Casting call: John Stokebrand fulfills dream through community theater

By Sterling Rouse

(Lincoln, NE) It took nearly two decades, but John Stokebrand finally got his second curtain call.

The first came when he appeared in a play at Lincoln High School.

The second came in September 2004, when he played the part of Bull-Dog in the Lincoln Community Playhouse production of Go Dog Go!, an adaptation of the children's book by P.D. Eastman that features dogs of all shapes, sizes and colors dancing, playing and driving, among other things.

Before landing his latest role, Mr. Stokebrand, who receives supports through ResCare Nebraska, had auditioned countless times for plays put on at the playhouse, which is less than a block away from the apartment he shares with his friend Jim Gregory. Mr. Gregory would often accompany Mr. Stokebrand to auditions, sitting outside the playhouse with a book or magazine while Mr. Stokebrand auditioned in vain for parts in plays such as Seussical and Stuart Little. Undeterred by his casting disappointments, Mr. Stokebrand continued to pursue his goal of acting on stage.

"John has a positive outlook on life," said Community Alternatives Nebraska Residential Manager Eric Williams, who has worked with Mr. Stokebrand for the past year-and-a-half. "He is a social, outgoing guy who is well-liked by everyone who knows him." Mr. Stokebrand lives in the community and has a job at Mueller Recreational Products.

Director William M. Cover II said he had heard about Mr. Stokebrand and had seen him on numerous occasions at the playhouse, but had never worked with him before Go Dog Go!

"John gave a very professional audition. He arrived on time, was dressed to impress and was prepared for his audition both with the pieces he had selected to perform and with his [schedule] conflicts and other personal information," said Mr. Cover. "Many people auditioning arrive having never read the script, looking like they just rolled out of bed and with no idea whatsoever about the kind of time commitment it takes to put on a play."

After consulting with a few directors for whom Mr. Stokebrand had previously auditioned, Mr. Cover learned that many of them had wanted to offer Mr. Stokebrand a role. However, Mr. Stokebrand's speech can be difficult to understand, which limited the number of roles suitable for him.

"Since Go, Dog Go! contains very little dialogue, and is largely a physical performance piece, it was evident that John's time had finally come," said Mr. Cover.

Throughout the rehearsals and performances, Mr. Stokebrand worked hard and remained professional, said Mr. Cover.

"John did a phenomenal job in this show," said Mr. Cover. "I wish others had put into their performance what John put into his."

The play opened Sept. 10 to an audience that included many of Mr. Stokebrand's family and friends.

"I had a good time out there," said Mr. Stokebrand. "My family liked it. They had a great time. There was applause, so I think I did pretty good."

Mr. Stokebrand said he plans to take a break before yet another audition in May. While it remains to be seen whether Mr. Stokebrand will get the part, one thing seems certain-the audition will not be his last.

"I hope that another role will present itself in the near future that will fit John and his particular talents as well as this one did," said Mr. Cover. "It may be the hardest lesson any of us learn in this art. Sometimes even though you work very hard and have a passion for what you do you just don't make the cast list. But you never give up."

Mr. Stokebrand has not only learned this lesson, he lives by it.