SPARK STORIES
"Spooky. Freaky. Just Weird."
October 27, 2024
We hope you enjoy our  true personal life stories. Click on the story titles to see YouTube video recordings thanks to CWC Productions.

Scott Weingart is a retired school administrator and English teacher who has always loved to write. He and his wife Shelley live in Salem. They have two grown children and two adorable grandchildren. Scott has been a member of the SPARK Storytellers for two years and this is his sixth original story. Scott appreciates EVERYTHING that Stage Left Productions does for the Community. He volunteers to help with publicity and outreach for the MANY productions and events at Stage Left because they are SO GOOD that EVERYBODY in the Community should come out and support and enjoy all that Stage Left has to offer.

Robin and her husband, Dean, relocated to Lisbon in 2021. As she gradually steps into retirement from her career as a child psychologist, she’s embracing new activities—one of her favorites being SPARK Storytelling! “My Favorite Birdwatcher” marks her seventh story for SPARK, where she loves sharing memories from her past, especially those from her Detroit upbringing. Robin also serves on the board of Stage Left Players and recently found herself stepping up in a big way. After tiptoeing into coaching for SPARK, she had to take over completely when Coach Kandy became sick in October. Through it all, she’s been an unwavering source of support—she’s a rock!

o has been telling stories for over 40 years in her teaching career, and she’s back for her second formal storytelling with SPARK! When she’s not spinning tales, Jo keeps busy treasure hunting for home décor, biking, kayaking, and working on paint-by-number projects. She’s a proud collector of all things Snoopy and the creator of Midweek Pause for THE HUB, a weekly podcast of prayers and reflections. Jo sends a special shout-out to her husband and her daughter, Casey—because they’re the ones who made her a mom!

Connie Baer has been a part of SPARK Storytelling since its very first round of stories, but her connection to the Trinity Playhouse runs even deeper. Having grown up on this stage, she has created countless memories and friendships along the way. Most recently, Connie brought sass and personality to her role as the sassy tree in The Wizard of Oz. With her deep roots in the theatre and love for storytelling, Connie continues to share her passion with the community, bringing warmth, humor, and heart to every performance.

Stephen May is a proud resident of Columbiana, having returned to the area in 2022 after spending 13 years in Summit County. He has appeared in several productions at Trinity Playhouse, bringing his passion for performance to the Stage Left community. Beyond acting, Stephen is a brilliant prop master, creating unique and detailed pieces that bring productions to life—just take a look at the set in front of you to spot some of his handiwork! When he’s not at the theater, Stephen enjoys life with his wife, Caroline, and their two spoiled rotten wiener dogs. Stage Left is lucky to have his creativity and dedication both on and off the stage!

Kandy Cleland resides at Guilford Lake with her “girls” Jodine, Midge, and Tilly. A retired middle school teacher who taught Theatre and Drama Appreciation at Canfield, she now serves as the Executive Director for Stage Left Players. When not busy with the theatre, Kandy enjoys spending time with her seven grandchildren, writing holiday shows and one-act musicals for kids, designing and sewing embroidered banners for New Lisbon Presbyterian Church, and tending to her flower garden. She thanks Jodine for joining her on this musical theatre ride and looks forward to their next writing adventure for the 2025 holiday season: A Trailer Park Holiday!

Chris Lydic, a retired first grade teacher, travels all over the world, via the internet, to work with students who are learning English. She tutors five ESL students after school in reading and math. In 2024 she participated in Storytelling, Senior Moments and the Wizard of Oz all at the Trinity Playhouse. Chris enjoys crocheting shawls, dish cloths, and baby octopus. She plays a mountain dulcimer and leads the singing at her church.

Christine and her husband, Brian, have called the Hanoverton area home for 12 years, sharing their space with various dogs and even some guinea pigs. She is the owner of Leap of Faith Dance at Trinity Playhouse, and enjoys choreographing for Stage Left productions and lending a hand wherever needed. She’s especially excited to take the stage in Pump Boys and Dinettes in just a few weeks! Christine also enjoys reading, streaming TV, and starting (but not always finishing) projects. She’s grateful to Kandy and Robin for their guidance in her first SPARK storytelling adventure!