Shoestringplayers.net - A Touring Theatrical Company for Audiiences of All Ages

Information

Travel Area

South Louisiana and Mississippi

Availability

Year-Round

Show titles & fees

Please see Our Shows for more details.

Study Guides

Schools and libraries are provided with a detailed study guide for each show which includes age-appropriate activites, web links, suggested reading materials and background information.

Space Requirements

Our shows are designed o travel and can be presented in almost any type of space - stage, classroom, cafeteria, wherever!

Professional Affiliations

Young Audiences

Louisiana State Library Performing Artist Directory

About Our Company

The Shoestring Players was founded in 2001. Our primary goal is to present quailty live theatre which educates as well as entertains. We are thoroughly committed to the support and promotion of the performing arts in communities throughout South Louisiana and Mississippi.

Meet the Players

James Clakeley

has been involved in the arts at Bonnabel High School for the past 9 years. He started out as an instructor/technician for the dance team and is now the team’s director/advisor. He is also the flag and body choreographer for Bonnabel’s winter guard, “Lagniappe.” During his involvement with “Lagniappe” the team has earned 3 bronze, 3 silver and 3 gold medals at their circuit championships.They have also placed within the top 10 finalists at all regional competitions that they have attended throughout the country. Next year, James plans to become a member of the Gulf Coast Judges Association, after which he will be qualified to judge dance and winter guard competitions throughout the Gulf Coast states. Theatrically speaking, James has choreographed and stage-managed the musicals for Bonnabel’s theatre department under the direction of Kathy Riess. Past shows include FAME, GREASE, THE WIZ, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, BYE BYE BYRDIE, CHICAGO AND SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ, and GYPSY.

Bonnie Knowles

holds a master’s degree from LSU in vocal performance. She has performed with the New Orleans Opera Assn. Chorus since 1985 and is a member of The American Guild of Musical Artists. She teaches voice privately and especially enjoys working with young beginning singers. She has worked as a vocal director at Rivertown Repertory Theatre and the Jefferson Parks & Recreation Department. Bonnie’s musical theatre performances include the leading roles of Marian in THE MUSIC MAN, Magnolia in SHOWBOAT (Le Petit), Grace Farrell in ANNIE and Anna in THE KING AND I (Rivertown Rep). She has performed in children’s theatre at Imagine Theatre for Children and Teddy’s Corner at Le Petit. Technical credits include doing props for shows at RRT and costumes for Bonnabel and Shoestring Players productions. In addition to producing for SSP, she is also a producer for Imagine Theatre for Children at Rivertown Repertory Theatre.

Kathy Riess

earned her bachelor’s degree from UNO and her master’s degree from Tulane University. She is retired from the Jefferson Parish School System, having taught English and Theatre for 33 years at Bonnabel High School. For the past 10 years, Kathy has directed hundreds of aspiring actors in the spring productions at Bonnabel. As an actress, Kathy has appeared on stages throughout the city, but her heart remains at Rivertown. She has also worked backstage as stage manager for countless productions and with some of the city’s best directors, and received a Storer Boone Award for Best Stage Manager. In addition to Rivertown, she has worked at Le Petit, Le Chat Noir, and Southern Rep. Theatre awards aside, her proudest moment was when she was elected to “Who’s Who Among American Teachers,” because this award is generated by nominations from students themselves. Kathy is also a producer for Imagine Theatre for Children

Leslie Knowles

is a student at Louise S. McGehee School in New Orleans. She has performed with Shoestring Players for the past 3 years. Other stage credits include Toad in A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD at Rivertown Repertory Theatre’s “Broadway Jr. Rep” workshop, SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK TOO and THE RED SNEAKS at Ty Tracy Theatre, PIPPIN at Jesuit High School and ALADDIN JR at Rivertown Rep. Leslie is also a talented pianist and vocalist.