How I Became Involved With the Pacific Resident Theatre By Judy Trest

To most people, there would seem to be no correlation between the television series Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and the Pacific Resident Theatre of Venice Beach, California. However, the opportunity to attend several filmings of the television series introduced me to the stars of the weekly family show. The most prominent of those stars were Jane Seymour and Joe Lando but the show could not have become the success it was without its supporting cast and therein lies the tie between the TV Series and the PRT.

I met Frank Collison, who played Horace Bing, the Telegraph Operator on my first visit to Paramount Ranch where the show was filmed. During subsequent trips to the "Ranch" I talked with Frank, Orson Bean and Alley Mills (who were all members of the Pacific Resident Theatre) along with other cast members. My avid interest in this television series brought both my husband Mike and myself to Beverly Hills in April 1999 to participate in and watch the numerous events culminating in Jane Seymour being honored with her Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

It was at the reception honoring Jane that Frank asked me to help his theatre group develop a web site to promote the plays they were so successful in performing. About a month later, I met with Frank at the theatre, in a makeshift office in the front lobby. Frank outlined his plans for the web site and what he would like to see happen over the coming months and in the future. We discussed many of the aspects of the theatre group itself, the various plays that had been performed in the past and what would best work for this small theatre group.

I left Venice, CA that day loaded down with pictures and programs from previous performances and information about their current shows. My scanner worked overtime capturing in digital format all the information necessary to build the history for the site and begin the process of presenting the ongoing shows of the PRT itself and its Co-Op Productions. Little did either of us realize what a very active and informative web site would evolve. There was so much history in that box of goodies that Frank handed over to me that day and all of it would only add more substance to the web site for the Pacific Resident Theatre.

I could not have asked for a better coordinator than Frank in building this web site. My understanding of the theatre was limited originally to what I saw on stage or screen. His knowledge and help were a key component in helping me to understand the Theatre Group and their needs. As I have became more and more involved with the web site, and seeing the plays, I have come to understand just how difficult a business acting is, how fierce the competition and how devoted to their profession these actors and actresses are. I have seen several of the PRT Members on television shows and in movies and am looking forward to seeing Frank Collison in the upcoming movie with George Clooney called "O Brother Where Art Thou". Orson Bean has been appearing in the new television series on FOX called "Normal Ohio". Also watch for Richard Fancy in an espisode of "The District".

Over the last 18 months we have seen some spectacular performances such as "The Swan", "A Question of Mercy" , "Otherwise Engaged", "Tonite at 8:30", "The Quick Change Room" and many many more. A large percentage of the productions are recipients of the LOS ANGELES TIMES CRITICS CHOICE Award and they are well deserved. This talented group of actors, in three small theatres, put on productions worthy of the big stage. We find the productions outstanding and are willing to travel the two hours each way from San Diego to Venice to see the plays.

In less than 6 months, many of the goals set out at the original meeting between Frank and myself were met and surpassed. The web site has now grown from a few pages of history and information on its current productions to productions dating back to its inception in 1985. There are now reviews, information and history of the productions, pictures and bios of the performers, as well as the information and history on their Co-Op productions. Today, those who are interested in seeing productions at the PRT, can even make their preferences for the new season known in early Fall when the list of potential plays is placed on line. There are also occasional specials and deals offered to web site visitors to encourage their online participation. The site is forever changing as Co-op Productions come and go on a shorter schedule and Main Stage Productions are sold out and extended several times to accommodate the audiences who want to see their shows. There are new members, associates and apprentices coming on board with pictures and bios and other members departing.

If you live in the Los Angeles/San Diego Area treat yourself to a wonderful night out. If you are visiting the area, put the PRT on your list of things to do. You will find yourself with memories of a great night. To find out more about the theatre you can visit their web site at http://www.pacificresidenttheatre.com. But don't stop by just once … come back often and see what is the newest happening for this great Theatre. The current play, Lady Chatterley's Lover is outstanding and though it will have a brief hiatus over Christmas will be back for an extended run through January. The Killing of Sister George starts January 20th and I am sure it will be as outstanding as all their other productions.

Judy Trest has been lucky to have a variety of exciting and interesting adventures. Both Judy and her husband Mike are avid photographers. Her interests besides photography and travel are in the Internet and technology areas. Come travel with Mike and Judy at their Web site: http://www.judy.trest.com.