"What a pleasure it was to come to Bend at the invitation of the Ponderosa Players, to attend their dress rehearsal of Guys and Dolls, and to conduct a master class with the company. It was the most gratifying experience I’ve had in a long time.

I was deeply impressed how these young people, under Kisky’s and Dash’s direction, put together a large-cast production of a very complicated show, with countless costume changes, in a short period of time, and in a very modest space. A huge triumph.

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I loved interacting with these young actors during the master class. The five brave individuals who presented their audition songs were extremely impressive; I felt that any of them could have a career in musical theatre if they applied themselves.

Experiencing their energy and enthusiasm revitalized my own belief in musical theatre as a precious art form. I applaud the Ponderosa Players for the company’s devotion to encouraging the artistic growth of young actors, with a focus on excellence and professionalism."

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ALLEN FITZPATRICK 

50 year working professional actor in New York City, NY and Seattle, WA