Rach Roach
An Artist Profile
Rach Roach has quickly become a driving force in Sitka’s theater community, building a reputation as both a skilled technician and an emerging director. They arrived in 2023 to work at the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, seeking adventure and artistic growth. It proved to be a perfect fit. They’re now a steady and influential presence behind the scenes and on stage.
Raised in Indiana, Rach discovered theater in high school, falling in love with performance and stagecraft. After graduating, they enrolled at Purdue University to study astrophysics. But after one semester, it was clear they were meant to search for stars in another way. Rach returned to acting. Then, a professor’s suggestion changed everything: learn theater tech.
Rach embraced the challenge fully. What began as curiosity became a deep dive into set construction, lighting, sound, and technical direction. They immersed themselves in the often invisible but essential work that makes live performance possible. That hands-on experience, paired with an interest in directing, laid the foundation for their move to Sitka.
That instinct for carving out creative space is shaping a distinct voice within Sitka’s theater landscape.
Upon arrival, Rach learned the ins and outs of the Performing Arts Center (PAC) and Odess Theater. Each venue presents its own challenges. The PAC offers a modern, state-of-the-art setup. Odess, originally built in 1911, carries the quirks and character of a historic space that has been thoughtfully updated. Rach moves between the two with ease, building sets, running lights, managing sound, and troubleshooting whatever comes their way.
“Rach is a superb stage manager,” says Shannon Haugland, producer of Sitka Community Theater, who works closely with Rach. “They’re highly organized, supportive of creative ideas, and collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. They’re professional, reliable, and make the whole process run smoothly.”
“They’re highly organized, supportive of creative ideas, and collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. They’re professional, reliable, and make the whole process run smoothly.”
At the same time, Rach is helping develop the next generation of theater technicians. Through classes with Young Performers Theater, Rach teaches the fundamentals of lighting design, sound mixing, stage crew operations, and production flow. One visiting performer, impressed by the skill level of the young crew members, joked, “Can I take them back to my theater? I was skeptical at first, but these kids are amazing at what they do!”
While continuing to support behind the scenes, Rach has also stepped into directing. Sitka audiences were first introduced to their directorial style through Smokefall, a play by Noah Haidle. The show featured a minimal set design and theater-in-the-round staging, highlighting Rach’s preference for intimate, actor-driven storytelling. “I love edgy, darker productions,” Rach says. “Minimal sets allow the audience to delve deeper into what the piece is trying to convey.”
Following Smokefall, Rach shifted gears with Ship Happens, an original dinner theater experience that blended comedy, improvisation, and audience interaction. Staged at Harbor Mountain Brewery and set on a cruise ship, the show had a collaborative script developed by the cast. The project reflected Rach’s affinity for flexible staging and immersive storytelling. Rach adds, “The actors interacted with the audience, who helped solve the mystery at the end.”
They immersed themselves in the often invisible but essential work that makes live performance possible.
When it comes to selecting projects, Rach takes an intuitive approach. “I look at what interests me and chat with directors in the community,” they explain. “If it’s something other groups might not consider, then I move forward with it.” That instinct for carving out creative space is shaping a distinct voice within Sitka’s theater landscape.
Next up is Bug by Tracy Letts, a dark, psychologically intense play that aligns closely with Rach’s artistic sensibilities. The production will run October 15, 16, and 17 at Odess Theater.
Multifaceted and deeply committed, Rach Roach continues to expand their impact in Sitka. Whether running tech, mentoring students, or directing shows, they are leaving their mark on Sitka’s theater community, with much more still to come.
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