In Rehearsals: Chapel Theatre 2026 Play Festival

Dear Friends, Students and Colleagues,

If you celebrate Christmas, I hope you had a warm and joyful day yesterday with people you enjoy being around. My husband and I had a quiet holiday with our cat this year and look forward to welcoming overnight guests on New Year’s Eve.

And here’s something else I’m excited about: The 2026 Chapel Theatre play festival!

I went on medical leave June 1 of last year shortly after my last performance, with the NW Senior Theatre Company, wherein I sang DOWNTOWN as a solo and started overcoming years of solo singing performance anxiety. I haven’t had the opportunity to audition again until now.

I’m thrilled to tell you I’ve been cast in a play for the 2026 annual Chapel Theatre play festival. I love this festival concept and it’s always SO much fun! Local writers submit short (about 10, 12 minutes) play scripts, and directors and actors apply online, not knowing which project they might be assigned to, if cast.

I’ve been cast as Gayle in Marla Norton’s END OF LIFE SEX, a truly special script. My “leading man”/“gentleman caller”, Rob, is played by Dan Sweet. Marie MacMillan directs. As I’m writing, we’ve had our first two rehearsals...and wow, what fun! It feels good to be treading the boards again!

If you enjoy live theatre, check out the dates for the play festival here: https://chapeltheatremilwaukie.com/2017/10/20/events/. If you come to the show, hang around and say “hello” afterwards – I’d love to see you!

Vocal performance tip: See how much you can breathe “from the belly” – watch your belly relax and go out as you inhale. As you exhale, you’re using the “river of the breath” to carry the sound of your voice.

Happy New Year!

Love Your Voice & Voice Your Love,

Laura