Donna Roessler

Yeoman of Regard - 2013

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.

YEARPRODUCTIONROLE
1970Princess IdaSet Painting
1971The GondoliersSet Painting
1973The Pirates of PenzanceSet Painting
1974Trial By Jury / HMS PinaforeChorus
1979RuddigoreChorus
1983Cox & Box / HMS PinaforeChorus
1995The MikadoChorus, Costume Construction
1996Charley's AuntUsher
1997The Yeomen of the GuardChorus, Costume Construction, Cast Manager, Publicity Crew, Internal Sales, Nominating Committee
1998Trial by Jury / HMS PinaforeBridesmaid, Chorus, Producer, Costume construction, Publicity, Printer Liaison, Board of Trustees
1998The Importance of Being EarnestProduction Assistant, House Manager, Tickets, Publicity
1999IolantheChorus, Producer, Costume Construction, Publicity, Printer Liaison, Board of Trustees
1999Foggerty's FairyCostume Construction
2000RuddigoreChorus, Chairman and Treasurer - Board of Trustees, Costume and Set Construction, Publicity
2000You Can't Take It With YouAssociate Producer, Ticket Sales, Set Construction
2001The GondoliersDon Alhambra’s Aide, Producer, Co-Costume Designer, Costume Construction Chief, Treasurer of Board of Trustees
2001Blithe SpiritCostumer, House Manager, Set painting and Drapery Construction
2001Fortieth Anniversary: Places, Please and Trial by JuryCo-Producer, House Manager, Costumer, Chorus
2002The SorcererProducer, Publicity Chief, Printer Liaison, Costume Construction Co-Chief, Set Painting, Treasurer of Board of Trustees
2002EngagedCo-Producer, Costumer, House Co-Manager, Box Office
2003PatienceProducer, Costume Designer, Treasurer of Board of Trustees
2003Hay FeverHouse Manager, Box Office
20031st Annual Fall Craft FairCo-Chair through 9th Annual Fair in 2011
2004The Pirates of PenzanceCostume Designer, Treasurer of Board of Trustees
2004The Boys Next DoorAsst. to Producer, Usher
2005The MikadoCo-Producer, Treasurer of Board of Trustees, Publicity crew, Costume Crew
2005The MatchmakerCostume Co-Designer, Production Consultant, Set Painting, Props, Stage Crew
2006The Grand DukeHouse staff, Costume Construction, Set painting, Wardrobe
2007IolantheHouse Co-Manager, Costume Construction
2007You're a Good Man, Charlie BrownSet painting, Usher
2008The Yeomen of the GuardHouse Manager, Costume Construction
2008Arsenic and Old LaceProducer, Costume Designer, Set painting, Wardrobe, Follow Spot Operator, Usher
2009Utopia, LimitedHouse staff, Costume Construction
2009Our TownCostumer, House Staff
2010Princess IdaCostume Designer
2010On Golden PondCo-Producer, Costumer, Props, Set Construction and Painting
2011Trial By Jury / HMS PinaforeCostume Construction
201150th AnniversaryBrunch Organizer, Refreshments Coordinator
2011Mary RoseHouse Manager
2012RuddigoreSet Construction and Painting, Costume Construction
2012Peter Stark's Memorial CelebrationRefreshments Coordinator
2013The GondoliersCostume Designer

Induction Ceremony - March 2, 2013

Dennis O'Brien presents Donna Roessler as the 2013 Yeoman of Regard
Dennis O'Brien and 2013 Honoree, Donna Roessler