A Christmas Carol: Meet Peter Leresche

 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 show.  I was asked to work on it last year right before COVID hit and from the moment she told me of her vision I knew this would be a fun show to work on.  It really brings a unique approach to a show that has been done the same way every year. 

What made you get involved in theatre? How did you get involved with LTA?
I got involved in theatre in second grade when a friend invited me to audition for a community theatre show, ever since then I have been in love with it.  I have done shows all over the place and just love the creative elements of it and love how I feel when a show is going up.  I got involved with LTA in 2019 when I was asked to SM for A few Good Men and really enjoyed helping out.  I am happy to be asked to do another show.  I also love working with children. 

What advice would you give others who are interested in working in theatre?
I think theatre is for everyone and even if you do not like acting or being in front of people, you can find something to do in the theatre.  I teach elementary aged students and I have had some students who never thought much of theatre and now they are going to college for theatre.  So if you are looking working in theatre find someone who can help you learn the elements and the delve in head first and gain as much knowledge as you can.  Go see as many shows as you can and always be willing to challenge your imagination.  You can get ideas for shows from so many different aspects of life. 

What do you want the audience to experience/take away from this show?
When you come to see this version of Christmas Carol you can expect to hear the same story, but it is portrayed in a new way.  Extensive research was done to really bring to life what Charles Dickens meant and how the book relates to his life.  When you leave, I hope you are filled with the Spirit of Christmas and the joy that comes across in the transformation of Scrooge.  I hope you are as gitty as a baby wanting to go caroling through the streets.