foot facility, 44-foot stage, and 200-tiered seating auditorium as well as many other improvements all part of his vision of bringing a real community theater to his home town. Ray along with his wife Catherine, son Thomas, and daughter Noelle all reside is North Stafford on several acres, zoned peaceful, quiet, and actor friendly. He is currently working on writing an update to the classic, On the Golden Pond' which he hopes to produce nationally, but firs ton our state celebrating our 25th season, as a tribute to the first play every performed at Stage Door Productions. keep an eye out for this future production. It is expected to be both funny and meaningful.

Working as a team with her husband, Cathy always finds ways to keep the cast on their toes and to drive fresh new performances out of them each year. Catherine is' related' to the theater through marriage and motherhood. One might say she was dragged into the behind the scenes work after being married to a thespian and raising another for many years. Occasionally hosting a cast party, she has now started to take on more and more active roles. She has on several occasions Stage Managed a production for Stage Door. We expect soon to have her join the other actors in the spotlight - on stage one day. Catherine sits on the Foundation Board of Directors and along with her husband owns and manages an Allstate Insurance Agency in Springfield Virginia, which supports this theater financially.

Cathy came to the rescue last year when A Christmas Carol set had to complete a twenty four hour make-over. She has since taken on the leadership role at Stage Door as Facilities Manager and Set Construction Designer. If you have seen a recent Stage Door Play, odds are you have seen her handy work when it comes to amazing designs. Her multi-wall, 14 door Clue Set was out of this world, and her Singing in the Rain as well as Annie Jr, are also wonders to have seen. She, along with her team of volunteers have created a three-dimensional multi-faceted design to Stage Door productions and we are forever grateful.