Comments from Colleagues

"Alyssa's training in many areas of theatre obviously strengthens her effectiveness in each. She is a sensitive, savvy and responsive actor, who I have cast frequently. She is a sought-after director, often serving as designer as well, further solidifying her vision for these productions.

Alyssa and I most recently worked together in a theatre collective creating original work. (Howling Woolf) Alyssa's wit was a welcome addition to our group, as were her depth of knowledge, her research and writing abilities, and her design and mask-making skills. She turns out great work in any medium she chooses!"

-Jyl Hewston, Director

"I have known and worked with Alyssa Ravenwood for over 10 years and have always admired and respected her abilities. Recently we worked together on a production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, which I directed. Alyssa designed, built and staged a puppet sequence for the play within the play. Alyssa's puppets were clever and her work with the actors/puppeteers was imaginative and resourceful. The sequence turned out beautifully and was a highlight of the production."

-Robert Morse, Director

"During these weeks, Ms. Ravenwood has 1) Begun construction of the masks and puppets for The Tempest, supervising a crew of varying experience, from novices to college-level costume students. 2) Assisted the Tempest director in scenes involving physical (i.e. slapstick) humor. The actors in these scenes are both college students and professionals. 3) Begun rehearsals herself as an actor in the Tempest.

Her skills and creativity have earned her the respect and enthusiasm of the entire cast. She's excellent at introducing new concepts to the cast and crew."

-James Goode, Artistic Director of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble

"Thank you for a truly wonderful performance last weekend (Marvin's Room.) I think one of the nicest surprises is when I don't "notice" the direction. It kind of hits you during intermission, when you realize that the primary reason you're enjoying yourself is because of the elements and staging that the director has obviously spent time creating.

In your show the patterns were fluid, there were moments of truly beautiful staging, and the piece as a whole flowed. It was terrific work, and it reminded me of how much I enjoyed your staging of Reckless a few years back."

-Clint Rebik, Artistic Director of Redwood Curtain

"I had the pleasure of being directed by Alyssa Ravenwood in the PAC's production of Parallel Lives. Alyssa is a dedicated director with a strong sense of what she wants to achieve onstage. The audiences were enchanted and we continuously sold out wherever we went.

It is a true reflection of Alyssa's fine direction that people stood on a deck outside the theatre and listened to the production through the open windows and door when we couldn't fit anyone else inside! Alyssa stands out as a committed, caring artist."

-Bonnie Bareilles, Actor

"We (The Pacific Art Center Theatre) have been pleased to witness and benefit from Alyssa's considerable and varied talents. Alyssa's first directing project with us was Reckless by Craig Lucas. Alyssa's direction of the cast was excellent. The actors maintained a wonderful believability within the absurd situations of the plot. Alyssa's costumes nicely reflected the moments when apparently realistic elements suddenly slide into the absurd.

Alyssa's second production for us, Marvin's Room is also a modern black comedy. But it is more realistic, less of a roller coaster ride. Alyssa showed her sensitivity to these differences and spent a considerable amount of time exploring the issues and relationships with the cast.

Both productions did very well, were brought in under budget and were sold out in the final weeks of performance. She has shown in all her theatrical endeavors a strong sense of personal direction. She has an individual aesthetic that is reflected in direction, properties, set, costume and mask design. She is an open enthusiast who can absorb new ideas without losing herself."

-Sally L'Herogan, Former Artistic Director of the Pacific Art Center Theatre