Donna Roessler

Donna began her career with the Sudbury Savoyards in 1970, joining with her friends from the Methodist Youth Fellowship in helping to paint the set for that year’s Princess Ida. She ventured out onstage three years later in the chorus for The Pirates of Penzance, and made more such appearances over the following few years.

It was in 1995 that Donna became more deeply involved, at first with costumes, and then stepping into leadership roles. In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees, as Treasurer and as Chairman (on one occasion doing both jobs) it was not unusual for Donna to accept other multiple responsibilities and to develop those tasks to a level which set the standard for those who followed in later years. She was Producer for six winter shows, and several summer productions. In 2001 for The Gondoliersshe served as Producer, Costume Designer and Costume Construction Chief. She then turned to our summer production of Blithe Spirit, handling House Manager and Costumer roles. Not yet finished (or not yet exhausted), she next gave her efforts to our 40th Anniversary celebration as Co-Producer and House Manager.

In 2003 Donna was the guiding inspiration behind the Annual Fall Craft Fair, an activity which, with the assistance of her sister (and fellow YOR) Andrea Roessler, she ran for the next nine years. These Fairs were enormous fun, and grew over the years from a single room to take over the whole building and spill out into the lawn. These Fall Craft Fairs enabled the Savoyards to add substantially to our contribution towards the relief of World Hunger.

Donna has displayed in her actions and commitment over the years that “Extraordinary Service” which is the unique characteristic of her fellow Yeomen. Her guidance, leadership and vision have strengthened the Company, and her example of selfless service to our goals remains a powerful inspiration to us all.