December 2011 • Upbeat Times HOLIDAY EVENTS & GIFT GUIDE December 2011
Upbeat's 2011 Holiday Guide Food, Events & Gifts & More!
Actress Makes Comeback From Broken Back Good News! Local 6th Street Theater
SANTA ROSA, CA - Directing the upcoming 6th Street Playhouse main stage production of "A Christmas Carol" marks another mile- stone in the remarkable recov- ery of Bronwen Shears. Last April, the Sonoma County actress, direc- tor, wife
and
mother broke her back after falling from a ladder. The accident
came
with the threat that her injuries might leave her paralyzed and unable to walk. After
eight
hours of surgery (which includ- ed the removal a rib, plus implants of a titanium cage, a plate and eight bolts); five days in ICU; twelve days in the hospital; and three months in bed - Shears is happy to report that she's "doing remarkably well." "Second only to the love and support I received, my theater training was a major factor in my recovery. From body awareness, move- ment and breath work, to the many disciplines that my training encompassed(from Feldenkrais to acrobatics)
have invaluable tools to use in
regaining mobility and
strength. To be re-entering the theatrical arena so soon is a blessing. To be walking is a blessing," said Shears. After six months of recovery (which began with bed rest, followed by therapy), Shears is now walking, driving, con- tinuing intense therapy and at the helm again directing a main stage, semi-professional stage production. Shears began rehearsals for "A Christmas Story" the first week of October. The play version of "A Christmas Story" (based on the clas-
that and having to be depen- dent on others," said Shears. "As an actor I don't think I have ever really taken my body for granted, but my life and my ability to do things on my
own....yes, I took that for granted. There are drugs for pain, but not for replacing that joyful feeling of being crazy busy with your
family and
your art or the joy of making it to the bathroom on your own," said Shears.
I
Shears graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts and has been act- ing professionally and teach- ing theater for over twenty years. North Bay theater audi- ences have enjoyed Shears tal- ents as an actress and director. Her memorable stage roles at the 6th Street Playhouse include Claire in 2008 pro- duction of "Boston Marriage" and prostitute Aldonza in the 2007 production of "Man of La Mancha."
Earlier this year (February, 2011) she directed the criti- cally acclaimed production of "Intimate Apparel," presented at the 6th Street Playhouse.
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sic motion picture by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark) opens at Santa Rosa's 6th Street Playhouse on Nov. 18 and continues with performances to Dec. 23. "Stopping was
the hardest,
She served as the company's Education Director and from 2007 to 2009 served as the- ater instructor for its School of Drama and directed each of the school's lavish, holiday productions of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," featuring
students of School of Drama.
In addition, Shears served the 6th Street Playhouse for many years as its resident cater, prepar- ing delicious baked goods for the inter- mission con-
cessions. She also organized, prepared and served lavish buffets for special benefit and
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UPBEAT TIMES • December 2011 • 9 A
Gingerbread Chew Toy..
A Squeeky Christmas Tree...
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