Two Cents & Five Questions With...

... Melissa Cashion, Stage Manager DCT

Melissa is currently touring the country with the Dallas Children's Theater's production of "A Midnight Cry" by James DeVita, which is described on the website as "Fleeing the cruelties of oppression and the brutality of plantation life, Lida, a young slave, begins a dangerous trek on the Underground Railroad. Full of uplifting spirituals, hope and inspiration, A Midnight Cry is a compelling drama of one slave’s perilous journey to freedom."

The DCT is known as one of the best theatrical touring companies in the country. The DCT is, according to their website, "Rated by TIME Magazine as one of the top 5 theaters in the nation performing for youth, Dallas Children’s Theater is a professional theater serving more than 250,000 young people and their families through its 11 main stage productions, national touring company, and education and outreach programs. As the only major organization in Dallas focusing solely on youth and family theater, DCT builds bridges of understanding between generations and cultures, instilling an early appreciation of literature, art and the performing arts in tomorrow’s artists and patrons."

Melissa took some time out from the tour to give us her Two Cents & Five Answers.

Two Cents: Please tell the Two Cents readers a little about yourself, the show, and what job duties you perform with the touring company.
Melissa Cashion: Actress/Puppeteer/Stage Manager/Lighting Designer
Currently Serving as Production Stage Manager for Dallas Childrens Theater's National Tour. My duties in this particular position include technical advances for shows at 65 venues across the country, load in/out for each show, and managing the group in the theatre among other things.

TC: How did you get your start with live theater?
MC: I did my first show at the age of 13 when I was cast in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I stage managed my first show the following summer.

TC: What fun websites do you visit for your own entertainment?
MC: I love youtube, of course, games on coffeebreakarcade.com, and I'm a sucker for the eonline gossip section.

TC: What is the most embarassing 'fad' you completely bought in to?
MC: Probably jelly shoes. And I knew they were dumb the first time around.

TC: Where do you see yourself within the "biz" in the near future?
MC: I wish I knew. As long as I'm working, I'll be happy.

*Two Cents Bonus Question*
If someone were to climb off a desert island and only have time to watch five movies to learn what American cinema is all about, what five movies would you show them?
MC: Ghandi, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Dirty Dancing, Vertigo, Ferris Bueller's Day Off

A big thanks to Melissa for spending some time with The Two Cents and look for her tour to come to a town near you!