Debe Edden

Debe came to Playback Theatre in 1990 when she was searching for a way to use theatre as a tool for violence prevention with young people. Since that time, Debe and the Heartsparkle Players have incorporated Playback and other interactive theatre techniques in their work. She has had the privilege of hearing the stories of many people, teaching Playback, traveling to numerous communities, serving her own community, working with youth and sharing the gift of Playback with a diverse group of folks. She is extremely honored and blessed to work with the Heartsparkle Players, a company of talented individuals, loving human beings and people who know how to have a good time! Debe has been a professional performer, storyteller and director for over 25 years. She has also been a preschool teacher, a sexuality health educator, a job search skill instructor, house cleaner, trainer and volunteer coordinator for hospice.

Aeryk Bjork

It was through contacts at The Evergreen State College that Aeryk joined the Heartsparkle Players in 1995 as an intern actor. What began as another theatre gig soon became a lifestyle after experiencing firsthand the power of giving voice to an otherwise voiceless population. He currently serves as an actor and musician, workshop facilitator and is the narrator for the Personal Safety Plays. His other part-time work includes case management for foster care youth through Community Youth Services and house manager and crew duties at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, both in Olympia. He is also spotted committing random acts of mime, fire juggling, and is rumored to be a part of Pulse Frame, combining Butoh-inspired movement with live music soundscapes at art centers, bars and Pagan festivals.

Elizabeth Lord

Elizabeth joined the Heartsparkle Players in 1998. In 1992 Elizabeth joined the Olympia Storytelling Guild where she met and befriended Debe Edden. Elizabeth's passion for the art of storytelling, her experience as an actor, as well as her curiosity about the human experience made her a natural match for the theatrical form of Playback Theatre. The Heartsparkle Players provide an opportunity for Elizabeth to satisfy her need to meet new people, hear their stories and learn from their experience. It gives her a chance to honor people's lives in their unique, respectful, and engaging manner. Playback Theatre satisfies her desire to not only perform, but to collaborate with talented people and explore theatrical improvisation.

Lydia Beth Leimbach

Lydia Beth discovered Playback Theatre her first quarter at The Evergreen State College in 1990. The combination of spontaneity and creativity with personal story felt like a natural fit, and she was hooked. Whether playing the role of actor, musician or conductor Lydia Beth believes in the importance and power of Playback Theatre. She has personally witnessed Playback's ability to heal, transform and create community. She applies the tools she has developed of listening, understanding and creativity to other areas of her life and believes she is a far better person because of it all. Besides theatre, Lydia Beth's other passions include plants, storytelling and music. She fulfills these by managing an organic farm called Left Foot Organics; playing keyboard and singing in the Street Karaoke Project; telling stories to folks of all ages; and directing the Temple Beth Hatfiloh Choir.

ich Paddock

Rich first joined the Heartsparkle Players because he was interested in the musical element. All the uses of the different instruments in an improvisational way excited him. He also joined to get the opportunity to work with Debe again. He stays in the Heartsparkle Players because of the community work that they do. He loves all the stories that are out there. He loves the diversity of the organizations they work with and the themes they explore. Over the seven years he is been in the Heartsparkle Players he has grown close with the other members -- "I love those guys". Other gigs he is been involved in include working with the Nisqually Tribe as an organic farm assistant; music therapist; bass guitar teacher; bass player in several bands including the Street Karaoke Project, Sammy Stubble and the Little Shavers, Pulse Frame, Jim Boyd and Rez Bound and Paddock Attack.

Sara Rucker Thiessen

In 1996 Sara was in graduate school at Antioch University in Seattle. She was in the middle of a career change and was looking for a way to make her interests and talents work together. Since early days as a union leader and meeting facilitator, she has had a strong interest in methods that assist employees and community members in preserving community and creating change. After graduating in 1998 she discovered The Heartsparkle Players and Playback Theatre, an excellent match for her interest in improvisational theater and community building. Fall 2002 marks her fifth season with the Heartsparkle Players and her commitment continues to grow as she sees what Playback is capable of giving both to the audience and the actors. Working with The Heartsparkle Players has given her a passport to communities she would never have the opportunity to join with in their struggles and celebrations. In addition to her work with The Heartsparkle Players she works at the Evergreen State College as an Academic Advisor. In this work she assists college students in identifying opportunities and resources that will help them in creating their life's work and dreams. Most recently, she is a budding writer and enjoys reading and performing her short stories.

Joyce Stahmer

Joyce came to Playback Theatre with years experience in storytelling and a desire to continue her acting in a professional manner. Improvisational theater has given her that professional opportunity. Joyce has been a professional storyteller for eight years, a re-teller of stories, all her life. She grew up in West Jupiter, Florida, a rich community of zany characters, daily dramas and an innate sense of self and others. Joyce spent 14 years in the Military, has three children, six grandchildren and works as an Academic Advisor at The Evergreen State College. She now spends most of her time storytelling; conducting workshops; giving keynotes; lecturing; leading anti-oppression trainings; volunteering in the community and of course, performing with the Heartsparkle Players. The Heartsparkle Players has become a family enterprise with Joyce and her partner Lee Earl Berry. Lee, the ticket manager, has attended all the public performances with Joyce for the last three years.

Ted, our other new player, discovered his two greatest loves while attending college in Seattle. One was the stage, and the other was his wife, Jennifer, whom he met at his very first audition. Together they have three daughters ages 13, 12, and 10 (and four cats).So, as you can imagine, even when not acting or directing in the years since, there has been plenty of drama in Ted’s life! By day, Ted works as a psychotherapist with people who have developmental disabilities and as a clinical trainer of counseling staff who work with juvenile offenders. Ted uses interactive theater in his counseling and training work, and as a volunteer in his daughters’ classrooms. Ted looks forward to getting to know the wonderful, warm and talented Heartsparkle Players, and he is grateful for the opportunity to express himself dramatically and contribute to the community.

Home | The Players | Performances | Photo Gallery| Support | Contact Us

© Copyright 2006 Heartsparkle Players. All rights reserved.

x