Troupe Severna is a semester long drama workshop which culminates in an end of the semester production - A Night of Theatre and Music.  The workshop is one of several Educational Enrichment Programs sponsored by the Severna Park PTA.  We believe involvement in drama is about much more than learning to act.  Theatre brings students of all interests and ages together and teaches teamwork in a cooperative environment.  It stimulates creativity and exposes cast members to the richness of dramatic works from around the world.  Registration is open to all Severna Park Elementary School students.  No prior experience is necessary, only a desire to try a new experience.

    The goal of Troupe Severna is to encourage teamwork, develop public speaking skills, and to build confidence while nurturing a love for and appreciation of the theatre.  Our cast members will support one another as they explore voice, movement, character development, public speaking, and life on the stage.  Cast members will learn terminology, technique, and will experience the energy of expression through exercises and the presentation of intercultural folk tales, original scripts, and best-loved Broadway hits. 

         Though production of Troupe Severna is funded by registration fees, it is administered by an all volunteer crew.  Our director and founder Beverly Hill van Joolen is a film and theatre critic, amateur playwright and novelist, and mother of four.  She also has a variety of performance experience behind her, has directed adult and children's theatre, and enjoys sharing her love of theatre with her daughter.  Parent involvement is one of the truly unique aspects of Troupe Severna. This is definitely not a drop off/pick up activity.  Registration requires parents to sign-on as crew members which makes for a real partnership opportunity.   Assistant director Rebecca Binstock is a teacher and mother of three.  She also has previous acting experience and feels that theatre has something to offer everyone.  "It's not just about being on the stage," says Rebecca.  "We want to show the kids how many great opportunities there are to be creative behind the scenes as well."  Stage manager David Lohff  is a father of four, a pastor, and has just released his third book, "Dream Coaching."  Dave has put his degree in Stage Management to work building innovative set, sound, and lighting equipment to update the minimal equipment initially found on the SPES stage.  Set designer, Jim Dell, is an art teacher and has had a great time overseeing a student crew of designers and painters.  Jim's sets are beautiful and lend a magical atmosphere to the production.

    Our remaining principle crew and general crew members are also parents of cast members.  Some have extensive training and experience, others have none.  Each one, however, has the energy and commitment to be a partner in his/her children's theatrical experience.   In addition to the parents and school staff, several local businesses have contributed to Troupe Severna's success.  We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors and our parent crew members.   We appreciate the time and talents they have shared and we look forward to next year.

Beverly Hill van Joolen	Director	410-315-9458
Rebecca Binstock	Assistant Director	544-3636
Julie Bacot	Director's Assistant	647-4442
Mary Herold	Director's Assistant	544-5437
David Lohff	Stage Manager/Asst. Director	315-7792
Signy Ellerton-Cale	Asst. Stage Manager	674-6460
Jim Dell	Set Designer	384-9529
Amy Dell	Production Coordinator	544-2478
Michelle Studnicky	Costume Designer	544-4996
Loretta Wilson	Music Director	975-9296
Denise Wells	Choreographer	647-3919
Denise Traynor	Asst. Choreographer	544-9772
Lorrie Davis	Asst. Choreographer	647-5930