Ray Mainenti plays hotel manager Terrence Bickhardt in our upcoming production of What The Bellhop Saw. He’s without a doubt the most experienced actor in our cast and has been a great example to those who will be making their stage debut in this show. We’ll let you meet Ray in his own words…
My first show with ACT 2 was several years ago when I played Mr. Body in Clue-the Musical. What the Bellhop Saw is my second show with ACT 2, and I’m having a wonderful time; what a great bunch of people!!!
I first became interested in theater as a child when I saw an advertisement for Hello Dolly which came to Pittsburgh. I really didn’t know much about Broadway musicals at the time, but I saw the album soundtrack in a store and asked for it for Christmas. When I received the album, I played it over and over and read every word of the cover. I fell in love with the music, and as I listened, imagined myself in the show. For my birthday I asked for the album to Mame which had recently opened on Broadway. From then on I was hooked! When I got my first part-time job in high school, I started buying soundtracks from every Broadway musical that opened in NYC.
When I entered college, my parents didn’t want me to major in theater, so I chose education. I began auditioning for shows in college and in community theater. I decided that after I had a full-time job and saved enough money, I would quit and enroll in a drama school. Well, I continued to be in regional shows and worked as a teacher. Later, I began studying voice at WVU. Some of my favorite shows have been with Fairmont State (Scrooge-the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Little Women, Man of La Mancha, Cabaret, Spring Awakening, and others).
One summer I went to Hollywood where I had an interview at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting. I was accepted and decided to attend during summer vacations which I have done ever since. Many of my instructors are industry professionals including one who won an Oscar. Last summer just before I returned to WV, I was offered a part in a play and a singing job. I hope to pursue acting full-time one of these days!
Ray is the perfect example of the kind of professionalism that can be seen in community theatre productions. We’re so glad he chose to audition for What The Bellhop Saw and work with us again!
Come see Ray in What The Bellhop Saw opening on February 26 at the Friedlander’s Center, 354 W. Main St., downtown Clarksburg WV. See our Show Info page for more.