Samantha Driver (Belle in WSCT's production of Beauty and the Beast) is currently auditioning in Chicago and then off to NYC.  She is doing well and wanted to share her thoughts about WSCT.

"My parents went to go see Beauty and the Beast in Chicago. The show is a non-equity casted show by Networks and is on the National Tour...my parents talked for hours about how Westside Civic Theater did a 100x better job and performance then what was on the national tour. My parents said, that what Westside did is they casted believable characters who were committed to the roles. Everything was right, the cast, inflections, love of a father towards a daughter, comedic flare of a candlestick and clock, a comic relief in Lafou, the arrogant cockiness of a bully, and a adventure seeking girl who fell in love with a prideful, tender beast.
 
After doing shows for the past 4 years since Westside, I will have to say that I have never enjoyed working with a cast more supportive, loving, caring and above all fun then I have when I spent my summer in Lewisville. It is the most precious time of my life and my career, and nothing on Broadway will ever replace the joy and treasure I found there. So for everyone there, my dearest family and friends, thank you for your love, support that you have given me over the years. I love each and everyone of you deeply, and encourage you to continue to reach for your dreams, for nothing is impossible. But even though the path is long and hard, treasure each other and the moments, and memories you share because those will last forever and are far more rewarding then any Tony, or Drama Desk Award. Under the stars you create true theater at its finest because in each and every heart is filled with the love, joy, laughter, and the need to share life and hope with an audience! Westside has the biggest heart I know, and therefore will always be the greatest of all theaters in my book because all performances, through rain, shine, and whirling tornadoes, are given from the heart. Love you all and miss you!"
 
Love always,
Samantha Driver

 Tori Lancaster attended the 2010 Advanced Summer Filmmaking program at UNC School of the Arts.
The student screenings and awards were on July 21 & 22, 2010 at the ACE Theater on the UNCSA Campus!

John Rushton played "Roy Johnson" in Piedmont Opera's production of Light in the Piazza, which had its Winston-Salem premier in October at the Stevens Center.
Read the rave reviews at http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/oct/12/112355/bravo-light-in-the-piazza-is-brilliant/.

From Bob Stebbins -WSCT Board:
The week after Labor Day was a busy time for another type of labor. On Tuesday, Sept. 9th, we welcomed a great granddaughter weighing 7lb 10oz born at Forsyth, then on Thursday, Sept. 11th, we welcomed a grandson who was premature and weighed only 1lb 9oz. in Charlotte. The girl is doing fine and growing fast. The boy has his ups and downs but is making progress and we feel he will be okay. Our house is getting fuller each holiday.

Congratulations to Logan Welborn. Logan was a finalist in Triad Idol in the 8-12 age category! Finals were on May 31st at the Carolina Theatre in Greensboro. Follow the link to see Logan's picture and for more info on the competition. Logan has been involved with WSCT productions for several years and was a Lost Boy in Peter Pan.Visit http://triadidol.org/participants/finalists.phphttp://triadidol.org/index.php for more information.

Don't miss the November issue of Forsyth Family magazine or visit online at http://www.forsythfamilymagazine.com for a great article on The Welborn family and the special gifts of their family

Jordan Googe played famed Hollywood producer David O. Selznick in  Kernersville Little Theatre's North Carolina Debut of "Don't Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell" after an  11 show run.  The show sold out it's initial 10 show dates.

Miles Stanley played Burl Sanders in Sanders Family Christmas at Little Theatre of Winston Salem.

Phred Rainy played Clifford Anderson in Deathtrap at Stained Glass Playhouse.

Our own Samantha Driver, who all WSCT faithful will remember as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz will be attending Boston Conservatory to obtain her Master's of Music in Musical Theatre this coming fall. Samantha was also recently featured as Kate Keller in The Miracle Worker with CPCC Theater Productions, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Olivia in Twelfth Night, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, and Antigone in Antigone. Samantha would like to thank her dear family and friends at the West Side Civic Theatre for their support, love, hard work and dedication to the company throughout the years,and for assisting her in reaching her highest of dreams. You will forever be in my heart!

Jim Ballard - This past year I have been working pretty steadily which for an actor is always a very good thing.

Some highlights include Mitch in Tuesdays with Morrie at the Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton, FL, Leo in Leading Ladies and Hook in Peter Pan at the Blowing Rock Stage Co. in NC, Richard Henry Lee in 1776 at the Actors Playhouse on Miracle Mile in Miami, FL and the Southeastern premiere of Shrdlu in Adding Machine- a Musical at GableStage in Coral Gables, FL.

 Our Director John S. Rushton was recently named to the Events Committee for PEACE Fund International. PEACE stands for Protect, Educate and Aid Children Everywhere and was founded by film and television star, Adrian Paul, who also serves as its President. John starred as Adrian’s partner, Bradley in last year’s feature film, Eyeborgs and the two have become good friends dedicated to the same causes. John considers it “a distinct honor to be chosen to be part of this dedicated and passionate organization.”

John was also named as a member of the Board of Visitors for Salem Academy and College for a 3 year term. John commented on his appointment, “It is wonderful to be an integral part of the planning and decision making for an institution I consider vital to our area, and one I care deeply about.”