Celebrating the Life of a Friend

It is difficult to share that a dedicated MCP member and friend, Cori Bauer, passed away. Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers. Include in those thoughts and​ prayers Susan Berger and Katie and Anthony Werner. Cori was a live-in caregiver for Anthony for a year.
A Celebration of Life for Cori will be held on June 30, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm in The Lodge at the Voice of America MetroPark at 7850 VOA Park Dr, West Chester, OH 45069. Please wear orange or other bright colors if you are able.

Cori very much loved their MCP Family and the best way to show that is with their own words.

You Can Go Home Again... Cori Bauer

My introduction to MCP came from Stephen Catlin when we worked together at a retirement village in Mason. He was an actor in their current production of Damn Yankees in 2012 and spoke of it frequently. I began participating in 2013, providing box office and ushering assistance for Of Mice and Men. 
My first foray onstage came when I received a part as a Pick-a-Little Lady in The Music Man. I had so much fun! I met almost everyone involved in the theater because this large production was an all hands on deck affair. Everyone I encountered welcomed me warmly into the group. I was nervous about being on stage but with the experience and guidance of the actors, crew, production staff, musical director etc, all my anxieties were cast aside. A large light was shown on the community that makes this theater the wonderful place it is. 
That summer I participated in ATP. The camaraderie that comes from this yearly fundraiser is unparalleled. Contrary to many others’ experiences, I thoroughly enjoy sharing the hot, sweaty, loooong, sunburned days with so many people I consider friends. And in many cases, family.The following year, I moved to Lexington but did my best to support the theater by attending as many shows as my schedule allowed. one production I was able to attend was Shrek, the Musical. Here I am with Lord Farquad played by Stephen Catlin.
Along came 2020. Everything shut down, including myself. I went through many changes during this time, along with so many others, one of them was moving back to the Mason area, the place I grew up. The place I call home. In 2022, I was ready to start breaking out of my shell. The first place I turned was MCP. Once again, I was welcomed with open arms! As if I were reunited with an old friend where so many things change, but it still feels the same. It felt good to be back!
Right away, I threw myself into the theater. I was asked to be House Manager for You Have the Right to Remain Dead. YES!! I've never done that, how hard can it be, right? WOO BUDDY!, there is a lot to do as house manager. Tasks before, during and after each show. Many important chores that go unseen. Yet again, the experience and guidance from current members was provided in abundance.
Then, ATP rolled around. I was there every moment I could, enjoying every moment. Here I am with Ilana, where she first shared her love for all things PUFFS! She was subsequently cast as Megan Jones in the MCP production. the fall of that year, I expressed interest to the producer of The Yellow Boat, Matt Lisa, about learning more technical positions. he found a place for me in lighting execution. I was hooked! From there I found myself a place as assistant producer for PUFFS!
As a consequence of the costumer stepping down, I filled in the role! I had the time of my life helping to bring this fast paced show to life. Overall, the cast and crew helped me create 60 different costumes that were utilized throughout the show. I also applied a prosthetic nose piece onto Brady Dunn to create Mr Voldy.
Right now, I am the Stage Manager for the current production, The Dining Room. It is a joy to be around everyone involved in the production.
I'm looking forward to sharing my creativity with many future shows!