It was in January of 2005 when NeCole, Cara and Katherine met to discuss their desire to put on a simple family oriented play.  They soon found themselves inspired with the need to bring to the people of the Gorge another theater company “dedicated to creating a legacy of uplifting experiences in the theater".  Together they have enjoyed an adventure in creating Hood River Valley Playhouse.

 Much has transpired since that winter day over a year ago, but what has remained constant is the conviction these three ladies have to their dream for community theater.  As they have researched, studied and ventured into the community to gather support for their cause, they have been humbled by the generosity as well as enthusiasm of local businesses and fellow citizens alike.  Working with family, old friends as well as new friends brings an increase of joy to this mission.  A “legacy of uplifting experiences in theater” is already being enjoyed.

   Besides being a piano teacher for 13 years, NeCole sang with the Vikolair jazz choir for 3 years and competed nationally and internationally.  She won the best female soloist award at the Nevada International Jazz Festival presented by the Hi-Lows and Beachfront Property in 1992.  She has been involved in theatre since she was young, having many opportunities to sing, act, choreograph, and direct in community and church plays and events, including the Lions Follies.  She has privately studied piano, voice, violin, cello, and musical theatre.  Although she loves to sing and to be a ham on stage, NeCole’s greatest joy is that of being a full time director and CEO of the Webster family household.  When asked about directing “The Sound of Music” and how much work that will be, NeCole raises her eyebrows and simply says “You can’t scare me, I have 6 children”.  NeCole is the wife of Addison Webster and the mother of 3 sons and 3 daughters.

Cara has been involved in dancing, theater and entertainment for as long as she can remember.  Having performed in church and community as well as on the PBS series "Reading Rainbow", her love for the theater inspired her training in Musical Dance Theater at Brigham Young University.  She also enjoyed performing in summer stock theater at The Playmill at Yellowstone Park.  Her current and most demanding role is that of a full-time wife and mother to her six children who range from age four months to fifteen years.  Between dirty diapers and dishes she has enjoyed the opportunity to direct children's performing groups and other church and community productions including the Hood river Lion's Follies.

 

 

 

          Katherine’s involvement in theater had a humble beginning. It all started with ironing seventy-five yards of fabric for the set of her middle-school’s theatrical production of “Harvey”.  Bringing a show to life is in itself a great reward to Katherine.  She has assisted behind the scenes as her family performed in productions for the Salt Lake Repertory Theater and Linwood Playhouse in Utah from 1989 to 1992.  Since moving to the gorge in 1994, she and her family have enjoyed a close association with The Theater Company of The Dalles and Encore Performing Arts.  Katherine has also been her church’s Children’s Choir director for five years collectively.  Katherine’s most rewarding work has been within the walls of her home as a full-time homemaker.  She is the wife of Don Arbon and the mother to two sons and a married daughter.