MEET THE DIRECTORS: JOHNCIE AND TIM CARLSON 

The husband and wife directing team of Johncie and Tim Carlson will be at the helm as Virginia Morton’s popular Civil War novel marches onto the Eastern View High School stage. Spearheaded by the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield (FCMB), the show will be the cornerstone event of two weekends of activities to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the battle. 

FCMB president Diane Logan says, “We are blessed to have the combined talents and experiences of Johncie and Tim shaping this show. They are passionate about theater and they love Culpeper. That’s a winning combination.” 

Both Tim and Johncie Carlson are Virginia born and the couple has lived in Culpeper since 1990. Mr. Carlson has worn many hats in his lifetime including chef, business owner, photographer, teacher, husband and father. But throughout his “march” through life, the constant has been music and theater. His love of the theater arts began in church, and continued through high school and college. 

After obtaining a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Richmond, he opted to channel his acting—motivating skills into the business world. 

He says, “I’ve approached my life as a stage and I have worked with some wonderful people along the way.  When I met my wife Johncie, we moved to Culpeper to start our life, a family, and possibly get back to performing.  Yes, she too had a passion for the stage and song.  We have been in Culpeper raising our three children since 1990 and I am currently owner operator of Studio C Photography with Johncie.” 

Mr. Carlson has been involved in many theatrical productions in Culpeper and Richmond. His time has been equally split backstage, on stage, and the front of the house.  

According to him, “The theatre is a venue for entertainment, emotions, and stories.  Some of my most precious memories include the work itself, my fellow actors, and the goals attained.  A few high notes are “John the Baptist” in Godspell, Stage Manager/Designer of Charlie Brown’s Christmas, and crew of Hiawatha.  Not to mention the many small parts I have enjoyed as a supporting member of the story!  Please join us as we celebrate a Culpeper story…a journey being told through words, actions, music, staging, lights, costumes, and audience.  All parts of what we do are important and necessary.   I encourage the community to open themselves to the possibilities.  They may laugh and cry at the experience of…being on, behind, or in front of the stage. But each one will decide what memories they want to make…it will be fun!” 

The other half of the Carlson directing team, Johncie Carlson, received a Bachelor of Arts from Averett College (now University).  She has a diverse background of employment situations from teaching to serving tea and scones, processing film to providing travel arrangements, secretarial duties to sales.  But no matter the job, her down time has always included theatre or music.  

Mrs. Carlson has designed and directed three Broadway musical revues locally, and taught beginning drama and music for the middle school at St. Luke’s School.  Her 40-year involvement in community theatre has placed her both on stage and behind the scenes.  Some of her favorite roles include “Little Red” in Into the Woods, “Babe” in Crimes of the Heart, “Shy” in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, “Joanne” in Vanities, and “Rachel” in Two By Two.  Her latest endeavor has been opening Studio C Photography in 2010 with husband Tim. 

Excited about this new opportunity, she says, “Being able to lend a hand to bring Marching Through Culpeper to the stage for the first time is an honor and a challenge.  It is very rewarding to watch a stage production take shape, and in this case, to watch history come to life.  I’m looking forward to getting to know the characters better, and to meeting and working with community members as we help Virginia Morton see her dreams become a reality.”