For over 30 years, until 1998, I primarily defined myself as a theatre artist. True, one who sang a lot, but for a long time there was no doubt in my mind which came first. Many of my favorite roles had to do with Appalachia and in them I used my skills as a traditional and modern folk singer and musician - that probably should have told me something. In 1998, I finally started to put the music first in my artistic focus. It was a decision based on art and heart that has had wonderful consequences, but I am still devoted to acting, and will continue to work in theatre as much as I can. I rely on my acting skills and experience to bring real life to every song I sing…and, to be honest, I'm a theatre junky. If I don't get a fix of the wonderful ensemble creation and community artistry every few months, I start to get grumpy. So, if you're a director or producer, please look at the resume below with an eye toward casting! If you're a friend, I'm happy to share with you some of my favorite roles.

The pictures are from two shows I did recently with Nashville Children's Theatre (NCT). We are so lucky in Nashville to have this Actors Equity Association house that produces some of the best theatre in the area - for people of any age. Scot Copeland, the Producing Director for 18 years, has taken Nashville Children's Theatre into the vanguard of theatre for young audiences in the United States and the world. NCT is the US Center for ASSITEJ, the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People, and Scot is the President of the Board of Directors.

CAROL PONDER AEA
www.carolponder.com