Left to right: Darlene Parker, Leslie Ann Giles, Stephen Seay and Sal Garcia.

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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 38 years!

Here the 2010-11 cast members introduce themselves and talk about some of their favorite stories.

Salvador (Sal) Garcia

I was born and raised in Seminole, TX, and my first theatre experience was at the age of 11. A touring commedia group brought "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to my school and I remember being struck with awe. I like to think it was that merry wanderer of the night, Puck, who changed the direction of my life forever.

I have always been a curious type, so it was natural that I took a liking to "Curious George." That sense of adventure and reaching out to things unknown always seemed to reflect my drive to go out and continue learning. Also, I always identified with "Huckleberry Finn" since my only source of excitement was found in the outdoors. But I listened to my mom!

Leslie Ann Giles

I am originally from Anderson, SC, but went to elementary school in Aiken, SC, where we always took field trips to see theatre. Immediately I knew "I want to do that!" and as I got older I made it my mission to be involved with a children's theatre where hopefully I could give back and inspire a young artist to follow their dreams.

I have two favorite stories. One is "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas. I love classic literature, and this story has EVERYTHING! Action, romance, adventure, friendship ... something for everyone. I like stories that both boys and girls can enjoy. My favorite fairy tale, however, is "Thumbelina": a story about a girl who is smaller than everyone else around her but ends up doing big things. I've always been short, so I really identify with this story!

Darlene Parker

I was born and raised in Madison, NC. I have always loved singing and acting out stories. When we were in elementary school, my big sister and I used our imaginations more than our toys. We would make TV shows, three ring circuses out of hula hoops, commercials and horror movies and mom would patiently watch whatever we created.

One of my favorite stories is "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl. I can't just choose a single favorite book but I love the cozy feeling of the inside of the pit and I love peaches so much I would love to find one I could tunnel and eat my way through.

Stephen Seay

I grew up in Spartanburg, SC. I began singing with my sister at a very young age. In fact, most of my family members have appeared onstage in choirs and plays. I think the first musical I saw was a school field trip to see Aladdin at the Spartanburg Little Theatre. However, I became interested in theatre after seeing my sister in a high-school performance of School House Rock Live!. I started taking acting classes in middle school, and my first big role was "Snoopy" in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!".

My favorite story is “Aladdin,” but my favorite book is “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” by Dr. Seuss. I think a love of acting comes from a love of good stories. As an actor, my job is to be a good storyteller. It's important to read books and not just watch reality TV all the time ... even if it is the best thing ever.