 Applause is in order for this multi-tasking mother-daughter team who has put a whole new spin on the definition of ‘stage mom’. Evelyn Hoff, Managing Director of Atlanta-based Fabrefaction Theatre Company, and her daughter, Artistic Director Christina Hoff, respond with exactly the same answer when asked who works for who…”It all depends,’ they say, ‘on what needs to be done.’
In 2004 Christina Hoff, then a high school junior and her mother, Evelyn.jpg) Hoff created what is now known as the Fabrefaction™ Theatre Company. It began as a church affiliated acting group as a way for Christina to satisfy her work/study requirements for high school. The first show they produced was, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Though largely inexperienced, each cast member was given an equal chance to shine. It was a hit, more plays followed, patronage grew and by the summer of 2006 this little acting troupe had become an independent company with its own summer theatre. Today it is collaboration among college drama student nationwide to create future theatre patrons and performers.
Christina, who’s entering her junior year at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts has long dreamed of a career in theatre. While students across the world prepare to relax a bit this summer, Christina begins holding auditions for her summer theatre as soon as she returns to Atlanta in May for her summer break. This summer will be her most demanding to date– 6 performances and 11 theatre workshops! Fortunately, she gets support in the form of a dozen college drama students who are equally committed to careers in the theater. 'But the real support comes from my mom. No leg of my journey would be possible without her belief in me,' says Christina.
Although Evelyn has always supported and believed in Christina’s dream, she differs from many stage moms in that she never had similar aspirations. Ask Evelyn the question ‘When you see your daughter on stage, do you wish it wish it were you?' Evelyn quickly quips 'NO! I’d rather perform a root canal on myself than perform on stage.' (Some think she would have done well as a professional comedian, but even that doesn’t seem to appeal to her.)
‘My job,’ says Evelyn, 'is to keep all of the behind the scenes plates in the air without breaking one.' True to form for a multi-tasking woman, Evelyn was recently spotted on a rare personal outing at a local hair salon on the phone organizing accommodations for the drama students and simultaneously stuffing envelopes with invitations to the theatre’s upcoming fund raising event. All this seems like enough for one person, but to Evelyn it’s just part of her commitment to her family. Evelyn also has two sons so multi-tasking is for her - like moms everywhere – just part of a normal day.
We think a standing ovation is in order for this multi-tasking pair! |