Two very special people have become part of the Vinton community and ACT I during the past 2½ years, and their impact has been felt in many very positive ways both within the Vinton-Shellsburg school district and within the greater community as a whole.  This month, as they take the stage in ACT I's production of "My Fair Lady," both in major roles and as co-music directors, we honor Greg and Kari Douma as ACT I Members of the Month.

Greg is in his third year as high school vocal music instructor for Washington High School in Vinton, and his tenure in that position has been marked by a dramatic increase in performance quality as well as new innovations such as the creation of the high school show choir.  Kari, who taught high school vocal music last year at Independence, joined the teaching staff of the Vinton-Shellsburg school district this year, teaching half time at Tilford Middle School, and half time at the high school assisting Greg.  ACT I first became acquainted with them last year when Greg served as music director for "The Secret Garden" and Kari appeared in that show in the role of Martha.  Greg also filled in on short notice for a snowbound actor in one of the performance of that show.  Greg and Kari, both of whom are graduates of Luther College in Decorah, were married this past August.

Greg, whose interests and talents extend beyond musicals to straight drama, will also direct ACT I's production of Harvey, which will run May 11-13 and May 18-20.  (Auditions will be March 19th and 20th at 7:00 PM at the ACT I Studio.)  This will mark Greg’s eighth directorial endeavor. In 1994, Greg directed an original cutting of Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs at Marshall High School in Marshall, Minnesota, where Greg was raised. Later that year, he had his music directorial debut with the high school’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, in which Greg also played the role of Seymour.

From 1994-1998, Greg attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. In college, Greg’s pursuit of a music education degree took up most of his time. Music performance occupied a large part of his training, as well. Greg was a member of the Nordic Choir for three years and soloed in several capacities throughout his collegiate career. Theater still played an important role in his life. In addition to involvement in four productions, Greg was a founding member of an "improv" troupe. Greg also took classes in theater and dance in pursuit of a theater/dance minor (which, incidentally, was never completed). In 1997, Greg was selected to be the first student director of a Luther College mainstage production. The show was Celebration, a Schmidt and Jones musical (most famous for writing The Fantastiks). Starring in the lead role was Kari Nordli. Three years later, the two would become husband and wife.

The high school vocal music program in the Vinton-Shellsburg district serves 137 students with a projected 2001-2002 enrollment of approximately 185! In addition to two curricular ensembles, Greg directs DanSing Corps (the show choir) and the Chamber Choir. DanSing Corps received its third straight Division I rating at the State Contest this January. The Chamber Choir is planning its first ever tour, a three-day trip to Minneapolis in April. Greg also directs the music for the high school musical theater productions.

Some of Greg’s acting roles include Joe Hardy (Damn Yankees), Drummond (Inherit the Wind), Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors), Leonce (Leonce and Lena), Haemon (Antigone), Fyedka (Fiddler on the Roof), Cinderella’s Prince (Into the Woods), himself (Godspell), Tommy Djillus (The Music Man) and Wogglebug (The Marvelous Land of Oz).

Greg has two older brothers, both of whom are college professors – one in music and one in math. Greg is enrolled at the University of Iowa, where he is currently working on his master’s degree. His parents live in St. Cloud, Minnesota. When time permits, Greg enjoys camping and fishing, especially with family.

Greg and Kari rehearse a scene from "My Fair Lady."

Kari's previous directing responsibilities include West Side Story last year at Independence High School. Earlier this year, Kari directed 150 seventh and eighth graders in Fiddler on the Roof Jr. at Tilford Middle School. This summer she is excited to be a director for the children’s theater production of The Emperor’s New Clothes.

Growing up in Minneapolis, Kari was exposed to a wide variety of theater at an early age. Some of her earliest roles included Puss Puss ‘n’ Boots, Annie Annie and Tock Phantom Tollbooth. At age 15, Kari debuted on the professional stage in The Sound of Music at Chanhassen Dinner Theater. After a nine month run, she continued at Chanhassen as Laurie in Brighton Beach Memoirs. Kari’s early acting experience led her into television, where she appeared in over 10 national and regional commercials, including Dairy Queen, Tony’s Pizza and Mattel Toys. Other stage roles include Adam As You Like It, The Waitress Working, Amahl Amahl and the Night Visitors, Angel Celebration and Nancy Oliver.

While attending Luther College, Kari traveled to Russia and Eastern Europe with the Nordic Choir. As a member and soloist with the choir, she also toured to both the East and West Coasts, as well as Texas. Incidentally, while on a train ride from Moscow to Warsaw, the choir was held hostage by armed guards for over eight hours. It was also during that tour that Greg declared his love for Kari by carving their names in a park bench in Poland.

Kari has both an older and a younger brother. Her parents, both music teachers, live in Hopkins, Minnesota with their two cats, Delilah and Clarence.  Kari also enjoys reading, camping and cooking (especially when Greg helps). Eventually, she would like to return to school and earn her masters degree in either theater education or adolescent vocal pedagogy. 

Greg and Kari are at home in their beautiful penthouse high atop the Ketchen Building in the heart of Vinton's trendy theatre district, where they enjoy watching the world go by when they aren't at rehearsal.

We enthusiastically thank Greg and Kari for their many ongoing contributions to ACT I, our school district, and the community, and we hope they are able to share their talents with us for many years to come!