Welcome,

After three years of absence, Rubicon is thrilled to be offering the Stinky Feet Theatre Project once again to our youngest actors.  Over the past few years, the pandemic has made the running of this theatre camp too difficult. And that’s unfortunate because the things kids learn while participating in this camp are foundational, not only to be a well-rounded young theatre artist but a well-rounded human being as well.

Our Stinky Feet students learn things like teamwork, listening to each other, focus, and concentration, encouraging them to be themselves with confidence and kindness while feeling empathy for others. And it’s amazing what they achieve in only two weeks of training and theatre games.

We hope you’ll enjoy their efforts. I know they’ve enjoyed preparing for this day.

Sincerely,

Kirby Ward

Patricia Lynn-Strickland (Director)

[English & Drama Teacher, Director, producer, writer, actress, musician] is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts West. Her directing credits include over 200 productions and acting in numerous productions throughout Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Patricia is a 2013 recipient of the Earth Charter Award for Education and Outreach, a 2009 recipient of the City of Ventura Mayor’s Arts Award for Arts Educator of the year, a 2007 recipient of The City of Ventura Artist’s Fellowship Award for directing, a 2005 recipient of The City of Ventura Artist’s Fellowship Award for playwriting, a 2001 recipient of the REP award for Excellence in Performance, and a 1990 recipient of the County of Ventura Arts Commission’s award for Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts. Ms. Strickland served as the Artistic Director for the Elite Theatre Company for 8 years. She taught music and drama at St. Bonaventure High School, The Rubicon Theatre Company, and Our Lady of Assumption School. She has written several plays and adaptations and enjoys blogging about the importance of arts education. Besides her theatrical background, Ms. Strickland has a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies (emphasis on Humanities/Business/Behavioral Sciences) from NYIT, and a Master’s of Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University. She is very proud of her son Charlie (Sarah Lawrence College & British Academy of Dramatic Arts) and husband Fred.

Frank Bowles (Set Designer)
makes his home in Maryland and is grateful to be back in Southern California working for Rubicon on his first post-undergraduate professional set design, while also serving as the company’s Technical Director. Frank received his Bachelor’s degree in Theatrical Design and Production from Frostburg State University in Northwestern Maryland in 2021. He is thankful to Jane Childs, Brian Gale, and Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas for all of their services over the last 16 years. “Here’s to much more good work to do!”

Spencer Price (Sound Designer/Engineer)
is a graduate of UCLA with a B.A. in theater. He has sound designed for shows including Everybody! and Pericles: Prince of Tyre. He’s excited to be working for the Rubicon Theatre Company again after sound mixing for their most recent production of Lonesome Traveler Generations.

Kyle Wurtz (Lighting Designer)
is a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Sally Sells Seashells is Designer Kyle Wurtz’s first design with Rubicon. This is Kyle’s 9th year working in theater and his 16th production as the principal designer. Kyle would like to thank his parents for always supporting his creativity, his little brother for always being his best friend, his uncle for introducing him to the world of theater, and the rest of his family and friends for supporting him. He would also like to thank all the mentors and professors at Pepperdine and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign for guiding him through his time there and preparing him for a career in theater.

Sarah Willey (Prop Master)
is a miniature clay artist and photographer who lives in Ventura. This is her first time working as a prop designer for the Rubicon Theatre Summer Education Program and is looking forward to more shows this summer.

Mason Garcia (Technical Director and Head Carpenter)
serves as the company’s Associate Technical Director. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2016. Mason has helped produce a plethora of entertainment and artistic endeavors. These include 4 award-winning Rose Parade floats, numerous festivals, and dozens of arena shows for major bands and artists. The Rubicon Theatre has always been a place Mason has held close to his heart. His love for this theatre is steadfast because it was a place he originally got his start in the arts.