TOWAMENCIN- Lights, camera, action! This week, North Penn Theatre is producing the romantic comedy She Stoops to Conquer, but the whole show isn’t just about the work the actors put into their characters. This show, like its many predecessors, wouldn’t have been able to make it this far without the co-directors Andrea Roney and Debra Buckner, stage crew manager John Buckner, and costume designer Angela Hoerner. Each of these people play an extremely important role in the production of the biannual shows. What’s even more important is that they’re not even there for the production of the show; they work with the show to work with the students.

Co-Directors Andrea Roney and Debra Buckner:

With Roney having 12 years of experience and Buckner having 39, the two have spent countless hours working with North Penn theatre. The stage has become their lives, as they direct the stars of She Stoops to Conquer, reminiscing in years past shows. The theatre program is life changing for many students; it helps them discover who they are.

“I like teaching where people are beginning their journey. It truly is astonishing when students find their voice,” stated Roney.

She says it’s difficult advising students, because one never knows how hard they are willing to work to reach that point of perfection. Buckner agreed, and explained that when discovering a character, one needs to find out every little thing about them, down to the way they would move. As the dance and movement advisor, Buckner correlates with Roney’s character analysis to block the scenes smoothly. Even though it may be difficult directing students, Buckner still loves it.

“The stage is my sanctuary. I love making connections with students here,” said Buckner.

It became clear to Buckner that that’s the true reason she loves working with theatre. It’s the fact that students also feel that the stage is their sanctuary; they feel comfortable in it.

Stage Crew Manager John Buckner:

Contrary to Roney and Debra Buckner’s reasons to be involved with theatre, John Buckner became active in stage crew because of his wife’s enthusiasm for theatre.

“When I was in high school, you wouldn’t have caught me anywhere near the stage. In fact, I wanted nothing to do with the stage,” he laughed. “I was a woodworker, and then I just got involved in making the sets.”

After marrying Debra Buckner, he has been involved in theatre for 36 years, always coming back with the same goal: to teach students teamwork, good communication skills, and respect. It may be difficult to have fun with safety, but Buckner’s favorite part about being stage crew manager is when “a light bulb goes off in a student’s head, and they finally understand everything.” Working with power tools and massive sets can sometimes be intimidating, but Buckner teaches his crew well as each year more members join stage crew to pitch in with the show.

Head Costume Designer Angela Hoerner:

Hoerner has always had a knack for sewing and designing clothing, so she decided to put her expertise into a profession. After lending Roney a coat she needed for Twelfth Night, Roney realized that she could use Hoerner’s dedication and prowess for future North Penn Theatre productions. Ever since that one night, Hoerner has been working for the costume department for about 4.5 years now. Although she used to work with professional costume designers at The Show Palace in Hudson, Florida, Hoerner has discovered that she loves working with students.

“I like watching students learn right from wrong,” stated Hoerner.

She thinks it’s a great experience, because she started sewing at the age of 15 from the basic tricks she learned in FCS. Over the years, Hoerner estimates that she made about 3,500 costumes just for North Penn shows.

“There’s going to be the panic attacks, the tears, and the break downs, but the whole experience is rewarding. One of my favorite quotes is that, ‘The devil is in the details,’ and I think that is very true,” explained Hoerner.

Costumes require many details to fit the time zone, character, and overall theme of the scene. The clothing in the show builds history, and helps people discover their characters.

“When you dress a certain way, there’s a shift in your brain. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing someone dressed with thought, because the clothing makes the man,” stated Hoerner.       

She Stoops to Conquer will be performed on November 17th-20th, and information regarding showtimes can be found on the North Penn website or by contacting Andrea Roney. Keep an eye out for the top-notch acting, set designs, and costumes that Andrea Roney, Debra Buckner, John Buckner, and Angela Hoerner have dedicated their time to perfecting for the show.