Below you will find information about each of the candidates who qualified to be on the ballot for the Lake County Theatre Company Elections in order by last name. All the information below was written and submitted by each candidate. The information has been copied to this webpage. Please read all of the information before making your selection. You may vote for up to 7 candidates.
The following are running for a position on the Board of Directors: Laura Barnes, Tim Barnes, Carrie Ann Eve-Laubach, Gunay Karimova, Laura McAndrews Sammell, Emil Roessingh, Jenna Rodgers, Marie Schrader, John Tomlinson, June Wilson-Clarkin
CLICK HERE to go to the ballot. You must use the email that we have on file for you in order to have your vote count. For those who renewed via PayPal, you must use the email on your PayPal account.
Barnes, Laura
| Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors? |
| Laura Barnes served on the LCTC board of directors for many years; she stepped down in 2019, shortly after her second child was born. Now that her own children are a bit older and she is able to return to the LCTC Board of Directors, she hopes to work collaboratively toward offering more theatrical opportunities to the youth of our community, as well as continuing to offer a variety of quality live entertainment for Lake County to enjoy. She also hopes to help create a welcoming and friendly environment on the board of directors, as well as LCTC as a whole. |
Briefly describe the skills/experience that you bring to the LCTC Board.
Laura Barnes started working and playing with LCTC in 2006. She served on the Board of Directors from 2007 to 2019, and was board secretary and historian for most of that time. Laura produced many shows for LCTC, including The Musical of Musicals, the Musical!, Spamalot, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Producers, Rumors, An Evening of One Acts, Shakespeare at the Lake, and more. Along with her husband, Tim, Laura was instrumental in bringing several successful fundraisers to LCTC, including the Mr. Lake County Pageant, Adult Prom, and A Night of Magic. The Mr. Lake County Pageant alone has raised over $50,000 for LCTC. While Laura is happy to make things happen behind the scenes, she also enjoys performing. You may remember her as “Janet” in the Rocky Horror Show, “Roxy” in Chicago, or “Shelby” in Steel Magnolias. Laura has served on various boards and committees for her church, for the Lake County Passion Play, and she is currently the secretary of Konocti Christian Academy school board. Laura is an elementary school teacher by day, and has directed over 20 children’s productions and talent shows at local elementary schools. She is excited to re-join the LCTC board of directors and hopes to use her time, talents, and experience to make our local theater scene even better!
Barnes, Tim (Current Board Member)
| Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors? |
| My goal is to ensure that LCTC is a place where the community can enjoy high-quality theatrical entertainment. I hope to help resurrect a place where people feel comfortable and have a sense of community and where artistic growth and cooperation thrive. |
Briefly describe the skills/experience that you bring to the LCTC Board.
Tim Barnes has been a member of LCTC since 2006, when it was LCP & LCRT. Tim has been seen onstage as “Curly” in Oklahoma, “R.P. McMurphy” in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and “Charlie” in Flowers for Algernon, to name a few. He has taken the director’s helm on The Rocky Horror Show, Animal Farm, and others. Tim served as the Mayor of Lakeport and often finds himself in leadership roles. As a high school theatre teacher. Tim’s primary goal, and the goal of many of the new people running for the board, is to create more theatrical opportunities for the youth in our community. Tim, and his wife Laura, brought the Mr. Lake County Pageant, Adult Prom, An Evening of One Acts, Gen-X Cinema, and a Night of Magic to Lake County during their previous stints on the board of directors. Tim has also owned and managed three small businesses: Cheese’s Pizza, The Game Shop, and Sounds Like Fun!. Tim just completed his 10th year of board service and is seeking two more years! Tim has an AA in Theatre Arts and a BA in Business Management. He also holds two teaching credentials and is in the middle of pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
Eve-Laubach, Carrie Ann
| Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors? |
| Carrie Ann has a passion for theatre education and wants to create more opportunities for the youth in our community to take the stage. |
Briefly describe the skills/experience that you bring to the LCTC Board.
Carrie Ann’s first show with LCTC was in 2011 in the ensemble of The Wizard of Oz. She then spent seven years in Ashland, Oregon getting a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts with a minor of Shakespearean studies, and performed in 20 different productions. She also studied choreography and choreographed at the high school level and the community theater level in Oregon.
In 2019, Carrie Ann returned to Lake County and LCTC, performing at the Mr. Lake County Pageant, the stage musical Chicago and as assistant director for Alice in Pantoland.
Carrie was on the board from 2021-2023. While on the board she worked on social media and the newsletter. Carrie Ann took a break from the board when her son was born.
Carrie Ann spent the last three years as the Middletown High School drama teacher where she taught classes about acting and technical theater and she directed shows, and became an advisor for student directors. Before MHS she worked at the elementary level.
Karimova, Gunay
| Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors? |
| I want to contribute my time and energy for Lake County’s development so I am looking for interesting and suitable opportunities in here. I also enjoy very much performing on the stage so it will be such full filling experience! |
Briefly describe the skills/experience that you bring to the LCTC Board.
I am very new in acting / performing in general. I do not have lots of previous professional experience in this domain but I am young and motivated. I truly believe I can bring some fresh air to LCTC, innovative ideas, my commitment on the projects could be a big help in its wonderful work for our community! Thank you for all you do for Lake County!
McAndrews Sammel, Laura
| Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors? |
| Laura wants to see the Lake County Theatre Company expand its reach into other areas of Lake County and provide more inclusive performing opportunities, especially for youth. Her ability to foster a welcoming environment on a board of directors lies in her collaborative approach, effective communication skills, and commitment to finding common ground among diverse perspectives will assist to that end. |
Briefly describe the skills/experience that you bring to the LCTC Board.
Laura was in her first production, starring in her Junior High School’s production, of A Little Match Girl at the tender age of 11. She became a member of LCTC since she appeared in her first show with the company in 2011 as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. Since then, she has also been seen in other LCTC productions as Florence Unger in Odd Couple The Female Version, several characters in The Farnsdale Avenue…Murder Mystery, Tiger Lily in Peter Pan, Laurie Williams in Oklahoma!, Velma in Chicago, and Violet in Nine to Five the Musical. Additionally, Laura also produced two fundraising events for LCTC: Adult Prom in 2019 and Winter Dance Party in 2020. Laura has other extensive experience in the local performing arts scene such as with MurderUs Productions, New Vintage Productions, and the Lake County Who’s Who Celebrity Lip Sync that the Chamber of Commerce once produced. She has also been a member of My Divas, singing alto in the women’s a cappella singing group, since 2012. Laura currently serves as Vice President of the Lake County Economic Development Corporation (a position that is also Chair of their Finance Committee), Treasurer of the Lake County Arts Council, and Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Lakeport. Laura has earned her Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) and works as the CEO of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce (aka: her day job). Laura’s strengths include executive leadership, nonprofit management, strategic planning, and financial administration.
Roessingh, Emil (Current Board Member)
| Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors? |
| I would like to focus on building sets for all productions and maintaining and improving our storage space. |
Briefly describe the skills/experience that you bring to the LCTC Board.
Several years in professional set construction in movies and plays. I have been a volunteer and Board member for several non-profit and volunteer organizations including Senior Citizens Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Theatre groups. I am a retired Journeyman Carpenter with experience in home construction and renovations in Canada.
Rodgers, Jenna
Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors?
I have been a part of LCTC since 2008. In that time I have participated on stage as “Lady of the Lake,” in Spamalot, “Nurse Wendy Marsh,” in The Dastardly Doctor Devereaux and other roles. I have also participated off stage, assistant producing and assistant directing shows like The Dastardly Doctor Devereaux and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I am running for the board to lend my skills and talents to a group I believe in. I am looking to help create more experiences on the south shore, and supporting opportunities for Lake County’s youth to benefit from participating in theater. I have been a teacher in Lake County since 2007, and I have taught every grade from Kindergarten to College. I think a lot of the skills I have as an organized and fair teacher will translate into being an organized and fair member of the board.
| Briefly describe the skills/experience that you bring to the LCTC Board. |
| Producing experience, writing programs, writing newspaper articles, working with children |
Schrader, Marie (Current Treasurer)
| Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors? |
| It has been a privilege serving on the Board of Directors since 2017. Since that time the Lake County Theatre Company has seen a lot of growth. I would like to continue to contribute to LCTC by serving on the Board of Directors. I enjoy working in a collaborative environment and look forward to expanding the reach of LCTC to all corners of Lake County. I would support LCTC forming a subsidiary organization for the students to keep them involved and teach them about theater. |
Briefly describe the skills/experience that you bring to the LCTC Board.
I have been serving as the Treasurer of LCTC since 2018. I also serve on the Public Relations Committee and do all of the social media marketing for LCTC and am the webmaster. I edit and publish the monthly newsletter and, with the exception of a few months, have done so since 2018. I maintain the membership records on the Mail Chimp program and cross reference it with the Quickbooks accounting program to ensure accuracy. My background in business (20 years of successful office management) and my current position as a social media marketing manager are valuable assets to the Lake County Theatre Company. I created the current website, set up the current financial system on Quickbooks Online, and have secured grants and free services for LCTC based on my business knowledge and background. My accounting background has made it possible for LCTC to produce accurate financial records that are cross referenced and documented. I have done accounting for various organizations in Lake County including the Lakeport Main Street Association, The Lake County Arts Council (where I supplied reports to the Treasurer), and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. I come to LCTC with a degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance. A teacher in the Windsor School District for 15 years, I music directed “1776”, “Once Upon A Mattress”, “Bye Bye Birdie”, and “Fiddler On The Roof”. While with LCTC I have been the music director for “The Producers”, “Oklahoma”, “Chicago, and “9 to 5, The Musical”. My expertise in music direction coupled with my knowledge of music computer programs and my expertise in vocal performance pedagogy, has given the LCTC musicals “the professional touch” in recent years. I have directed such vocal groups as My Divas (Lake County), United Christian Parish Choirs, Bell Choir and Band (Lake County), The Sonoma Valley Children’s Chorus (Sonoma County), The Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus (Sonoma County), The Windsor High School Choir, The Windsor High School Chamber Singers, The Brooks Elementary School Chorus (75 members), The Kenwood Elementary School Chorus (150 members). I have performed with the Twelfth Night Singers, the Santa Rosa Chorale, the Northern California Chamber Chorale (touring Europe twice with this group). From 1998 until 2010 I was the Director of Children’s Theater for the Santa Rosa Park and Recreation Department doing 3 full shows per year and one 2-week Children’s Summer Theater Camp. I am currently a member of the Rotary Club of Lakeport where I have served on their Board of Directors for the past 2 years. I have substituted for their Treasurer when he was out on medical leave. The committees I serve on are: Public Relations (where I am the webmaster of their website, and do all of the social media marketing), Speaker Committee, and various fundraising committees.
Tomlinson, John
| Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors? |
| John seeks to join the Lake County Theatre Company board, bringing with him 30 years of passion for theater and a commitment to serving the community through creative endeavors. |
Briefly describe the skills/experience that you bring to the LCTC Board.
John teaches theatre courses at Mendocino College and Woodland Community College, now in his 11th year. He is interested in seeing more opportunities for young people in the community to perform. An ambassador for theatre and all forms of creativity, John works hard to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment in our small theatre community. John found a passion for theatre in his 20s in Santa Barbara. After taking all of the theatre courses at Santa Barbara City College, he continued studying and performing at Chico State. After receiving a BA in theatre performance, he went on to Chicago to study more. He received his MFA in performance and did some professional theatre before returning to California. That is when he found LCTC, which he now considers his theatre home and family. He acted in a few shows before directing his first show for the company, The Foreigner, in 2010. John has acted in well over a dozen shows for LCTC, and has directed a dozen more, including 3 musicals (Rocky Horror Show, Oklahoma! and Chicago). He has piloted and directed the Shakespeare at the Lake program, now rehearsing for its ninth consecutive season. Beyond LCTC involvement, John has taught low-cost improvisation classes at the Lake County Arts Council, free drama classes for youth with Safe Spaces Drama Club, and volunteers with three local high schools to offer improv workshops and acting coaching. He helped create Merry Christmas Scrooge, which showcased over 20 children on the Soper Reese stage in an original play. He has created and produced in venues in Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Middletown, Upper Lake, Nice, Lucerne, Cobb, and Lakeport. He has worked on stages, painted sets, hung lights, set up sound, acted, fight directed, mentored directors, directed, stage managed, house managed, and/or attended every LCTC show since Fiddler in 2007. John is dedicated to the joy of theatre, the confidence theatre builds, and the relationships built in creating theatre together as a chosen family.
Wilson-Clarkin, June
| Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors? |
| Theater is one of my happy places. I work very long hours at my private practice, and I know that the key to happiness is to have balance in your life. I want to help grow this company so that LCTC can reach its full potential. Community theater is an important part of Lake County. LCTC has brought much laughter and joy to so many people over the years. I want to be part of that positive energy we bring to Lake County, not just through being a cast member but also being part of the board. |
Briefly describe the skills/experience that you bring to the LCTC Board.
As many of you know I have been acting with this company for the past ten years. I recently took on the role of producer for Lip Sync. This was a very challenging task that I had no previous knowledge or experience doing yet I took it on and did not stop when things got challenging (and oh boy did they!) I am not a quitter and when I set my mind to do something I WILL get the job done!
I have great organizational skills and pay attention to detail. I would like to help create a more user friendly and explanatory spread sheet for producers to use so that the things can flow more smoothly and hopeful with less stress.
I have offered team building trainings to several companies in Lake County over the years. I was a Team Leader for Lake County Behavioral Health for ten years. I implemented Fun Friday activities to help improve staff moral and team building with much success. I am very much a solution focused thinker and have found this approach to be very effective in reaching goals and decreasing tension in companies.
I hope to be able to use my clinical expertise to be a voice of reason in this company so that we can move towards becoming a more united front for the best interest of LCTC and our community. Thanks for taking the time to read my application.