You may have seen our audience guides available in the lobby prior to a recent show, but did you know we have a volunteer who puts in countless hours researching each show to offer the behind-the-scenes tidbits about each production? Her name is Tina Kakuske, a retired librarian with a knack for research!
Having enjoyed many performances at TAP, including some of her recent favorites Daddy Long Legs and Jeeves Saves the Day, Tina found herself compelled to volunteer in some way following her retirement. She had participated in our community outreach committee and in 2024, was contacted with the idea of putting together a resource for our patrons that would become the audience guide you see today.
Tina holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree and thoroughly loves the research process. “One of my favorite aspects of being a librarian is answering reference questions,” says Tina, “This requires knowing how to do research, as does gathering information for audience guides. It seems like a natural fit!”
Tina begins her research for each show by reading the script to discover themes and topics that might be of interest to TAP audiences. From there, she will gladly go down rabbit holes online, digging around for information on each topic, which can lead to more topics and ideas to research. Luckily, she thinks researching is fun! Throughout the process, she pulls information together and begins writing short pieces for the guide.
“A Christmas Carol was a favorite show to research. I learned so much about Charles Dickens’ life and writing,” exclaimed Tina, “He truly was a ‘rock star’ of his era.”
Tina and her husband reside in Sturgeon Bay, but having spent the majority of their lives in the southern area of the state, they are keen to discover more of Northeast Wisconsin. When Tina isn’t pouring herself into research, she enjoys gardening, reading, listening to all kinds of music, and also volunteers at Write On, Door County. Ironically, while working at a library, Tina didn’t have as much time to read books for pleasure, so now she reads constantly with a pile of books to be read that never seems to shrink. Her perfect day would involve reading a book and listening to music, surrounded by by her yard and garden.
Audience guides are available online once we open a show and are available in print in the lobby throughout the run of the show. Be sure to pick up a copy next time you join us for a show to enrich your theatrical experience. And if you see Tina Kakuske out of her garden, be sure to thank her for graciously sharing her talents with TAP!