Staff, Volunteers Reflect on Door Community Auditorium Season

by Cari Lewis, Executive Director

Door Community Auditorium recently opened its 26th season. A dedicated cast of volunteers, year-round and seasonal staff, and independent contractors oversee the countless details associated with launching a new season. I asked some of these folks to share a few thoughts about their involvement here. I was struck by the various points of view and walks of life represented. We’re a diverse bunch, united by a love of the arts and bringing our community together.

Thor Thoreson

President, DCA Board of Directors; Owner/Operator Gills Rock Pottery

Q: What’s your favorite thing about opening a new season at DCA?

A: The unveiling of every new season reminds me of being a kid at Christmas.

Q: What 2017 arts events are you most excited about?

A: Josh Ritter. He’s an amazing songwriter and I’m a big fan. I’ll definitely be spending a lot of time at DCA. Beyond that, I plan on piling as much on my plate as I can…Players, Northern Sky, Birch Creek, Midsummer’s.

Q: What’s your favorite DCA memory?

A: After the Haiti earthquake, we put together a benefit concert. We wanted to present as many local artists as possible and everyone wanted to contribute. I remember Cynthia Stiehl and pat mAcdonald backstage talking. I don’t know if they’d ever met, but they were both waiting to go on, enjoying the moment and each other’s company, and maybe even a little nervous. I thought, “Wow. These two have such different talents, but here they are, sharing this moment, sharing their art with the community for a great cause.” They both knocked it out of the park. To me, that’s the essence of DCA, giving the arts a home, and a place to unite people.

Kurt Thomas

Technical Director

Q: What do you do at DCA?

A: I handle sound, lighting and staging for touring performers, school shows and assemblies. In a nutshell, I’m the first one in and last one out for every program.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about opening a new season?

A: The spring is packed with school and community events. When the season opens, I get to catch my breath and concentrate on one show at a time.

Q: What upcoming arts events excite you most?

A: DCA’s Blues and Roots Festival. We also have Fox Cities PAC season tickets so I’m excited to see those shows, and shows at Players and TAP.

Q: What’s your favorite DCA memory?

A: Watching my sons perform in school shows. Also seeing legends like Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, and Jackson Browne, and spending time in the Green Room with Arlo Guthrie and Richie Havens.

Joni Witalison

Volunteer/Event Captain/Parking Coordinator; Owner/Operator, A Cut Above

Q: What’s your favorite thing about opening a new season at DCA?

A: Trying to figure out who’s coming, and meeting new volunteers.

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your role at DCA?

A: Fitting all the shows into our schedule.

Q: What 2017 DCA event are you most excited about?

A: America!

Q: What’s your favorite DCA memory?

A: I was the “runner” for the Ziggy Marley show. I got to drive Ziggy and his family around and tell them all about our beautiful county!

Alan Kopischke

Production Manager; Acting Instructor; Door Kinetic Arts Festival Producer

Q: What do you do at DCA?

A: Primarily I handle logistics with incoming acts – coordinating schedules, lodging, meals, directions and providing Door County info.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about opening a new season at DCA?

A: Seeing our volunteers.

Q: What 2017 DCA event are you most excited about?

A: Indigo Girls. I’ve always loved their music, and their 2011 concert was fantastic.

Q: Favorite DCA memories?

A: Seeing my kids onstage in concerts and plays, Door Idol, and the play my daughter directed and produced.

Katie Dahl

Freelance PR Writer for DCA; Singer-songwriter; Playwright

Q: What’s your favorite thing about opening a new season?

A: Finding out all the new acts!

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your role?

A: Coming up with different adjectives for every act.

Q: What 2017 DCA event are you most excited about?

A: I’m excited to release my new CD, Solid Ground: The Songs of Fred Alley with Eric Lewis and Rich Higdon at DCA on Aug. 23!

Q: Outside of DCA, what 2017 arts/humanities event are you most excited about?

A: I’m excited about my show Victory Farm playing at Northern Sky Theater.

Q: What’s your favorite DCA memory?

A: Jimmy Kaplan and Friends YMCA Benefit Concert in 1997

Photo by Len Villano.

Nick Hoover

Box Office & Production Assistant; Singer/Multi-instrumentalist; Massage Therapist

Q: What do you do at DCA?

A: A little of everything. I began working for DCA last summer distributing the coasters you find in Door County bars and restaurants. After that, I filled in as production manager and worked on the stage crew; setting up microphones, monitors, running cables, etc. Now, I’m frequently found in the box office selling tickets.

Q: What 2017 events are you most excited about?

A: Temptations, Josh Ritter, The Songs of pat mAcdonald, and June Falling Down. June Falling Down has a special place in my heart as I play a part in the film and saw how hard the filmmakers worked to make it a reality.

Peninsula Arts and Humanities Alliance, Inc., which contributes Culture Club throughout the summer season, is a coalition of nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to enhance, promote and advocate the arts, humanities and natural sciences in Door County.