Betty Callahan

Betty has been President of South County Players since fall of 2007. For many years she was the backstage supporter for her children's acting and singing endeavors. But in 2006, she ventured out of the shadows of her offspring to attempt her own onstage performance. She had routinely sung in church, but never entertained the thought of singing on stage. With much courage, she auditioned for her first musical and won the leading role of Reverend Mother in "Nunsense"! It was such a wonderful experience, that she hopes to reprise the role someday and plans to audition for more plays in the future. In her non-stage life, she enjoys being involved in the community and being a vital part of her children's lives.

Nancy Smoker

Nancy was an active member of SCP from 1998-2007, serving as Secretary for five years and President for two years. She created a scrapbook for SCP and continues to update it with pictures and programs from each show. She also tends to the costumes in "the dungeon" at the school, keeping them organized for all theater groups to use.

Nancy appeared on stage in several SCP productions, but gathering props for many shows was more her forte'. She appeared as an extra in KSO's production of "Carmen" at Miller Auditorium, and as a stand-in and extra in the movie "Kalamazoo?". Additionally, she produced four plays during her tenure as president. Since 1998 she has appeared in Vicksburg's Main Street Revue. In the 1990's she line danced and taught for seven years around the Kalamazoo area.

Linda L. Brenton

Linda's introduction to the theater started in second grade. She had the lead in a St. Patrick's day musical where she was able to sing and dance her little heart out. After it was over she so missed it that the next week she called up a perfect stranger and sang songs from the play to her over the phone. Through some miracle, the woman didn't hang up on her before she was done.

During her family years she worked for Congressman Wolpe as his special events coordinator, and later as his finance coordinator. Among the many people she worked with were Harry Belafonte, Ed Asner, Tip O'Neil, and (her all time favorite) Shirley Chisolm. When public access began they gave free classes in production and directing. She began working on the People and Politics show, and later took this knowledge into Vicksburg Middle School, where her children attended. Starting an after-school TV club, her group of kids made their own commercials and had a wonderful time. She also started the first drama club at Vicksburg Middle School, which quickly grew from 7 to 66 members. They performed three plays that Linda wrote while she led the group.

She has been with the Main Street Revue, a Vicksburg community show, for 15 years - the last 8 as their director. She joined South County Players as the director of the Children's play, and went on to become their president from 2001-05. She loves directing and acting, and often does both during a show.

Jan Springer

Jan Springer has been dancing since she was four years old. Originally from Ohio (and proud of it!), she performed as a young dancer on TV, at school, in her basement, on the sidewalk outsider her parents house, and just about anywhere she could. One Halloween, she dressed up as tap dancer, and tapped her way around the block. The neighborhood was sure glad when that holiday was over!

Jan joined South County Players as Treasurer in 2003. Prior to that, she appeared in many South County Plays including her favorite, "The Foreigner". She has been the choreographer for Main Street Revue since its beginning in 1989. Jan, along with her husband, Doug, appeared as extras in "Carmen" at Miller Auditorium in 1998. During the 1980s, she performed in the Vicksburg Lion's Club Annual Plays. Although comedy is her passion, her training includes classical ballet, jazz and tap. She is still taking dance lessons and hopes to be able to entertain audiences forever.

Roni Thebo-Park

Roni has enjoyed acting and directing with South County Players since 2002 when she portrayed "Maureen" in "Playing Doctor."  With Multi-personalities, she is able to be a mom, teacher, employee, director, actor, board member, daughter, girl-friend, photographer and homeowner.  She also likes to be "Betty Crocker" on occasion while at the same time: "Bob Villa."  So, if you would like your house built and have your cake and eat it too, give her a call. :)

Roni began dancing at 4 years of age, acting at 12 years and still never picked up on the singing thing.  When not in the theatre world, she enjoys spending time with her two children, Josh, and Madison.  Of all roles, "mom" is her favorite and provides the most fulfillment.

Ken Franklin

Ken is a Family Physician who joined Family Doctors of Vicksburg in 2002 after 25 years in Army Medicine, including a trip to Desert Storm. Way back in Junior High, he won Best Supporting Actor in a One-Act play festival for playing a genie that came out of a chamber pot instead of a lamp. (No, really.)

He met Terri, his true love, at Michigan State, and found out she had done theater in high school. He kept a fantasy in his heart to star with her in community theater someday. Nearly 30 years later, that dream became a reality with South County Players when they both performed in "Lend Me a Tenor" in 2007.

Ken is a Lay Speaker in the Methodist church, is the director for the local Vicksburg Rotary Showboat, and sings in his church choir. He also enjoys working with computers, and serves as this site's Webmaster.