PCPA | Santa Ynez Valley Star https://santaynezvalleystar.com The only source for all news about the Santa Ynez Valley - local fresh news and lifestyle Fri, 30 May 2025 21:28:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cropped-SYVS-Circle-Logo-32x32.jpg PCPA | Santa Ynez Valley Star https://santaynezvalleystar.com 32 32 195921705 Solvang Theaterfest looks forward to entertaining summer season https://santaynezvalleystar.com/solvang-theaterfest-looks-forward-to-entertaining-summer-season/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=20910 Pablo Cruise’s May 24 concert was just the first of several shows at the venue this summer Solvang Theaterfest kicked off with style on Memorial Day weekend with the iconic sounds of Pablo Cruise heard at the venue during it’s May 24 concert, and there are more shows on the way. “This Memorial Day weekend concert […]

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Pablo Cruise’s May 24 concert was just the first of several shows at the venue this summer

Solvang Theaterfest kicked off with style on Memorial Day weekend with the iconic sounds of Pablo Cruise heard at the venue during it’s May 24 concert, and there are more shows on the way.

“This Memorial Day weekend concert is a perfect opportunity to kick off the summer with great music and even better company,” said Chantel Green, executive director of Solvang Theaterfest before the Pablo Cruise performance. “It’s one of many highlights in our already packed season.”

A crowd enjoys a performance during last year’s Theaterfest season. Contributed Photo

Following a successful start to the season, Theaterfest’s “Music in the Garden” series continues with intimate Sunday afternoon shows featuring local and touring talent across a variety of genres, including:

  • Doublewide Kings – Roadhouse Rock & Roll, June 8
  • Jeffrey East – Nashville-Inspired Soul, June 22
  • The Storytellers – Americana Roots, July 13
  • Left On Tenth – Indie, Funk, Reggae, Rock, July 20
  • The Molly Ringwald Project – Totally ’80s, Totally Awesome, July 27
  • Doctor Wu – A Steely Dan Tribute, August 10
  • Soul Majestic – Soulful Reggae Vibes, August 24

The season continues with exciting fall performances, including Mat Kearney on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and One Night of Queen featuring Gary Mullen & The Works on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Stay tuned for more exciting shows coming soon, including comedian Orny Adams on Sept. 13 — tickets available June 3.

In addition, PCPA’s summer productions will be lighting up the stage at the Solvang Festival Theater from June 19 to Sept. 7 with performances showcasing the incredible talent of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre. Be sure to check their schedule at pcpa.org for upcoming shows that are sure to impress!

Solvang Theaterfest is also proud to introduce Lacie Stricklin as its new House Manager. Lacie continues to run the Valley Glee and Junior Theater programs through Arts Outreach, bringing the next generation of theater talent into the community. A proud descendant of one of the original settling families of Lompoc, Lacie’s deep ties to the Santa Ynez Valley are matched by her passion for nurturing young performers and cultivating creative expression. Her ongoing dedication to the youth arts in the area makes her an invaluable member of the Solvang Theaterfest team.

Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome Linda Preston, a returning house manager with over 25 years of volunteer service to the theater. This is her second year back in the house manager role after a dedicated history of supporting the theater’s events and operations. Linda’s wealth of experience and ongoing commitment to Solvang Theaterfest make her an invaluable part of our team, and we are grateful to have her continue her work with us. Linda’s involvement is a testament to the dedicated volunteers in our Red Coats program, who help ensure that every show runs smoothly and that our guests enjoy a memorable experience.

For tickets, full calendar details, and volunteer opportunities, visit SolvangTheaterfest.org.

About Solvang Theaterfest

Solvang Theaterfest is a nonprofit organization that celebrates community, creativity, and live performance in the Santa Ynez Valley. With a 700-seat outdoor venue, the theater hosts a variety of performances and events, offering memorable experiences under the stars.

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PCPA holding auditions for ‘The Secret Garden’ https://santaynezvalleystar.com/pcpa-holding-auditions-for-the-secret-garden/ Tue, 07 Sep 2021 08:18:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=16453 Company seeking two young performers to play Mary, Colin Staff Report The PCPA will be holding auditions Sept. 10 and 11 to fill the roles of two young characters in its production of the Broadway play “The Secret Garden.” Two young performers are sought to play Mary Lennox, the lead, and Colin Craven, a featured […]

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Company seeking two young performers to play Mary, Colin

Staff Report

The PCPA will be holding auditions Sept. 10 and 11 to fill the roles of two young characters in its production of the Broadway play “The Secret Garden.”

Two young performers are sought to play Mary Lennox, the lead, and Colin Craven, a featured role. 

The production is slated to open Nov. 11 at the Marian Theater on the Allan Hancock College campus and run through Dec. 23.

“The Secret Garden,” a musical adaption of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s that debuted on Broadway 30 years ago, is the story of young Mary Lennox, orphaned by an epidemic, who is sent from British colonial to a home she’s never know in Yorkshire, England. There she finds a mysterious house and a family shrouded in secrets.

The roles being filled are for Mary Lennox and Colin Craven, Mary’s cousin whom she discovers in the house. PCPA is interested in all ethnicities and is seeking young performers who are 12 years old or older who look to be 11. PCPA hopes to double cast both roles.

Auditions will be Friday, Sept. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Marian Theater on the Hancock campus, 870 S. Bradley Road in Santa Maria. Callbacks will be Saturday, Sept. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. 

Hancock College and Actors Equity Association require that everyone involved in the production must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Parents, guardians and young performers will need to show proof of vaccination before the first rehearsal on Sept. 28.

All who are interested in being considered must come to the auditions on Sept. 10. Some who audition on that day will be invited to the callbacks on Sept. 11.

The young actors will be seen in the order that they arrive. Masks are required for all while inside the building. The young performers will take off their mask to sing their prepared song.  

Prospective performers are asked to prepare approximately 60 seconds of a song from a musical. The song must be memorized.

Performers are also asked to bring sheet music in the correct key. The PCPA will provide an accompanist.

The role of Mary Lennox will be the lead of the show. PCPA is looking for a very strong singer who sings several songs by herself.

The character is a young privileged British girl who has been raised in India by servants. She is sent to live in England with an uncle she’s never met after her parents die from cholera. She is quite the curious explorer and she often finds herself in trouble. She is stubborn and always fights for what she believes in.

The role of Colin Craven is a featured role played by a good singer (boy soprano) who must be comfortable singing by himself.

The character is a young privileged British boy who has been raised in England by servants. He has spent his life in bed due to a heart condition. He is very stubborn and throws temper tantrums to get what he wants. He believes his father hates him for causing his mother’s death.

Mary’s portrayer will be the lead of the show, and will be called to almost all of the rehearsals. Colin’s portrayer will have a very important featured role, and will be called to most of the rehearsals. Both actors will be asked to miss some school during the week before the show opens and for Wednesday and Thursday matinees.

For more information, call the PCPA business office at 805-928-7731 or go to pcpa.org.

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‘Together: A Musical Journey’ playing under the stars in Solvang https://santaynezvalleystar.com/together-a-musical-journey-playing-under-the-stars-in-solvang/ Tue, 20 Jul 2021 12:10:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=16157 PCPA marks return to live performances at Festival Theater Staff Report PCPA returns with live performances in the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater with a musical concert written by Erik Stein July 21 through Aug. 7.  All performances are at 8 p.m.  “Together: A Musical Journey,” with musical direction by Michael Wilkins, is directed by Katie […]

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PCPA marks return to live performances at Festival Theater

Staff Report

PCPA returns with live performances in the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater with a musical concert written by Erik Stein July 21 through Aug. 7.  All performances are at 8 p.m. 

“Together: A Musical Journey,” with musical direction by Michael Wilkins, is directed by Katie Fuchs-Wackowski and features PCPA resident artists Kitty Balay, Andrew Philpot, Yusef Seevers, Erik Stein, Emily Trask and George Walker, and guest artist Annali Fuchs-Wackowski. 

After more than a year apart, “Together” is a celebration of being able to share experiences — through story and song — again in the same room. It is a new live and in-person concert that revels in the simple fact that life is better when we live it together. Seven actors and musicians take the audience on a musical journey that celebrates our shared experiences and the stories that have yet to be told — tales of the like-minded and adventures of those that dance to a different beat. This concert was created exclusively for PCPA’s audiences to rejoice as a community, and to relish being together. 

The show’s music ranges from Irving Berlin and Gershwin to Justin Timberlake and Carole King along with Broadway tuners from Crazy for You, Beautiful, and Company. 

The theme of the live connection was the inspiration for Stein’s new piece. 

“I read an article that outlined an experiment that showed that when people are in a room together sharing an experience, their hearts start to beat in the same rhythm,” Stein said. “If our hearts can overcome differences and actually beat together, our brains should be able to as well. All of us in a room together sharing an experience is truly essential.” 

Director Katie Fuchs-Wackowski feels privileged to be at the helm of this original piece. “It is a piece created for the here and now, and highlights the creative skills of both our local designers and performers.” she said.

Katie Fuchs-Wackowski added the show follows a theme that celebrates the common threads that link humanity together through a tapestry of individual voices and songs we know and love.

“The piece explores how, through  our connection with one another, we find the ability and strength to prevail and overcome,” she said.  

For more information visit https://www.pcpa.org/plays/Together/ 

Ticket prices for “Together” start at $35. Visit www.pcpa.org or call the box office 805-922-8313. 

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Auto PCPA returns to the Solvang Festival Theater this summer https://santaynezvalleystar.com/auto-pcpa-returns-to-the-solvang-festival-theater-this-summer/ Tue, 15 Jun 2021 14:51:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=16012 Two lives productions to be performed at outdoor venue Staff Report PCPA is elated to announce the return of live performances this summer, and will present two powerful productions that celebrate its return to sharing stories and music together.  “Together: A Musical Journey” and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” will be performed at […]

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Two lives productions to be performed at outdoor venue

Staff Report

PCPA is elated to announce the return of live performances this summer, and will present two powerful productions that celebrate its return to sharing stories and music together. 

“Together: A Musical Journey” and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” will be performed at the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater, with the season going from July 21 through September 5.

“Together: A Musical Journey,” written by Erik Stein, musical direction by Michael Wilkens and directed by Katie Fuchs-Wackowski, will play in the theater from July 21 through August 8. All performances are at 8 p.m. 

After more than a year apart, “Together” is a celebration of being able to share experiences — through story and song — again in the same room. It is a new live and in-person concert that revels in the simple fact that life is better when we live it together. Seven actors and a musician will take the audience on a musical journey that celebrates our shared experiences and the stories that have yet to be told – tales of the like-minded and adventures of those that dance to a different beat. This concert was created exclusively for PCPA’s audiences to rejoice as a community, and to relish being together. 

The theme of the live connection was the inspiration for Stein’s new piece. 

“I read an article that outlined an experiment that showed that when people are in a room together sharing an experience, their hearts start to beat in the same rhythm,” he said. “If our hearts can overcome differences and actually beat together, our brains should be able to as well. All of us in a room together sharing an experience is truly essential.”

Director Fuchs-Wackowski feels privileged to be at the helm of this original piece. 

“I am very excited to be working on this incredibly unique project: a musical journey specifically created to celebrate being back together after this long, hard year apart,” she said. “It is a piece created for the here and now, and highlights the creative skills of both our local designers and performers.” 

The cast features resident artists Kitty Balay, Andrew Philpot, Yusef Seevers, Erik Stein, Emily Trask and George Walker, and guest artist Annali Fuchs-Wackowski. 

The second production welcomes back guest artist Karole Foreman (“Fences,” “Caroline, or Change”) to play the legendary Billie Holiday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.” 

“Lady Day” plays in the theater from Aug. 19 through Sept. 5. The time is 1959. The place is a seedy bar in Philadelphia. The audience is about to witness one of Billie Holiday’s final performances. More than a dozen of the jazz legends’ songs are interlaced with salty, often humorous reminiscences in this riveting portrait of Holiday and her music. Holiday’s accompanist is Jimmy Powers played by guest artist Stephan Terry who also serves as Musical Director for the show.  

Director Wren T. Brown says Holliday’s music continues to soar and stir audiences six decades later. 

“I am excited to direct ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’ because it affords me the opportunity to explore and examine the life of one of the most transcendent artists of the 20th century,” Brown said. “Through her singing, Billie Holiday used everything that happened in her life to inform her art. Many of the songs she performed and recorded have become standards and have caused audiences to feel her heart and soul, in a manner unlike any other artist. Sixty years after her death, at a time in America when race, gender, and the opioid crisis are being discussed loudly on a daily basis, Billie Holiday’s life and career are a great example of what it means to not just survive but triumph in the face of lifelong abuse and struggle.”  

“Lady Day” contains adult themes and language. 

Ticket prices, which went on sale June 8, are $35-$50. Visit www.pcpa.org or call the box office at 805-922-8313. Box Office hours are Wednesday through Sunday 3 to 7 p.m. The Solvang Box Office will open July 14 with hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on non-show days and 4 to 8 p.m. on show days. 

 Performances are subject to change. The latest COVID guidelines will be posted on the web site as performance dates near. 

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PCPA’s InterPlay returns with new play readings streamed live via Zoom  https://santaynezvalleystar.com/pcpas-interplay-returns-with-new-play-readings-streamed-live-via-zoom/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 18:58:25 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=15383 Staff Report PCPA brings back InterPlay readings through March 20, with four new plays, each being read twice over the course of four weekends. The readings are all live streamed via Zoom. The series includes “Into the Breeches!”, “Two Degrees,” and “Fade.” Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. $10 per viewer or […]

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Staff Report

PCPA brings back InterPlay readings through March 20, with four new plays, each being read twice over the course of four weekends. The readings are all live streamed via Zoom. The series includes “Into the Breeches!”, “Two Degrees,” and “Fade.” Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. $10 per viewer or $40 for all four. A special $100 VIP pass includes all four play readings which includes a $60 donation to #PCPAStrong.  

Literary Associate Emily Trask said that she is eager to share these wonderful new plays with our audiences.

“I’m thrilled that, by popular demand, our InterPlay series will be returning to PCPA this spring,” she said. “We will be introducing four more ‘fresh’ plays, by four fantastic, diverse, and exciting playwrights, to the Central Coast — where we cultivate not just great agriculture but also great art!” 

The hilarious “Into the Breeches!” by George Brant is playing Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6. It’s World War II. All the male actors and director of the Oberon Playhouse are off fighting the war, and the theater sits dark. That is, until an unexpected troupe of players assembles to bring an all-female cast together to produce Shakespeare’s Henriad. “Into the Breeches!” is a moving celebration of collaboration, female fortitude, friendship and a timely reminder of the healing power of live theatre. The cast includes PCPA resident artists Erik Stein, Emily Trask, Don Stewart, Kitty Balay, Polly Firestone Walker, and Katie Fuchs-Wackowski, and the reader is George Walker, along with guest artists, under the direction of Andrew Philpot. 

The third presentation introduces Emma Phelps, a paleo climatologist who researches ice core samples in Greenland. As she sees first-hand the symptoms of our changing climate, her grief over the loss of her husband has left her personally frozen. Tira Palmquist’s “Two Degrees” layers science, politics, and the deeply personal, in a landscape that is relevant in our current political climate and literal climate. The cast, under the direction of Roger DeLaurier, includes Kitty Balay, Polly Firestone Walker, Andrew Philpot, Yusef Seevers, and reader George Walker. “Two Degrees” will be performed live on Friday, March 12, and Saturday March 13. 

This spring’s InterPlay series concludes with “Fade” by Tanya Saracho. A story that balances diversity, class and culture in a bittersweet comedy. Lucia has landed a writing job for a major TV show. But, her “token” position as the “diversity hire” backs her into a corner and shakes her confidence. As she comes out of her shell, after befriending the Latino janitor, her credibility and status among the Hollywood elite builds, but ultimately raises the question of “who gets to tell your story?” “Fade” plays Friday, March 19, and Saturday, March 20. It’s directed by Christian Arteaga and features guests Carolina Morones as Lucia and Stefan Espinosa as Abel. The reader is Leo Cortez. 

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.pcpa.org/interplay/ 

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PCPA offers Theatre Enrichment Workshops for teens this spring  https://santaynezvalleystar.com/pcpa-offers-theatre-enrichment-workshops-for-teens-this-spring/ Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:29:00 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=15337 By Craig Shafer for PCPA PCPA will be offering two workshops for young students to learn about theater production. Theatre Enrichment — a hands-on introduction to all aspects of the theatre production process — and Scenography & Stagecraft — a deeper exploration of production design — are two series designed for students 10-16 years of […]

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By Craig Shafer

for PCPA

PCPA will be offering two workshops for young students to learn about theater production.

Theatre Enrichment — a hands-on introduction to all aspects of the theatre production process — and Scenography & Stagecraft — a deeper exploration of production design — are two series designed for students 10-16 years of age. The workshops begin March 1 and conclude April 12. The Monday and Wednesday classes — a total of 10 in each series — will be presented live via Zoom. Theatre Enrichment takes place from 3 to 3:45 p.m. while Youth Scenography andStagecraft, is from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Enrollment is limited, register early. 

Theater Enrichment gives students the opportunity to further develop their individual creativity by exploring the process necessary from each member of a production’s creative team and put that to work for themselves with a mix of seminar-style discussions and the practical application of concepts in monitored lab time. Students will understand the many artistic components that are needed to produce a play while gaining insight and an appreciation for the creative process used by theatre makers. 

Scenography & Stagecraft introduces students to the research and visual communication skills necessary for every stage production while understanding the aesthetic principles and planning methods required in production design. Students are introduced to construction methods, scenic painting techniques, sewing, sound, and even culinary arts in the form of consumable props. Though not required, this workshop will be best enjoyed by students who are enrolled in, or have completed, the Theatre Enrichment Workshop. 

Class size is limited to 20 students. Each 10-session workshop enrollment fee is $120. Cost for enrollment in both classes simultaneously is $200. 

Workshops will be held on March 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 24, and April 7 and 12. 

For more details and registration visit https://www.pcpa.org/Education/ 

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PCPA offers new educational workshops this fall  https://santaynezvalleystar.com/pcpa-offers-new-educational-workshops-this-fall/ Tue, 20 Oct 2020 08:05:58 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=14555 Staff Report   PCPA has developed new educational offerings for the fall, including PCPA@School, a series of over 20 interactive workshops for K-12 classrooms taught by PCPA’s award-winning theatre professionals, while Young People’s Project is offering two 12-part series of virtual programming for youth that is ideally suited for home-school and independent study students.  PCPA@School […]

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Staff Report

 

PCPA has developed new educational offerings for the fall, including PCPA@School, a series of over 20 interactive workshops for K-12 classrooms taught by PCPA’s award-winning theatre professionals, while Young People’s Project is offering two 12-part series of virtual programming for youth that is ideally suited for home-school and independent study students. 

PCPA@School includes classes structured for elementary, middle and high schools in acting, movement (including African dance), playwriting, lighting effects, fun with paper mache, design theory and more. The 45-minute virtual classes are just $100 each and will be available for booking between Oct. 26 and Nov. 20. For more information visit 

http://www.pcpa.org/PCPAPlaysOn/ 

Youth Enrichment is offering the “Theatre Enrichment and Scenography & Stagecraft” series of workshops for students 10-16 years of age. The 12 classes for each series are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesday from Nov. 2 to Dec. 16. Each workshop is one hour long and each 12-class series is $120 each.  

Theatre Enrichment is a hands-on introduction to all aspects of the process which theatre artists employ to develop a story, from the page to the stage. Breaking down the elements from concept, to design, to production, students will understand the many artistic components that are needed to produce a play while gaining an appreciation for the creative process used by theatre makers. 

Scenography & Stagecraft is an in-depth exploration of design, construction and presentation that gives students an understanding of the components that bring a production to life. Students will be guided through a series of techniques used in technical theatre including light construction, scenic painting, sewing and alterations, music and sound, and culinary arts as it applies to consumable props. 

Class size is limited to 20 students. Students are encouraged to enroll in Theatre Enrichment prior to taking Scenography & Stagecraft. 

For more details and registration visit 

https://www.pcpa.org/pcpaplayson/ypp/ 

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Retired judge and winery owner Royce Lewellen passes away at 89 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/retired-judge-and-winery-owner-royce-lewellen-passes-away-at-89/ Thu, 03 Sep 2020 03:27:49 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=14248 By Lynne Johnson Royce Rutledge Lewellen, a lifelong Santa Barbara County community leader and the man for whom the Santa Maria courthouse complex is named, has died. He passed away Sept. 2, 2020, at the age of 89 in Santa Barbara, California. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, but raised in Jefferson City, Lewellen graduated from […]

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By Lynne Johnson

Royce Rutledge Lewellen, a lifelong Santa Barbara County community leader and the man for whom the Santa Maria courthouse complex is named, has died.

He passed away Sept. 2, 2020, at the age of 89 in Santa Barbara, California.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, but raised in Jefferson City, Lewellen graduated from the University of Missouri and UC Berkeley School of Law.

A retired Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge, businessman, vintner and philanthropist, those who knew him say his impact on the community was beyond measure. 

“He brought people together. He was a great judge not only because of his fine mind and superior intellect, but because he was humble and genuinely loved his fellow man, and it showed in everything he did,” said James Herman, current Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge.

To honor him, in 1992 the courthouse complex in Santa Maria was officially named The Lewellen Justice Center. 

In addition to his law career, Lewellen had broad interests, from business development, real estate, community service and the arts, to a lifelong love of pack trips into the Sierra Nevada.

He shared that love with his sons — Mark, Mike and Dave — and later with his grandsons Bevan, Carey, Ian, and Gavin, and many friends and young people. His final pack trip was in July 2019.

Lewellen was former president of the Solvang Business Association, Solvang Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, and was elected to the Solvang School Board

He also was active with the Santa Ynez Presbyterian Church. In addition, he was a member of Santa Maria Rotary, and served on the boards of the Santa Maria Valley YMCA and Family Services of Santa Barbara County, among others.

It was through the Solvang Business Association that he and other community leaders conceived of and raised funds to build the Solvang Festival Theater. That dream was realized when it opened in 1974. He continued his support through the years.

He also was one of the founders and a long-time member of the board of Community Bank of Santa Maria. And for years he was co-owner and a director of Contract Freighters, Inc. (CFI), a nationwide long-haul trucking company based in Joplin, Missouri.

Community Bank of Santa Maria Chairman of the Board Jim Glines’ friendship with Lewellen spanned nearly 50 years. For 20 of those years until his passing, Lewellen was actively involved in the bank’s leadership.

“He served on the executive committee and as the long-time chairman of our asset/liability committee. Royce rarely missed a meeting, and provided great insight and experience in his guidance of our bank’s direction,” Glines said. “He had a huge impact on all of us personally and professionally.

“Royce was a champion in life and a champion in the community.”   

In 1996, he partnered with acclaimed viticulturist Louis Lucas to form Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards.

Lewellen’s Missouri farming roots nurtured in him an appreciation and enthusiasm for grape growing and wine. His decades-long friendship with Lucas later developed into a partnership that consistently produced award-winning grapes and wines with two tasting rooms in Solvang. 

“We had 24 years of working together with never a major issue between us,” said Lucas. “We put excitement into the wine and grape business. We had all these ideas. For example, we had this hill on the Goodchild Vineyard that had never been planted to anything.

“I told Royce that someday I would like to put a Pinot Noir vineyard up there. Royce said, ‘Let’s do it!’ And the “High 9” Pinot was born.”

The generosity of his time and talents served many nonprofits well. In addition to Solvang Festival Theater, he was one of the founders of the PCPA Foundation at Allan Hancock College.

Former PCPA Managing Director Judy Frost said, “I have no doubt that without Royce Lewellen as the catalyst, there would not be a PCPA Foundation working to ensure the future of PCPA.”  

PCPA’s longtime Artistic Director, Mark Booher, described Lewellen as a visionary leader and foundational supporter of PCPA.

“As a civic leader and man of letters, Royce had a passion for how dramatic literature explores and conveys deep-tissue values that extend far beyond the easily acknowledged skin-level enjoyments of play-going,” Booher said. “He loved and respected the PCPA company, and was deeply invested in the good of the students and the theatrical work they will carry into future generations.”

He added: “Royce personified the real meaning of philanthropist by his investment in and love for others.” 

Lewellen also served on the Allan Hancock College Foundation’s board and co-chaired a major capital campaign. 

His wife, Ann Foxworthy Lewellen, said, “It is clear Royce was a community leader, but I think it is more than that. I think his true gift within that leadership was to be able to work alongside others who shared his passion and vision to spearhead efforts to improve the community. Examples would be conceiving and building the Solvang Festival Theater and conceiving and founding along with Jan Severson and Bob Jurgensen, the PCPA Foundation,” she said.

Foxworthy Lewellen affectionately called her husband the Energizer Bunny: “His enthusiasm and his energy were truly remarkable.”  

In 2010, the Lewellens were acknowledged as honorees at the annual Santa Maria Celebrate Philanthropy! event, which recognizes philanthropists who, through their time, talent and treasure, have made significant contributions to improve the lives of the people in the Santa Maria Valley.

It was while in the U.S. Air Force that Lewellen was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He fell in love with everything about the state, and even though his father, (also an attorney) wanted him to return to Missouri to practice law and enter politics, Lewellen never did. 

He stayed in California and began practicing law in Solvang in 1957. He raised his family there.  

Although he was a Republican, he was appointed to the Superior Court by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown in 1973.

Lewellen was recognized throughout the state as an outstanding judge, according to Denise Debellefeuille, a retired Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge who worked with him both as an attorney in his court and later as a fellow judge.

“It was a great privilege to appear as a lawyer before Royce, because he was the embodiment of the model judge, as we in the profession call one who shows the qualities of greatness: He was patient, dignified, courteous, and fair to everyone who came before him.”

Judge Herman added, “It’s no accident that the Santa Maria court complex was named for him. He was our judicial hero.”

Fellow retired Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville said: “Judge Lewellen was an extraordinary jurist.  He was intelligent, courageous, and had a wonderful judicial temperament. He was known for his integrity and commitment to the highest ethical standards.

“The same qualities that made him an excellent judge made him an extraordinary friend. He was a good listener and never revealed a confidence.”

Melville was a happy participant in many of Lewellen’s legendary pack trips.

He also commented on Lewellen’s commitment to the community.

“Once again the qualities that made him a great judge and an excellent friend made him a special asset to community organizations,” Melville said. “Royce was sharp, and was known to move projects along that had bogged down for one reason or another. He achieved this because he was always generous with his praise and quick to give credit to others. 

“Words will not describe how much I will miss Royce.”

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PCPA Plays On! Expanding free virtual programming https://santaynezvalleystar.com/pcpa-plays-on-expanding-free-virtual-programming/ Tue, 07 Jul 2020 19:48:29 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=13818 Staff Report PCPA is expanding its free virtual programming summer sessions of PCPA Plays On! for youth and adults; programs that are educational, engaging, fun, and theatre focused. Youth Enrichment sessions are offered in two 60-minute segments, the first for ages 8 – 12 and the second for ages 13 – 18. They include a […]

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Staff Report

PCPA is expanding its free virtual programming summer sessions of PCPA Plays On! for youth and adults; programs that are educational, engaging, fun, and theatre focused.

Youth Enrichment sessions are offered in two 60-minute segments, the first for ages 8 – 12 and the second for ages 13 – 18. They include a Virtual Tour on July 9 – a behind the scenes look into PCPA’s shops and studios where stage magic is created. On July 14 and 16, Meet the Prop Master with Tim Hogan who leads the sessions that describe what goes into making theatre props and will guide participants through the steps of making a prop for themselves.  Resident Artist Katie Fuchs-Wackowski will explain the importance of listening as an actor on July 21 and 23 in two sessions called Between the Lines: Active Listening Onstage. Casting Director Erik Stein leads two 2-part sessions on Video Your Audition beginning July 28.

Resident Artist Yusef Seevers is teaching There is No “I” in T.E.A.M. beginning August 4 which guides students through ways to connect with classmates through creative play. Mid-August is a series of Make-up Workshops that explore the transformative effect of stage make-up.

The new Community Enrichment programming gives community members the opportunity to engage with PCPA’s resident company.

On July 8, The Need to Speak with Resident Artist Andrew Philpot will explore Shakespeare’s heightened language. Whenever Shakespeare goes from down-to-earth language to poetic flights of fancy, he is telling us something is afoot! On July 15, Resident George Walker will present an introduction on swords and swordplay and how characters are defined by their fighting style. What’s in a Season? with Artistic Director Mark Booher answers the often-asked question, “How do you select the plays for PCPA?” There’s fun for all ages when Costume Shop Manager Robin Newell leads a hands-on crafting workshop, Crown Makingas inspired by The Three Musketeers’ King Louis XIII and Queen Anne, and Education and Outreach Director Leo Cortez leads a Virtual Tour behind the scenes at PCPA. Other Community Enrichment sessions will include The Artistry of Costuming, Painting Floors the PCPA Way, and a four-part series on Black Theatre with Yusef Seevers.

On-going programs include Erik Steins Talkback Thursdays as he speaks with theatre artists from across the country who have graced the hallways of PCPA. Two upcoming interviews include alumni Christian Arteaga (7/9) who directed last season’s Outreach Tour production of The Circuit and Alex Stewart (7/23) who was on the national tour of Elf The Musical. All programs are at 3:30pm on Facebook Live: July 9, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27, and Sept 3.

The Rediscovery Reading Club with Emily Trask will next explore the text of The Three Musketeers. Sign-up is underway and the live discussions are slated for July 27 at 4 & 7pm. The reading club will also be reading Pedro Calderón’s Sueño, Life is a Dream. Sign-up begins August 10 with discussion on August 31. In September, the club will be discussing John Ford, Dekker, and Rowley’sThe Witch of Edmonton. Each club discussion session includes a performance element utilizing PCPA’s Resident Artists to illuminate the text in a whole new way.

Visit https://www.pcpa.org/PCPAPlaysOn/ for a complete list of programming along with details, links to all the activities, and dates. PCPA will be adding virtual programs throughout the summer. Don’t miss a single moment to participate with PCPA like never before.

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PCPA canceling summer season in Solvang and Santa Maria https://santaynezvalleystar.com/pcpa-canceling-summer-season-in-solvang-and-santa-maria/ Wed, 13 May 2020 21:37:52 +0000 https://santaynezvalleystar.com/?p=13308 Staff Report In light of the on-going public health crisis and prohibition on public gatherings, PCPA – Pacific Conservatory Theatre will be forced to cancel its 2020 Summer season in Santa Maria and Solvang. Unprecedented in the theatre’s 56-year history, this decision follows six weeks of analysis and contingency planning. “The team at PCPA has […]

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Staff Report

In light of the on-going public health crisis and prohibition on public gatherings, PCPA – Pacific Conservatory Theatre will be forced to cancel its 2020 Summer season in Santa Maria and Solvang. Unprecedented in the theatre’s 56-year history, this decision follows six weeks of analysis and contingency planning. “The team at PCPA has been working hard to arrive at a different conclusion, but our commitment to the health of the community and company members, together with the uncertainty about when our audience will be able to gather again at the theater, made this deeply regrettable decision necessary.” explained Artistic Director, Mark Booher.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has said that while there is not a precise timeline for modifying the stay-at-home order to allow for large public gatherings, he did say, “When you suggest June, July, August, [mass gatherings] are unlikely.”

The cast of PCPA’s Hunchback of Norte Dame. Photo provided by PCPA and Luis Escobar Reflections Photography Studio

While PCPA staff and students have continued to work remotely since mid-March, the Conservatory programs will complete their training on May 15, and the organization needs to begin working toward its plans for the fall and the coming Season 57. PCPA hopes to have the continued community support to retain its permanent staff through this difficult period that has shuttered professional theatres across the nation. Still, the summer cancellation decision results in the theatre having to turn away not only its audience, but roughly 100 summer artists and artisans who were to have worked on the productions of The Sound of Music, Little Shop of Horrors, Something Rotten and A Doll’s House, Part 2. Rehearsals were to have begun this month with the summer season expected to open June 11 and play through September 6 in Santa Maria and Solvang.

PCPA is keenly aware that the cancellation will have a significant impact on these communities, and be an immense hardship on the wonderful theatre makers who would have come from all over the country to be a part of PCPA’s summer company. PCPA productions annually bring close to 30,000 people to Solvang Theaterfest’s beautiful Solvang Festival Theatre, resulting in nearly $1 million in local economic activity beyond the box office revenue. PCPA and Solvang Theaterfest remain vigorously committed to the community, their 46-year partnership, and plans for the future.

“Although we’re saddened by the thought of a summer without the magic of PCPA for the first time in 46 years, we know that this is best for the safety of everyone including the actors, the production crew, and our wonderful patrons,“ said Chris Nielsen, Board Chair for the Solvang Theaterfest. “Our partnership with PCPA will emerge from this challenging time stronger and more creative than ever as we count the days when we can once again gather under the stars of Solvang.”  

Mark Booher said, “It’s a word to which we’ve become too accustomed, but the only word I can conjure to describe this decision is ‘heartbreaking.’ My wonderful colleagues have been working for months, well over a year, to bring a season of illuminating and delightful plays to the stage this summer. The shows were designed and cast, some of them already under construction or just about to begin rehearsal. So, we’re very sad about not be able to bring these wonderful plans to fruition.”

Booher continued, “Still, the theatre is always founded on creative adaptability, and a certain basic optimism about the force and resilience of the human spirit. We need to be connected around story and lots of different stories. It’s essential to our sense of health and happiness. It’s what makes us a civilization. While we can manage, and even enjoy, periods of solitude, we also need to gather. We’re made to be in relationship with one another. That essential human need isn’t going away. If anything, this time of separation is clarifying our desire to be together and share a public life. When the time is right, PCPA will be shining its light again, as a gathering place for our community.”

Ticket-holders will be contacted by the Box Office with ticket return options. Visit our website for more details, contact information, and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ).

Plans for PCPA’s Summer Educational offerings, and coming Season 57 are well underway and will be announced shortly.

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