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5Q4: Katina Letheule

Katina Letheule is kind of my artistic director big sister. I do my Foodbank Players shows in a former parking lot, she runs the local legendary Altarena Playhouse. Her productions are sophisticated as she oversees a team of artists building sets, setting lights, fitting costumes and placing props. We lug our properties in orange buckets and use side-of-the-road furniture. We both also act and direct. When my company was beginning, Katina offered kind guidance and I am forever thankful. She’s thoughtful, joyful, tough and talented, has guided the Altarena through hard times, and is about to begin the 86th season of outstanding theater. Without further ado, I give you the magnificent (cue applause) 5Q4: Katina Letheule.

Alameda Post - Katina Letheule on stage
Katina Letheule. Left: Opening night curtain speech for The Quality of Life. Right: The Gamester at Masquers. Photos courtesy Katina Letheule.
At what moment did you discover that you wanted to be an artist?

My mother was a movie buff, so from a young age I became interested in performance by learning about the films and actors of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. Then when I was in grammar school, my older sister took me to see a performance of Kiss Me Kate in the Kofman Auditorium at Alameda High. I was completely taken in and not too long after that I began volunteering at the Altarena Playhouse.

Who was the most influential person who helped you achieve your goal?

I would have to say Dick Shore, who was the Artistic Director at the Altarena for many years. His endless energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the theater was inspiring. There was a strong sense of community which he instilled in all of us young aspiring artists. And he believed in me, which helped give me confidence. Dick was always happy to see you. He’d throw that wide, warm grin your way, and you knew you were home.



Alameda Post - Katina Letheule onstage
Rumors at Chanticleers. Photo courtesy Katina Letheule.
Tell about the best—or a best—experience you had as a performer.

I’ve had many lovely experiences on stage, but I’d have to say my best experience in the theater was directing The Quality of Life at the Altarena. It is a beautiful, heartbreaking drama and all of the pieces just came together so perfectly. The cast was superb, and they bonded like family. Everyone involved worked very hard and were so committed to the project. A little piece of me broke when that show ended.

Conversely, tell us about a pretty bad experience.

I don’t have bad experiences. I feel so fortunate to be making art, there is always something redeemable about the process. Yes, things go wrong and you wish it could have been better, but I always try and look for the positive and use the missteps as a learning tool.

Alameda Post - a cast photo
Opening night of The Savannah Sipping Society at Altarena. Photo Jim Norrena.
Any advice to folks out there hoping to pursue a life in the arts?

Study, ask questions, absorb everything around you. Be prepared, do the work, because it is work, and really listen, because we never know all the answers. And always have a Plan B.

Gene Kahane is the founder of the Foodbank Players, a lifelong teacher, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Alameda. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Gene-Kahane.

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