The Buccaneer

Issue date: 10/15/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Marcus Como

Lara Starcevich, Peninsula College's new Public Speaking and Theater professor, arrived in Port Angeles this summer from Gunnison Col., with the observation, "It's a quiet, quaint little town, a great place to raise my children and expose them to different venues in life."
Born in Vancouver, BC, 39 years ago, she has spent most of her adult life in Gunnison. Husband Tim Roybal, 33, and twins Pascual and Irina, 5, complete the family portrait.
A year ago, Starcevich explains, she decided to make the move to Port Angeles seeking a position with Peninsula College and its drama program. She was named earlier this year to teach theater and public speaking.
Starcevich's call for student thespians was answered Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 as tryouts began for the Fall Quarter production of the "Clean House" by Sarah Ruhl.
Rehearsals are now underway for its planned premier Nov. 13 on the Little Theater stage, though the date may change depending on rehearsal and set construction progress.
"It was so exciting to meet so many talented people who are intrigued and enthusiastic about theater. Theater on campus has a strong following and I hope to encourage, expand and inspire more people to try it out for themselves, " Starcevich said following the tryouts.
Three students auditioning for parts in the fall play gave enthusiastic "reviews" of the new director's performance.
Gabriella Sanwald, 15, a sophomore at Port Angeles High School and in the college's Running Start program, said, "I have always enjoyed acting; I've been pursuing it since age 7. My first two plays were in elementary and middle school. (Starcevich) is calm and collected, and made me feel at ease on stage. I tuned right in. Then I wasn't so nervous. "
Ean Henninger of Sequim, 16, a home-school student and enrolled in Running Start, said, "I have been interested in drama since my preteen years.
It all started with 'Voice of a Prairie.'" He admits he doesn't yet know the drama instructor well, but "she seems nice," he said.
Lisa Karapostoles, a 17-year-old from Sequim High School and another Running Start student, observed that Starcevich "seems very supportive and nice; I couldn't ask for a better teacher."
Karapostoles added that she has been interested in theater the past two years since her first performance with Missoula Children's Theater, a week long production.
Other activities planned by the drama director is getting the Comedy Club up and integrated. Those interested may contact Starcevich at laras@pcadmin.ctc.edu.

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