Tech Week – A Parent’s Point of View: Spotlight on Pam Prodromou

Spotlight was thrilled to reach a couple PYT parents to get their insights into what’s it like having an actor in the house and how they feel about going into Tech Week.  Here’s one of the interviews – this time with Shrek parent, Pam Prodromou.  Pam’s “Ash” plays “Mama Ogre”, “Mama Bear”, “Duloc Dancer” and “Rat”, in the Storybook Cast. Shrek is directed by PYT’s Producing Artistic Director Loryn Hatten and opens this Saturday, March 9th.

Spotlight: Pam, tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I’m an avid reader, walker/jogger, theatre goer and tennis fan – Vamos Nadal! I volunteer at my kids’ schools and with their after school activities. I also care for my 7-month old twin niece and nephew once a week in San Francisco – they keep me on my toes in the very best of ways and they don’t mind my terrible singing voice! 🙂

Spotlight: How long have you been involved with PYT and in what capacities?

I’ve been a PYT parent volunteer since 2013, when my older child, Ash, participated in Peter Pan. Since then, my younger child, Tessa, has also participated in several PYT Center Stage productions (and most recently, Stories on Stage). I’ve worked on the cueing, backstage and costume committees for various productions, and I’ve been a producer for two shows – The Lion King Experience Jr. in Summer 2017 and Peter and the Starcatcher in Summer 2018.

Spotlight: What’s is like having children who love theatre? Has it changed you/your kids?

It’s so much fun to have children who love theatre! I had zero experience before they got involved. It’s forced me to try new things, like spiking the stage and working with a backstage crew to position huge set pieces on stage (in the dark sometimes!). It’s also exposed me to a whole new world of music and stories. My children have grown in their confidence and their willingness to try new things, and they’ve become part of an incredibly supportive and creative community of kids and adults from whom they’ve learned A LOT.

Spotlight: What are you most excited about and/or worried about during tech week?

I really enjoy the energy, enthusiasm and camaraderie of tech week. Everyone involved helps the show come together. It’s truly amazing and rewarding to participate in that process.

Spotlight: Anything else you’d like to add about why people should come out and see Shrek, and/or any special memories you’d like to share?

People should come out to see Shrek because it’s filled with heartwarming messages and relationships, and it’s just so much fun as it encourages you to be YOU.

A PYT production that encouraged my older child to become active in theatre was Legally Blonde (Summer 2013). We loved the energy of the show and were especially entertained by Kyle’s interactions with Paulette – his physical comedy as he sauntered across the stage was outstanding! He was clearly having fun bringing that character to life on stage.

Spotlight: Keep that love of theatre and enthusiasm up for you and your family Pam, and thanks for all that you do for PYT! Break-a-leg! 

PYT’s Shrek the Musical  performs March 9 – 17 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets available now.

By: Barbie Koch