Part of the Fertile Ground PDX Festival

April 12, 13, 14 & 19, 20, 21, 2024

**ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE DATES ADDED ON

SAT 4/27 & SUN 4/28!

(And now FRI 4/26, too!)****

Venue: Ki Coffee (4655 SW Griffith Dr #160, Beaverton, OR 97005)

BUY TICKETS

Morality. Abandonment. Immortality.

Three stories ask the question: When confronted by darkness, will we become consumed by it, or will we reach toward the light?

The Hand of God

directed by Stan Yeend

As the American Civil War draws to a close, two confederate soldiers meet on an abandoned train platform. One has been sent to kill the other, and neither reason, nor moral argument, seems capable of preventing the death.

Featuring: Bryce Bristow as GIDEON and Brian Tyson as SAMUEL

Vertical Daylight

directed by Amelia Michaels

Five nights a week, lonely retiree Sylvia visits the same greasy-spoon diner and the same sassy, young waitress for comfort, support, and consistency, but a break in that routine forces her to confront thoughts that she’d rather not face.

Featuring: Laura Reeves as SYLVIA, Jean Christensen as MARY, and Katie Souza as KATARINA

Infamy Inc.,

directed by Amanda Clark

In this scathing satire of celebrity culture, Trina Bell, the dynamic, top agent for a mysterious PR firm bursts into the home of up-and-coming actor/musician Elliot Bruce determined to convince him that the best thing he can do for his career is kill himself in a truly spectacular fashion.

Featuring: Francine Raften as TRINA BELL, Adam Williams as ELLIOT BRUCE, and Matthew Grand as RILEY

Production Team

Technical Director: Alex Woodard

Production Designer: Pam Taylor

Costume Designers: Sandi King, Pat Lach, Pam Taylor, Sue Woodbury

Stage Management: Jodi Johnson

Featuring original music by: Jason Paris

A special thank you to Village Gallery of Arts and Ki Coffee for their support of this production.

About The Creative Team

Click the + sign next to the artist’s name to learn more about them.

  • James Van Eaton is a former bookstore owner currently finishing his BA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Iowa. The second of his four novels, Chasing Moonshine, was twice adapted for the stage, and his own, full-length plays Help Me and An Honest Apology were recently produced in Sacramento, CA. James’ short plays have been performed by both community theaters and community colleges, and several have appeared in print and online. He is thrilled to be working with Spark Plug Theatre Collective and sincerely thanks everyone involved for letting him take part. JamesVanEaton.com

  • Thanks to his endlessly supportive wife and children, Bryce previous roles include Derek in Ripcord with Hillsboro Artists' Regional Theatre (2022), Garry in Noises Off with Theatre in the Grove (2023), and Nick in Over the River and Through the Woods with STAGES (2024). He enjoys challenging himself with a variety of roles, so he jumped at the opportunity to perform The Hand of God. This is his first foray into one-act plays, and he's enjoyed working with the Spark Plug Theatre Collective to make this show.

  • Jean Christensen is elated to be appearing in her second Fertile Ground production. She has been involved with local community theaters for nearly ten years, and has performed in several plays, musicals, and short films, meeting amazing people and building cherished friendships all along the way. Special thanks to the cast and crew of Vertical Daylight for their hard work and inspiration, her friends and coworkers for their support, and to her husband and children, whose love and encouragement make her theater hobby possible.

  • Amanda’s soul is full to see how Spark Plug Theatre Collective has grown and work alongside these talented actors and directors! Directing credits include: Slow Food, FUTURA, Two Witches, No Waiting, Ramona Quimby, and Almost, Maine. She has also been seen onstage at various local theatres. Favorite roles include Mary Anning in Digging Up Dessa, Berta in Boeing, Boeing, and Corie Bratter in Barefoot in the Park. Amanda holds degrees in Acting and Advertising from Ball State University and works as the Marketing Coordinator for Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg.

  • Matthew Grand is a local actor, gamer (in all forms), and night owl! Ask him about his recent hyperfixation!

  • Amelia is excited to be a part of her first Fertile Ground production! She holds a Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts and Dance from Hendrix College, and is more often seen onstage in the Portland area. Favorite roles include Catherine in Proof, Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web, and Lorraine in The Receptionist. This is her directorial debut in Oregon. Thanks to her cast for sharing their hearts every single night, and to Amanda for her vision.

  • Laura is beyond excited to be joining Spark Plug Theatre Collective in the Fertile Ground Ground PDX Festival. Big thanks to the cast and crew for all their encouragement and support.

  • Francine is thrilled to be part of Spark Plug Theatre Collective & Fertile Ground! Francine has been involved in radio, television, stand-up comedy, and theater for decades. Stage roles include Gertie in Fuddy Meers, Rose in Rose Colored Glass, Chris in Calendar Girls, Becky in Becky’s New Car, and Lucille in The Cemetery Club. Thanks to James Van Eaton for creating the fascinating character of Trina Bell, and Director Amanda Clark for helping bring her to life! Special thanks to her family, friends, and soul mate/husband whose love and unwavering support mean everything. 

  • Katie is honored to be a part of Spark Plug’s production of Looking For Light as Katarina in Vertical Daylight. She made a return to the stage as Claire in Proof and most recently played Lisa in Private Eyes. Her favorite roles include Emily in Our Town and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She would like to thank Amelia for her beautiful direction, her talented castmates, the amazing Jodie, and the theatre community, including you! She sends her love to her fiancé Noah, her parents, her brother & sister-in-law, and her friends. Thanks for coming out and enjoy the show!

  • Brian Alexander Tyson is a new actor/creative in Portland. In the last year, he has acted in 2 plays and a short film. He credits his recent reconnection with acting and performing to his time studying at the Studio NW and Wheelhouse Craft, under the tutelage of Chris Conner. In his spare time, Brian enjoys traveling, soccer, and exploring nature with his dog, Bo. Originally hailing from Huntsville, Alabama, Brian is excited to join the Spark Plug Theatre family. Finally, Brian would like to say a special THANK YOU to his family and friends for their encouragement and support.

  • Adam has called Wisconsin, California, and Maryland home, and now works as a video editor in Beaverton. Locally, Adam has appeared in The 39 Steps with Beaverton Civic Theatre and H.M.S. Pinafore with Light Opera of Portland.

  • Primarily an actor, this will be Stan's third outing as a director, and first involvement with Fertile Ground. He is excited to be part of the new and exciting Spark Plug Theater Collective.