Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Remembering Charlene

Hello friends of the Little Theatre,


Late on Sunday evening, the local theatre community learned of the unexpected loss of one of our own, Charlene Premer. The outpouring of emotions- shock, grief, complete, dumbfounded bewilderment- speak to the important place Charlene had in our lives (both in the theatre and out.)



Charlene created the props for nearly every single production at the Little Theatre since I arrived in 2008 (and was a constant presence backstage and in the lobby for many, many years before that.) In the last 6 years, she was an integral part of over 40 artistic teams, bringing her incredible ingenuity (and occasionally infuriating attention to detail) to an amazing assortment of shows. There was never a prop challenge that Charlene couldn't meet, and perhaps the most appropriate testament to her passion and dedication to live theatre is to remember her last time at 888 Morro Street: dropping of newly finished props for Singing in the Rain before heading north for surgery. Dedicated, prepared, and a perfectionist until the end.


We at the Little Theatre have lost not only one of our most amazing volunteers, but one of our very good friends; a person whose off-kilter sense of humor (and perspective on life) brought joy to everyone lucky enough to spend time around her. Our thoughts go out to Charlene's family and friends during this difficult time.

 “If you keep your head when everyone else is losing theirs, 
you’ll be that much taller.”

Safe home, Charlene. And TenQ.

-Kevin




8 comments:

  1. Charlene was my Mother's best friend until the day we lost her to breast cancer. In and out of each others lives for decades.
    When my Mother passed, her daughters helped our family remember her with their own, and unique memories of their time spent with her. If there is anything I can do in return, out of respect for the most eclectic woman I have known...
    She loved me from the beginning, and I've loved her and respected her as the amazing woman I was blessed to know.

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  2. What a very sad thing. Charlene was the epitome of trouper.

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  3. In addition to her theater time, Charlene devoted her time to helping others and brightening their day (for many years) as a volunteer at Arroyo Grande Hospital, so often sharing and promoting her latest show and her pride in daughter Liz's accomplishments. She is so missed.

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  4. I am heartsick to learn of Charlene's passing. What a wondrous spirit she was. So she will continue her angelic realm and give new voice and talent to her daughter Liz. Blessings and peace Delilah Shank

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  5. I used to throw a tennis ball for my dog Meg on the little grass section behind the Theater and Charlene would always find time to throw a few for Meg. Meg and I will miss Charlene's enthusiasm and kind words.
    Mike

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  6. It was always a pleasure to work Hospitality with
    Charlene. She wore many hats--all with style and credibility.

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  7. Charlene was and amazing presence. Tenacious, funny, dedicated, kind, and extraordinarily creative. Her loss is profound and this is a wonderful remembrance of her. I'm sending lots of love and peace to my central coast family, and of course to Charlene's family

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