The Little Theatre of Alexandria

 This week we take a look behind the curtain with one of our Stage Managers, Peter Leresche... Tell us a little about yourself: I studied Technical Theatre and Worship Technology in College and ended up with a Degree in Religion, a Certificate in Christian Education and a Minor in Technical theatre with a concentration in Worship Design and Technology.   I am also a Trained EMT with a pediatric Emphasis.   I have been doing theatre in all areas on and off stage since I was 7 years old.   I also do sound and lights for bands and have worked for Grammy award winning   and WAMMIE award winning artists.   I work full time at a school where I am the Emergency Response and Facilities Coordinator, EMT on staff, as well as working at a Church as the Technical Director How does this show differ from other shows you have worked on? This show has been a lot of fun and different because of the emotion and creative specifications that the Director Carol brings to the...

  What do you find appealing about your character and this show? I enjoy playing Mrs. Cratchit because she has a strong protective personality and isn't afraid to speak her mind. What have you learned in playing the role of “Mrs. Cratchit”? Count your blessings, cherish your children, and don't burn the goose! What do you want the audience to experience/take away from this show? Everyone should find something new behind the lines this year. The words may be the same, but our director Carol has worked very hard to bring out Charles Dickens' true intentions. I hope they leave the theatre with open eyes to the want and ignorance still in the world today. How does this show differ from other shows you have worked on? I have had the good fortune to work on a lot of different shows over the years, and they all provided unique challenges and people. This is my first show since moving to Alexandria VA, and I am glad to say that instead of being a different experience, ...

What do you find appealing about your character and this show? When I first read for Bob Cratchit, the ‘Tiny Tim’ monologue resonated with me on a personal level, and I felt something different from what I’d seen depicted before.   For me, Bob Cratchit embodies the Christmas spirit; it’s one thing to keep your spirits high when times are easy, but quite another to hold them aloft when your family’s future is uncertain.   What have you learned about yourself in playing the role of Bob Cratchit? In July of 2021, I became a father.   My wife and I had been planning and praying for years, and so when the day finally came, we were overjoyed and overburdened all at once.   Suddenly, I had to learn how to balance a fledgling acting career, full-time parenthood, and work.   I’d be lying if I said it’s been easy.   Yet, in reading about life in Victorian England, I’ve been reminded of how good we all have it in modern times, even in the uncertainty of a pandemic. ...