Roswell Community Little Theatre Spotlight on Jacob Sanders

Roswell Community Little Theatre Spotlight on Ray Aragon

Ray Aragon, a native of New Mexico, went to college in Kansas on a football scholarship and remained in Kansas to raise his family. Aragon returned to New Mexico and the Roswell Community Little Theatre, (RCLT) is glad he did.

In August of this year, Aragon played O’Shaughnessy in the modernized adaptation of Mark Twain’s Is He Dead. Aragon picked up an Irish accent and a jig to go with it, taking to the role with gusto and leaving the audience laughing because of his antics and performance delivery. In an interview for this article, Aragon revealed that he tells a silly Irish joke in character at least once a year. When he was cast as O’Shaughnessy, he watched tutorials and practiced diction. But he also states that it doesn’t have to be perfect to work well.

Aragon said that he enjoys the teamwork of theater where the people involved work together to make the performance a success and make everyone shine. For him, theater is a creative outlet. In each rehearsal, he tries to tease out a little more of the character and make way for the entire cast to enjoy the experience and do their best. He hopes the audience will enjoy the performance as much as he does.

Aragon felt at home quickly in the RCLT community. He is supportive of the stage crew as well as the cast. Ray is also a huge help during set building and set strike. He is quick to learn his lines so that he has ample time to polish and add details that raise the standards for the entire cast and crew.

Aragon is able to transfer much of what he learned on the football field to the stage. He said that performing live is like “game day” because some nervousness sharpens your effort, but being prepared takes over when the curtain goes up.

Aragon is pleased to be cast in the upcoming RCLT play, Farce of Habit. This play is a comedy and Aragon’s talents both on stage and behind the scenes will help make the show something you won’t want to miss.

Farce of Habit is a James Hope and Wooten comedy set at the Reel ‘Em Inn fishing lodge. Ray plays the villainous Jock McNair who is a relationship guru with an ego the size of Texas. This comedy is perfect for RCLT, with a fabulous cast and crew. It is directed by one of our greatest directors, Louise Montague, and opens on Friday October the 13th. For a great “laugh out loud” evening, don’t miss Farce of Habit.

For more information and show times, visit Roswell Community Little Theatre on-line.

Roswell Community Little Theatre Spotlight on Michael Bozeman

Michael Bozeman has been in theater most of his life. He began acting for a Christian drama group out of the First Church of the Nazarene. His face lights up recalling his first line as one of the lions in Daniel and the Lion’s Den. “You can say that again.”

Fans of the Roswell Community Little Theatre will recall Michael's impressive Improv skill. He is quick-witted and a strong physical comedian and a great troupe leader for Mission Improvable.

Michael’s talent extends far beyond stage work. His murals for scenery and set design have delighted audiences. For RCLT’s 65th season opener, “Is He Dead?” audiences will get to see a taste of Paris rising above the set thanks to Michael.

His talent and curiosity drive Michael to study theatrical arts. In his very limited spare time, he tunes in to older television shows that feature physical comedy, sharp timing and great set management.

Michael is great at performing on stage, whether it's in an Improv or a scripted play. He can become any character required for the performance and enjoys the element of surprise in live theater.

Michael stars RCLT’s Curtain’s Rising fund raiser, at the Liberty this year. Come see Michael in, I Love You to Death a Speakeasy dinner theater, this Saturday. See his mural at the theater in Is He Dead?

Roswell Community Little Theatre and KAPS Spotlight on: Shalee O’Dwyer

Shaylee O’Dwyer has been participating in Kids Arts Program (KAPS) since she was eight years old. She enjoys theater and is pleased to be cast in the lead role in Roswell Community Little Theatre's and KAPS' next production, opening May 12th.

Shaylee will star as Mary Call in the dramatic adaptation of "Where the Lilies Bloom," a young adult novel by Bill and Vera Cleaver. The story takes place in rural Appalachia, and Shaylee has risen to the challenge of dialect immersion. Shaylee is particularly excited to learn how to act as a different character - as Mary Call, she is absolutely learning a new persona.

Shaylee recently hammed it up in the KAPS improv troupe. She recalls being the 'two headed expert,' live on stage. The point of the game is to think and listen on your feet; two people are the two-heads of an expert being interviewed. Each person can only say one word at a time as the interview moves forward. Laughing at the memory, Shaylee recalls the interview going something like, "Well… we… wake… and… we… cry." The audience laughed themselves hoarse on that occasion.

Another of Shaylee’s favorite memories is her earlier role in "Crisis Incorporated." She playacted as one of the people who get to panic for hire. It was great fun.

The more Shaylee performs in new roles, the greater the empathy and compassion she develops for daily life. She also says that theater helps her listen to others and step outside of herself.

You won’t want to miss Shaylee in "Where the Lilies Bloom." Opening on May 12th at the Roswell Community Little theatre. The play will run for two weekends, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights and a Sunday matinee. For more information, or tickets, go to Roswell Community Little Theatre.

Roswell Community Little Theatre Spotlight on Jacob Sanders

Jacob Sanders has been in theater for over twelve years. He truly delights in being on stage and making people laugh, and it's a good thing. He is a natural comedian. He has a sharp wit, creative vision and knowledge that has grown steadily since his early days in Missoula Children's Theater. In short he's a natural for theater and an great talent at improv.

Since Jacob learned the dramatic arts at an early age, he speaks of the joy it has given to be on stage and learn with his siblings. He particularly enjoyed performing in the Odyssey with his younger and older brother.

Recently he was cast in a lead role in the short comedy version of 39 Steps, performed in partnership between Roswell Community Little Theatre and The Liberty The production was smart, funny, and a great evening. Jacob played his role masterfully and his love of theater showed through in every scene.

Jacob's enjoyment of drama and the dramatic arts is rooted in his love for people. He wants to make people happy. He says that if he can make people laugh and enjoy themselves while he is on stage then he as done his job. Jacob is charming in person, but once he is on-stage, that charm is magnified. He is a delightful performer and addition to any cast. He has a fabulous team spirit and is fearless in enacting improv games.

For a fun family night out, join Jacob at Mission Improvable Friday night. FOr more information or to buy tickets, click below.

Roswell Community Little Theater Spotlight on: Brice Hagar

Speaking of his favorite things, Brice Hagar quickly turns to the art of story. It is what draws him to the theater, both as audience and as performer. He remarks that storytelling is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, education, inspiration, and fun.

Brice joined Roswell Community Little Theatre, RCLT, in the fall of 2022. He was cast as the inspector in Unexpected Guest, an Agatha Christie murder mystery. He was professional and a pleasure to work with both on stage, and behind the scenes.

In 2023, Brice played the lead role as the affable gad-about Bertie in Jeeves Intervenes, from the P.G. Wodehouse 1920 British comedy series, Jeeves. His timing, physical comedy, and joy for the dramatic arts shined in this play. He worked well with the cast and director and was instrumental in the building of the set. He brought a strong sense of fun to the play and worked diligently to make each scene better or funnier or larger than life.

A game of "Switch," with Brice Hagar and Jacob Sanders.

Recognizing his talent, sense of fun, and sharp wit, the theater quickly asked him to join the improv troupe at RCLT. An avid fan of Who’s Line is it Anyway Brice has enjoyed being a part of the troupe. A sometimes student of this form of the dramatic arts, Brice remarks, “Humor is about subverting expectations.” He explains that the humor and the joke sneak up on you, and as he speaks about it, he is clearly delighted at the prospect of sneaking humor subverting expectations. That delight is contagious.

Whether he has a script or in improv, Brice is a fabulous dramatist. His quick wit and thoughtful approach as well as his talent at physical comedy make for a great performance.

For a wonderful evening of laughs and the unexpected humor that may just sneak up on you, join Brice Hagar and the RCLT for Mission Improvable this coming Friday night.

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