CCCT is part of my family. I grew up in this theater, with the Flynn kids, starting in the 1960's. What great memories!
I remember riding my bike to the theater after school, on San Pablo avenue, and my Master set designer Mom, Sheila Schaffer, would hand me a paintbrush and some paint and tell me to paint woodgrain here, or leafy bushes there, or a stone foundation here.
When I wasn't painting, I remember going upstairs to the projection room and checking out the old movie projectors. It was a great view from there.
One of my favorite shows was "High Button Shoes" and I can still remember some of the songs. In 1963 I remember cutting a hole in the stage floor for "My Sister Eileen" and trying to create an explosion sound. That same year I tried out for "Annie Get Your Gun", but I was too shy for the stage and realized I do better behind the scenery, not in front of it!
I came to enjoy the musicals and comedies and when we did "Gaslight" in 1966, I thought it was strange it wasn't funny. I was in the 6th grade and hadn't experienced a real drama at CCCT before!
As a kid I thought it was cool to get my name printed in the program when I helped Sheila with the sets. One show in particular was for "My Fair Lady" in 1973. She had me put together all 24 of those chandeliers for the formal ballroom scene. Whew!
Thinking back, my favorite shows were "Guys and Dolls" (1979) and "Fiddler on the Roof" (1982). Great music, great actors, and great sets!
Community theater is a great way to raise a kid. My Dad, Everett Schaffer and my brothers Paul and Erik were the guys in my family who were in front of the scenery, and my mom, Sheila and me were behind the scenes. For the Flynns, Louis and Kathleen in front, and Bettianne and Matt the unseen support. What a team!
Thank you Flynn Family for the great experience and the great memories!!

Love and Blessings,

Gretchen (Schaffer) Moore