Why is it important for Reedley to have its own small-town theater company?

It provides a place for adults, and in many cases children, to come together and put on a good show for a crowd. It provides an outlet for the citizens of Reedley to forget about whatever might be troubling them and just enjoy some good quality theater. Good sophisticated entertainment is hard to find even in a big city. In a town as small as Reedley, it is a privilege to have the Opera House and the Reedley River City Theatre Company. It is important to those of us that work with the company, to those that work for the company, and perhaps most important to those that attend our shows.

You're a former student of Mark Norwood's. What was that experience like?

Yes, I have known Mark Norwood since I was in the sixth grade. I came to know him in entering his summer K.C. Showcase workshop. At the time it was difficult breaking out of my shell and I was extremely shy but Mark worked with me, and many others as well, and helped me become a confident young man and not-so-timid performer. After several years of being a part of the showcase I began auditioning and taking part in his shows at Reedley High School. I have nothing but fond memories of the many shows my friends and I did while we were there and working with Mark.

Is Mark a tough director?

That depends on the definition of a tough director. He is extremely professional and expects nothing less of those of us that work with him. "Work comes first, then the fun comes after," to quote him. And he is right, work needs to come first. But he is as much of a fun-loving guy as the next and I have never felt that he was too tough, just tough enough.

Did you ever think you'd find yourself on stage?

When I was younger I never had dreams of becoming a star or popular actor. I came into drama on a whim. In hindsight I'm glad I chose the path that led me to the stage because if I hadn't made that choice I might have never worked with Mark, which would have been a tragedy for me personally.

What do you think your future plans will include? Do they include theater?

My future plans are first and foremost finish school and receive a degree. I am currently a student at Reedley College working towards a degree in accounting. I don't intend to pursue a career in theater for fear that the fun might be taken out of it. I have never performed in a show that Mark didn't direct so the enjoyment I get out of doing theater comes from working with Mark, as well as his wife Denise, and the satisfaction of a job, and show, well done.

I understand that you lost a brother who served in the U.S. military, and that you and your family have a foundation in his honor that helps veterans. What do you hope to achieve?

Yes, my brother Cpt. Joe Fenton Lusk II died in an Apache helicopter crash during a training exercise in Kuwait as part of the Operation forIraqi Freedom. He was a dedicated son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, student, and soldier.
My older brother Kevin started a nonprofit foundation in Joe's name. The Cpt. Joe F. Lusk II Memorial Fund has a current goal to provide financial assistance to families of military personnel who have been killed or wounded while providing service to our country. On May 16 we are having our second annual Cpt. Joe F. Lusk II Memorial Golf Tournament at Sherwood Forest Golf Club. There, we are hoping to improve on last year's fundraising totals to continue helping injured soldiers and families of fallen soldiers in Joe's name.