What People are Saying...
pulled from thank you cards and posted with permission
"Stage Director Bethanie Baeyen finds a universe of ways to harvest a sky full of laughs
that range from silly to slapstick."
- Theatre Eddy's Review of Pocket Opera's Orpheus in the Underworld
"I do miss having you around on our various stage productions. You always made being there feel as though I was involved in something professional and worth taking part in the production of it."
- Micheal Crozier, Volunteer and Tenor
"I liked all the characters and felt each one's distinctive quirks. Lots of good humorous interplay!
You really showcased what's possible with the Zoom format. There's a unique dynamic, being that we can only "see" what the little "square" allows us to see. Just an excellent experience all the way around."
-Jeff Westfield, audience member, Zoom Theater of the Absurd - Empathy Corps
"Thank you for all you give to LVO to make our production so organized and wonderful. And for working with all of us Volunteers." Bonnie Schmidt, Production Manager, Livermore Valley Opera
"Thank you Bethanie. You are truly a special comrade on my journey. Thank you for your practicality, your creativity, patience, laughter and for reminding all those around you to 'chill' and trust the process. I trust you completely!"
Molly Noble - Stage Director for the Kepler Story at the Fiske Planetarium 2016
"You're fantastic! Thank you for your patience and your super chill nature."
Molly Mahoney - Beggar Lady in Sweeney Todd, a co-production by
Townsend Opera & Fresno Grand Opera 2016
"Its been an absolute pleasure working with you, I hope our paths cross again! Thank you for all the hard work you've put in for Sweeney..."
-Camille Jasensky, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, a co-production by
Townsend Opera & Fresno Grand Opera 2016
"Thank you so much for dedication and hard work on this production! It has truly been a pleasure working together and I hope we get the chance to collaborate again in the future!"
-Maya Kherani, Soprano, Savitri & River of Light by Jack Perla at Festival Opera 2015
"You are a joy to work with! Your flawless support assures us that all will be well."
-Donna Olson, Mezzo, The End of the Affair by Jake Heggie at West Edge Opera 2014
"Thank you so much for everything. You've been fantastic."
-Keith Phares, Baritone, The End of the Affair by Jake Heggie at West Edge Opera 2014
"We all know we are in good hands with you running the show."
-Emma McNairy, Soprano, La Cenerentola at Livermore Valley Opera 2014
"Its hard out there for a stage manager, but you do it with such ease & grace! Can't wait to work with you again."
-Shirin Eskatani, Cenerentola in Livermore Valley Opera's Cenerentola 2014
"Thank you for your clarity, kindness and playful spirit. You run a tight ship that felt like a luxury cruise. I hope we can work together many times in the years to come." -Jeff Raz, Clown & Cirque du Soleil Casting Partner, S.F. Bay Area, California Revels 2012
"You have lead the troops amazingly. I am so impressed with you, and I hope to do it agian. The best part is you did it all with a smile on your face."
Tristan Cunningham, Actor, Acrobat, Clown, California Revels 2012
"Thank you as always for another fantastically fun filled production. I've enjoyed working with you and have learned so much from your experience."
Julie Chin, stage manager, California Revels 2012
"Your organization and professionalism were invaluable."
- Ryan Smith of RAWdance 2012
"I thoroughly enjoyed our time together bringing the most out of this show. You are a fierce professional and any director can call himself fortunate to have someone like you by their side." - Eugene Brancoveanu, Baritone & Stage Director of La Boheme at Livermore Valley Opera 2012
"Just wrangling this crew is a big task, and you manage everything with grace and aplomb."
Brian Herndon, Truffaldino Says No 2012
"The set, designed by Bethanie Baeyen, is effective, evoking changes in time and space with the same drollness as the libretto and music." - The Opera Tattler - Charlise Tiee re: Love/Hate, a chamber opera 2012
"Thank you for a great run and the smoothest tech and rehearsal process ever."
Rosie Hallett, Actor, PlayGround Festival 2012
"I so enjoy your professionalism mixed with your good nature and fine sense of humor"
-Cathleen Ridley, Actor PlayGround Festival 2012
"Your calm energy and wonderful smile is exactly what makes a great stage manager and I can't wait to work with you again."
-Anthony Williams, Actor, PlayGround Festival 2012
"Thank you for all your support during this show. I really enjoyed working with you and hope to do so again."
- Hannah Phillips, Costume Designer, Livermore Valley Opera
"It was wonderful working with such a professional"
- Stephanie Cook, Soprano
"Thank you for ALL of your hard work and efforts, seen and unseen, in making this such a successful production. I hope we get to work on a future show together again!"
- Benjamin Bunsold, Tenor, La Traviata, Fremont Opera
"It was a pleasure to work with you and I truly hope we can do it again some day! I loved watching you work with the students, and you really have a gift for bringing out the best in them! "
- Connie Zaug, Choreographer, Piper of Hamelin.
"I could not thank you enough for your professionalism, sense of humor, insight and wit."
-Jose Maria Condemi, Stage Director
"Thank you so much for making this run go as smoothly as possible! You have been incredibly helpful and patient."
-Rochelle Bard, Soprano, Magic Flute
"It was a pleasure working with you... You did such a wonderful job at keeping track of all of us while keeping a smile on your face." - Katie Carlson, Soprano
"You are a fabulous stage manager: so calm, organized efficient, competent..."
- Jessica Siena, Soprano
"Finding stage managers these days with your sense of composure, professionalism and fun is not easy - I'm so delighted that we found you."
-Jason Minadakis Artistic Director of Marin Theatre Co.
"Thanks for your smart and sharp eye, your dedication to this project and your ever helpful spirit. You are a great asset to this production."
- Tracy Martin, Director Shaker Chair, Encore Theatre Co. and Shotgun Players
“Much of the fun comes from the imaginative choreography of Director Bethanie Baeyen.”
- Village Life Newspaper,
Review of King Arthur’s Calamity, Dan Jacobson
“You always manage to stay calm, cool, and collected."
- Shelley Christiansen, Choreographer, Sacramento Opera
“Your strength and your artistic ability coupled with your incredible organizational ability make you an impressive package."
- Othalie Graham, Soprano
“You ran a smoothly operated, professionally run program and everyone who worked so hard on the concept and the DVD is grateful to you for making sure it all worked.”
– Susan Hayward, Sacramento Youth Symphony – Music of the Holocaust Era
