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Theresa Bertram - Page 2

Theresa Bertram

Prior to becoming a writer for Broadway World, Theresa Bertram has had an extensive career in the media/entertainment business. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada to a professional poker-playing mother, Theresa’s formative years during the summer were spent being babysat by entertainers in the Vegas showrooms. “Having children sit in the poker rooms is frowned upon, so they would tuck me away in the various theatres to entertain me while my mother worked,”Theresa said. To this day, she still keeps in touch with the many musicians, magicians, and jugglers through Facebook. “Social media is a wonderful communication tool.” Theresa has played piano since the age of three and is a sought after regional pianist in Arkansas. “I’m more of an “ear” player, but I can play through sheet music when needed.” Theresa’s writing career began in high school when she was placed in journalism. “I didn’t even want to be in that class,” Theresa admitted. “I knew they put in a lot more hours than I really wanted to commit. I tried to get the counselor to change it, but she thought I would do really well. So, I stuck it out, became Sports Editor since I played volleyball in junior high and that was more sports than anyone else on the staff had (though my real love was feature profile writing), and ended up taking it to the next level in college. During college, Theresa studied mass communications and music at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway during the day and was a radio disc jockey at night. “My first radio job was at KVOM in my small town of Morrilton. I was only there for eight months, before I moved on up to Little Rock to work at B98.5--which later would be owned by Citidel. Ultimately, I moved over to Clear Channel stations and met a lot of country stars. Those were some fun years,” Bertram said. Theresa took a 10-year hiatus to start a family and finished up her educational journey with a Public Relations degree from Arkansas Tech University. “I was a better-focused student my second time around,” Theresa said. “I would be a professional student if I had the funds and time to do so.” With children old enough to allow Theresa to focus on professional pursuits once again, she began working as a producer/on-air talent in 2011 for AIRS Radio, which is a reading service for the blind and visually impaired offered by the Division Services for the Blind-a branch off of the Division of Human Services in Arkansas. She also started volunteering with local school associations and the historic Rialto Theatre. “I have always been attracted to this haunting building,” Theresa said referring to the Rialto. “It calls to you when you pass by it on the road. I love It.” Theresa does everything from producing music programs to making the popcorn. “It’s a great place to spend time and give my children a memorable place to grow up in. I will always love this theatre.” Theresa became a copy writer for the local newspaper, when the editor came early to one of the shows at the Rialto and offered her a job. “The best jobs are the ones that are given to you,” she said. “Also, I have a hard time saying ‘no’ to people if there is a way I can do what is requested.” A year later she was offered the editor position in the neighboring county. “You just never know what people are going to want from you. I keep thinking of that movie with Jim Carrey and how he had to say ‘yes’ to everything. If it isn’t illegal and time permits, I try to do it if I can.” Even though she has now taken over the Director position of AIRS Radio, she still finds time to attend as many shows as she can. “I have always been an entertainment cheerleader for as long as I can remember. If I think hard enough, I feel it probably started with those entertainers in Las Vegas. They performed for me, and I was happy to be the enthusiastic audience member night after night. It was a magical and unique childhood. I was very lucky.” Theresa is excited to be among the writing team of Broadway World. “I know when you think of Arkansas, ‘Broadway stars’ is not the first, or maybe even the last, thing that pops into your mind. I beg to differ though. Arkansas has an abundant amount of talent, and not only do we entertain for our own personal fancies, but we raise our children in this environment as well. We are a close-nit group of people, and I want to show how awesome Arkansas entertainers are to the rest of the world through Broadway World.”






Interview: Callie Scheidt, Danni Logan, AJ Evans, Elias Logan of BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Rialto Community Theatre
Interview: Callie Scheidt, Danni Logan, AJ Evans, Elias Logan of BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Rialto Community Theatre
December 11, 2024

It’s always fun to go back to my home theatre to see what they are doing, and for this holiday season, Directed by Kent Britton and K. Shane Boen, the Rialto Theatre in Morrilton is presenting THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, which runs through this weekend, Sunday, Dec. 15.

Review: ANNIE at The Studio Theatre
Review: ANNIE at The Studio Theatre
December 10, 2024

As one of their last main shows in their space that they have been inhabiting for about a decade, the Studio Theatre in Little Rock brings the timeless charm of ANNIE to life in a heartwarming production with songs that you know and love now through Sunday, Dec. 15. It’s going to be sad to say goodbye to their theatre at 320 W 7th St, in Little Rock, but Broadway World is intrigued on where we are going next.  

Review: THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at North Little Rock High School PAC
Review: THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at North Little Rock High School PAC
December 7, 2024

What did our critic think of THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center?

Review: CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Lakeside High School
Review: CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Lakeside High School
December 7, 2024

What did our critic think of CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Lakeside High School?

Review: THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Silvermoon Children's Theatre
Review: THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Silvermoon Children's Theatre
December 6, 2024

What did our critic think of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Silvermoon Children's Theatre?aBroadway World loves taking a road trip to Texarkana to see the young actors at The Silvermoon Children’s Theatre. They impress me every time I go see them. For this trip we saw the delightful BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER which had a limited engagement November 21-24. Directed by the amazing Susannah Morriss Linnett, the production captured the heartwarming chaos and charm of Barbara Robinson's classic story, and these kids gave a performance that rivaled seasoned thespians. 

Review: IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL at Murry's Dinner Playhouse
Review: IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL at Murry's Dinner Playhouse
December 4, 2024

Nothing says Christmas like going to Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock for a festive evening of delicious food and heartwarming entertainment. With its cozy atmosphere and wonderful hospitality, Murry’s creates the perfect setting to celebrate the season with family and friends. Now through New Year’s Eve, IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS is lighting up the stage with its timeless music, dazzling choreography, and a story that captures the true spirit of the holidays. Don’t miss your chance to make this magical show part of your holiday celebration! 

Review: RIDE THE CYCLONE at Arkansas State University Jonesboro
Review: RIDE THE CYCLONE at Arkansas State University Jonesboro
December 1, 2024

What did our critic think of RIDE THE CYCLONE at Arkansas State University Jonesboro?

Review: CENDRILLON: A CINDERELLA STORY at Ouachita Baptist University McBeth Recital Hall
Review: CENDRILLON: A CINDERELLA STORY at Ouachita Baptist University McBeth Recital Hall
December 1, 2024

What did our critic think of CENDRILLON: A CINDERELLA STORY at Ouachita Baptist University McBeth Recital Hall?

Feature: 20TH ANNIVERSARY IMPROV AND DECEMBER SHOWS at The Joint Comedy Theater
Feature: 20TH ANNIVERSARY IMPROV AND DECEMBER SHOWS at The Joint Comedy Theater
November 29, 2024

I have the most fun every time I go to The Joint Comedy Theater in North Little Rock. Not only do they feature my favorite comedians, The Main Thing Comedy Trio, but they also offer a wide range of entertainment throughout the year, including live music, themed shows, and interactive performances that make every visit unique and exciting. 

Review: THE MALTESE ANTIDEPRESSANT at Batesville Community Theatre
Review: THE MALTESE ANTIDEPRESSANT at Batesville Community Theatre
November 27, 2024

Creativity thrives at Batesville Community Theatre! Their latest production, THE MALTESE ANTIDEPRESSANT, an original play written by board member Stephen Norris, debuted to enthusiastic audiences November 15–17. The show was such a hit that they’re bringing it back by popular demand the weekend of January 10, 2025.

Review: HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION at Bryant High School
Review: HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION at Bryant High School
November 26, 2024

Directed by Jeremy Clay, the Bryant High School Thespian Troupe took on an ambitious challenge with their production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, presented November 14-17, and the result was nothing short of extraordinary. With a story as layered and emotionally rich as this Tony Award-winning musical, with Music, Lyrics, and Book by Anais Mitchell, the students poured their hearts into every moment, creating a show that was as visually stunning as it was emotionally resonant.  

Review: CLUE At Red Curtain Theatre
Review: CLUE At Red Curtain Theatre
November 25, 2024

What did our critic think of CLUE at Red Curtain Theatre?

Review: WAIT UNTIL DARK at Performing Arts Center On The Square
Review: WAIT UNTIL DARK at Performing Arts Center On The Square
November 23, 2024

What did our critic think of WAIT UNTIL DARK at Performing Arts Center On The Square?

Review: A CHRISTMAS STORY at Twin Lakes Playhouse
Review: A CHRISTMAS STORY at Twin Lakes Playhouse
November 21, 2024

Believe it or not, I have never really seen the movie A CHRISTMAS STORY. Sure, I’ve heard ‘you’ll shoot your eye out’, I’m familiar with the kid sticking his tongue on the frozen pole, and I’ve seen the leg lamp, but I have never sat down and watched the movie. So, my real introduction to this Christmas classic was at the Twin Lakes Playhouse, 600 West Sixth Street, in Mountain Home, Sunday, Nov. 10.

Review: HEATHERS THE MUSICAL at University Of Central Arkansas Theatre
Review: HEATHERS THE MUSICAL at University Of Central Arkansas Theatre
November 20, 2024

What did our critic think of HEATHERS THE MUSICAL at University Of Central Arkansas Theatre?

Review: DR. SEUSS HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL at Robinson Center
Review: DR. SEUSS HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL at Robinson Center
November 19, 2024

Framed like a Christmas dream full of color and glee, Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL was simply magical, and we were thrilled to catch a performance Saturday, Nov. 9, at Robinson Center in Little Rock. With its whimsical sets, dazzling costumes, and a heartwarming story brought to life by a talented cast, the production captured the essence of Seuss’ timeless tale. It was a truly enchanting experience and a perfect way to kick off the holiday season! 

Review: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S HAMLET at The Lantern Theatre
Review: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S HAMLET at The Lantern Theatre
November 15, 2024

The Lantern Theatre in Conway has reimagined William Shakespeare’s HAMLET by casting a female in the titular role, and it has proved to be the most inspirational and creative choice allowing you to experience this classic in a whole new way. Directed by Vera Proctor, this innovative approach not only honors Shakespeare’s original text but also underscores the timelessness of his work, proving that great storytelling transcends boundaries of gender. This is their final weekend, so grab your tickets at https://www.conwaylanterntheatre.org. You don’t want to miss this one. 

Review: DANCE NATION at Actors Theatre Of Little Rock
Review: DANCE NATION at Actors Theatre Of Little Rock
November 16, 2024

Broadway World loves it when companies produce shows that take risks unapologetically. Several times now the Actors Theatre of Little Rock has left me speechless and proud at the same time, and this is one of those moments with their production of DANCE NATION, which was presented Oct. 30 through Nov. 9 at the Quapaw Methodist Church. Similar to the show Dance Moms but taken to a whole new level, this show probes into the intense, complicated lives of 13-year-old dancers and explores the brutal yet exhilarating process of discovering who they are and what they want.  

Review: MOLIERE'S THE IMAGINARY INVALID at UALR Haislip Theatre
Review: MOLIERE'S THE IMAGINARY INVALID at UALR Haislip Theatre
November 12, 2024

Theatre education is incredibly important for fostering a range of skills and values that benefit students far beyond the stage, so I love going to the different schools to see what they are learning. For my inaugural trip to the University of Arkansas Little Rock’s Haislip Theatre Thursday, Oct. 24, I was able to experience Moliere’s THE IMAGINARY INVALID, directed by the amazing Ben Grimes.

Review: STRAIGHT NO CHASER at Reynolds Performance Hall
Review: STRAIGHT NO CHASER at Reynolds Performance Hall
November 12, 2024

The holiday shows have officially begun, and my first introduction into the season was by my favorite a cappella group STRAIGHT NO CHASER, who took the Reynolds Performance Hall stage in Conway on Friday, Nov. 1, and performed a mixture of hits and Christmas tunes to a packed house of appreciating Chasers and new-to-them fans. From their beautiful harmonies to their humor and heart, Straight No Chaser brought something special to Arkansas, and we can’t wait for them to return next year! 



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