SPOTLIGHT: DawnEllen Ferry
LEARN MORE ABOUT TEAM MEMBER DAWNELLEN FERRY, IN THIS SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW!
DawnEllen is a mother of 3 children who has been with IVRT for 32 years now! She is a wonderful dancer, photographer, and friend. We are so glad to have her as a part of the IVRT team!
Tell me how you first got involved with IVRT.
“As Donna Marie Minano said to me back in 1989. I tapped my way into their hearts. I auditioned to be a tap dancer in Anything Goes and it was then that my career with IVRT began. Being one of the early members, we were exposed to helping the theater company grow. We built sets, helped with costumes, did hair and makeup. I was also very fortunate to have the opportunity to assist Frank in directing a few productions and then of course my favorite, choreography. My very first show that I choreographed for IVRT was West Side Story. What a fabulous experience. From there I pretty much had my hands in every aspect of the company. I am part of the cast from time to time, directing team, fundraiser committees, box office, and one of my favorites (besides dancing and choreography) would be the company's resident photographer.”
Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working with IVRT?
“Along the way I have met of course Frank and Donna Marie Minano, who have been mentors to me. They have allowed me to learn and grow from all the experiences that they give me in the theater in addition to their love, support, and friendship. I have met Hope Kaufman who has inspired me to be a strong woman with good morals and work ethics. I’ve also gotten the chance to make many dance friends. Andrea Leukin is another friend who, when time allows, we still dance, keep in touch, and take a tap class together”
What would you tell someone who is thinking about getting involved with IVRT?
“I would tell anyone who wants to get involved that once you enter the IVRT world you never want to get out. It's a company who is honest, kind, and supportive and always willing to find your niche and help you to grow.”
What might others be surprised to know about you?
“I 'm not sure anyone would be surprised about too much about me as I feel I am an open book. I love people. Once you are my friend you are forever my friend, and I don't really hide much.”
How would your friends describe you?
“I think friends would describe me as a bubbly redhead. Maybe even say I have a gift to gab (I love to talk) I think they may say you will hardly ever see me without a camera IVRT would describe me as Super Woman Extraordinaire (Literally that's what my IVRT name tag says ( DawnEllen Ferry - Super Woman Extraordinaire). I am always willing to help.”
What is it like to be a part of the IVRT team?
“I absolutely LOVE being a part of the team because not only can I do things I love, but I get to do it with people I love. IVRT has become my extended family. They have welcomed me from day one with open arms, guidance, and security in the arts, not to mention I have met great friends because of them.”
What do you do when you aren’t working at IVRT this summer?
“In my spare time I LOVE to spend time with my family, Photography, and I LOVE to cook and Bake!”
DawnEllen can be reached in our Box Office Monday-Thursday 10am-1pm.
(909) 859-4878
dawnellen@ivrt.org