Left to right: Nick Kern, Darlene Parker, Stephen Seay and Leslie Ann Giles.

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Tarradiddle Players - Meet The Company

Tarradiddle Players, the Resident Touring Company of Children's Theatre, spreads the joy of live theatre across the Southeast. In addition to appearances on CTC stages, this four-person troupe travels from Virginia to South Carolina performing in schools, community centers and towns big and small for audiences who might otherwise never see a live play. Tarradiddle Players has performed for over one million children during its 39 years!

Here the 2011-12 cast members introduce themselves and talk their first theatrical experiences.

Leslie Ann Giles

“My very first play was when I was 11 years old. I told my parents I wanted to be an actress when I grew up and they enrolled me in a community theatre summer camp. We were putting on a show called "Clowns" and I knew the part I wanted. Sadly, they had already given the part to another little girl, but they still needed another girl for a singing role. The only thing they said was they were looking for someone who could be LOUD. I put my mind to it, and when I got up to the piano I sang as loud as I possibly could. That determination and confidence got me the part! I had never sung in public before, so even my family was surprised at this big voice coming from this tiny little girl. I will never forget that show, or the lessons I learned: don’t let people telling you no stop you from your dreams, keep auditioning even if the role you wanted is already gone (there may be another one you would love but aren’t giving the chance!), know the power of voice and value of self, and of course…love what you do!!!” Leslie is originally from Anderson, SC and is a Winthrop University alum.

Nick Kern

I grew up in Chapel Hill, NC. My family taught me from an early age to do what you love, and I love theatre! Growing up, I always found myself drawn to the performing arts. Whether it be a summer camp show, or a community play I was always wanting to work on something. I can still remember the first play I was in. I was the Dad in “Twas the Night Before Christmas” our holiday show in Kindergarten. Ever since then I was hooked on acting and being on stage. My absolute favorite story of all time is “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. I ran away from home once (just around the block). One of the items in my wagon was my copy of the book, but I realized I couldn't read it. So I simply went back home... I don’t think my parents even noticed.

Darlene Parker

So much of my play growing up was dressing up, acting or singing. One of my favorite experiences was playing around at home with my big sister, Phyllis. I was around 11 or 12. We used to record little songs, commercials, fake news reports, whatever we imagined. Mom graciously let us use her cassette player. Called "Crazy Tapes" we spent hours on scripting and sound design. We even made a Cujo-like horror movie trailer featuring the family dog. The dog made great harmless growls playing tug of war. Turning on the recorder, I ran in place in a pile of leaves and screamed while my sister played with the dog. We ran in the house and recorded the voice over giving the movie title time and date. When we replayed the trailer it sounded so cool!!!!! Even though it was a game took the work seriously. I now know I am having a good day when I feel like I did playing with Phyllis. I wasn't too long out of college when I first worked for Children's Theatre and Tarradiddle. Many years later I still love what I do. Each new season is a new set of opportunities and challenges. I find that exciting. Our job is so much fun but it is also hard work. It is always worth the sweat to see the expressions in the audience.

Stephen Seay

My first play wasn't until my high school production of "Oklahoma!". I had done skits and sang in choirs all my life, but I never took to the stage for a full production until the drama teacher came to my choir and asked if anyone was interested in being an extra. My part was very small, but I fell in love with theatre. The next year, my first audition was for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!" and I was cast as Snoopy ... which gave me my first solos. After that, I was hooked. I knew I had found a place where I could be special just by doing the things I loved to do anyway. I love being an actor because it challenges you to do new things and learn new talents. If you want to learn to tap dance - do it. If you want to learn to play the guitar - do it! You might not be the best at everything you try, but you'll never know what you can do if you sit at home playing video games all the time (which I LOVE to do). While I was in college, I found this fortune cookie that said, "You cannot love life until you live the life you love." That's my motto and I try to keep that in mind with anything I do.