An Inside Look: The Ridgefield Playhouse

The performances, comedy acts, debates, and lectures that take place on the stage of the Ridgefield Playhouse are always enjoyable, but the untold stories of what goes on behind the curtain are the true source of entertainment.

The Ringleader

It’s not often that an Executive Director’s office is filled with painted, characture wineglasses, framed magazine covers, and 15 signed guitars. The Ridgefield Playhouse’s, Allison Stockel, is the exception. Executive Director since 2004, Stockel is on the front line for all the comedy, drama, and in between that happens before the big show.

It is obvious by looking at her enormous wall calendar full of performance dates, notes, and reminders, that Stockel makes it her job to book a little bit of every kind of entertainment. Musicians, dancers, children’s theatre, psychics, fitness groups, and debate teams have all made the Ridgefield Playhouse their home at one time.   

Even as, “the boss,” Stockel is very engaged with her team. During our 45-minute interview she frequently paged her team to ask their opinion, remind them to call agents, or throw out an idea to fill a Friday night time slot.  

Made to Order

A dressing room is a home away from home for a traveling artist, on the road for months at a time. It’s Stockel and her team’s job to make that home feel as cozy as possible. So what do big artists and performers request be ready and waiting when they arrive?

Flowers, alcohol (Jack Daniels), and snacks (vegan food) are the most common, and some guests request certain things because of performance superstitions.  

Sometimes the team gets requests so unusual that Stockel has to call an agent and ask, “What do they REALLY need?”

Stockel says comedians are the easiest to please, and musicians are the hardest. Her most unusual request came from one musician, and let’s just say it was a very specific, very adult form of reading material.

Keep Your Eyes Open

Sometimes fans try desperate measures to get back stage. They have been known to attempt to sneak into dressing rooms or try to distract security in an attempt to slide through a back door.  

However, Stockel reveals why you don’t have to be sneaky to get a candid look at your favorite performer.

Many of the acts spend all day in Ridgefield before their performances. They shop, eat, or take a relaxing walk downtown, so next time you’re out to dinner at your favorite local restaurant, take a better look to see who’s sitting beside you wearing the shades! 

Onstage

To see all the back stage hard work pay off onstage visit the Ridgefield Playhouse website, www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org, and check out the upcoming calendar or events.

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