A returning act

How far is it from Fremont High School’s musical productions of “Oklahoma” and “Anything Goes” to professional theater?

Not far. Not that far at all.

Ask Stephanie Dodd. Fremont’s Stephanie Dodd. Daughter of Steve and Cindi Dodd. Stephanie played “Lori” in “Oklahoma” and “Reno Sweeney” in “Anything Goes” just a few short years ago.

Now she is touring the world following her passion for acting.

Dodd has portrayed various characters in all forms of theater. Her first work was, in her own words, a “cheesy” children’s show character, Sidewalk Sally. Her daily job was to perform for New York City children promoting safety with skateboards and bikes.

“It paid the rent my first year here,” laughed Dodd.

A more demanding role in a Shakespearean troupe followed. Productions in the Virgin Islands, Scotland and various points in the U.S. are now part of Dodd’s resume.

During her years studying and performing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dodd had the good fortune to work with a visiting master director, Virginia Ness Ray. When Dodd arrived in New York City to further her theatrical work, Ray recommended Dodd to the Shakespearean Company based upon her knowledge of Dodd‘s skills.

“A lot of luck and connections,” Dodd said. “Sure, there’s talent involved. But even getting an audition requires knowing someone. For every show there are hundreds of talented people who are looking for a role. It helps if you are known. But you have to work hard if you do get selected. Nothing is handed to you.”

At one point, Dodd landed a role in an off-Broadway play written by Woody Allen. Though she did not expect to get cast, she and the director just “hit it off right away.” The director later told Dodd that she just knew they could work well together.

Often, chemistry plays a role.

“Part of the art of directing is to know who will fit in the cast. I mean, there are shows that run six months on the road. There could be 20 people who spend all this time together. You learn to be flexible. Accepting. And patient.”

When she is at home in Terrytown, just north of New York City, Stephanie feels a kinship to Fremont. Big cities are really comprised of little communities jammed close together.

“In order to survive on stage, you must build relationships. An actor must connect with the people in the audience. When I lived in the city, I knew everyone in my building, at the coffee shop, at the grocery. It’s part of survival. Everyone looked out for each other. In that respect, it’s a lot like a Nebraska small town,” Dodd said.

Dodd will get to escape to some familiar territory this summer as she will spend two months in Nebraska performing in two productions in Lincoln with the Nebraska Repertory Theatre in the Temple building on the UNL campus. She has been cast as Sister James in “Doubt,” a morality production set in 1964. The behavior of Catholic clergy is the theme of the script.

At the same time, Dodd will perform as the young “Helen” in “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” a maddening/funny play set in 1934 off the west Ireland coast.

Preparing for two productions is part of the actor’s life. While Dodd enjoys productions that are four to six weeks in preparation, many companies can only afford to provide two weeks of rehearsal.

“It’s amazing how much practice you can complete in two weeks if you have to,” she said.

Stephanie Dodd’s theatrical future lies ahead. But this Nebraska girl remembers the support of the fine arts program in Fremont Public Schools and the overall formative efforts of the arts promoters in her hometown.

“Tell everyone I miss them and will visit this summer,” she said. “I am so grateful to all in Fremont who have supported me, my Mom and Dad, family and friends. I can’t wait to see everybody.”