A new face will be seen directing this fall’s Pocahontas County Drama Workshop production of “Catch Me if You Can.”
Jeff Marcum is no stranger to the stage, having appeared in more than 20 productions, including “Breaking Legs” and “Deera’s Country Funeral” at the Pocahontas County Opera House. He’s dabbled in directing before, having directed one-act plays and murder mysteries in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, where he spent nearly 20 years involved in community theatre.
“I accidentally fell into acting,” Jeff said. “I answered an online ad for extras to play zombies in a local movie production, thinking it would make a good story. After that, I was hooked.” He went on to appear in more than a dozen movies and TV shows while also finding time to appear on local stages.
“At my busiest, I would play in two or three productions a year, he continued. “I had several community theatres around me, so there was always a show going on.”
Marcum said that he spent most of his time off stage serving as technical director for the Potomac Playmakers, a theatre company located in Hagerstown, Maryland.
“I designed and operated lights and sound for many local productions. I helped modernize systems and train others on how to use them. It’s a vital but unglamorous part of theatre.”
Marcum enjoys being on stage but knows that every production needs a good director and production team.
“Margaret Baker has directed so many good productions with the Drama Workshop over the years, and I felt like I could step in and give her a hand,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from the directors I worked with as well as Margaret and Eric Fritzius last year. I’m excited to direct a play at the Opera House.”
Auditions for this year’s production will be held at the Opera House Thursday, July 9, and Tuesday, July 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. You only need to attend one of the auditions.
More details can be found on the Pocahontas County Drama Workshop Facebook page.
Show dates for “Catch Me if You Can” are September 11 through 13 at the Pocahontas County Opera House.
