SHARE YOUR VOICE FOUNDATION

MIKE ELDRED, VALERI MCGARVEY, KAREN BORGER, ALLAN MCGARVEY, JENNIFER JULIAN, JULIE & RICK ALEXANDER

DURING PREP FOR THE 2009 NIGHT AT THE RANCH (INDOORS!)

Originally from Australia, filmmaker Karen Borger is now a permanent US resident. 

A Directing graduate of the prestigious Australian Film TV and Radio School, Karen forged a successful career and solid reputation as an award-winning writer & director of films, documentaries and high-end TV commercials in Australasia. She currently resides in Los Angeles and, after 15 months as a Director at Disney Interactive Media Group, then worked as a freelance Director, for six months whilst developing feature film & documentary projects through Encounter Entertainment. Karen is currently on contract with Advanced Project at WDPRO (Disney).  Her directing forte is recognized as working with children and young people, stimulating inspired dramatic and comedic performances.

Karen established the Coastal Region Applied Film Technology School (C.R.A.F.T.S) in regional NSW, Australia in 2005. In conjunction with TAFE NSW (the premier vocational education provider in Australia), C.R.A.F.T.S. provided film-making workshops for young people in indigenous communities and for the Kids at Risk program.

She was President of the AFTRS alumni association (The Network) from 2002-5, and Regional Film Commissioner at Film Mid North Coast, NSW Australia in 2004. 

Karen co-founded the Share Your Voice Foundation and is co-creator of the Empowerment through Performance ™ workshop program.

A Montana native residing in California, performer Jennifer Julian has crafted a flourishing career in performance, working professionally in the fields of theatre, film, television and radio.  On stage she has toured nationally performing the unprecedented lead in Eric Idle's Exploit's Monty Python and Greedy Bastard Tours at venues such as Carnagie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.  Jennifer has been a top-rated Southern Californian radio personality and is a successful voice-over artist for films and commercials.  She is also a spokesperson for the American Medical Association's Voice for the Uninsured Campaign.

In the field of performance education Jennifer has worked as an educator for the East LA Classic Theatre, teaching Shakespeare for our Children and Beyond Borders programs to at-risk youth in South Central & East Los Angeles.  She was a resident teaching artist for Will & Company (LA Theatre Center) and contributed as the Music and Dance specialist for the City of Los Angeles Park and Recreation Department's Camp Holllywoodland.  In 2007, Jennifer performed in Godspell and Yuletide Affair 4 for the acclaimed Alpine Theatre Project in Whitefish, Montana. Returning to tertiary education in 2008, Jennifer is currently studying at Pitzer College and Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. 

Jennifer co-founded the Share Your Voice Foundation and is co-creator of the Empowerment through Performance (ETP) Workshop program.

A highly-esteemed Drama Instructor, native Montanan Valeri McGarvey is well-versed in both classical and contemporary theatrical texts, having directed numerous productions at Flathead High School in Kalispell, MT.

In 2008 & 2009, as a guest educator for the ETP Workshop, Valeri enthusiastically led the young participants into the rich and dramatic world of Shakespeare directing scenes from "Macbeth" & "Twelfth Night".

A leading local Montana attorney by profession, Allan is also an extremely talented baritone and performs extensively with the Glacier Symphony & Chorale.

Allan contributed in many ways to both the 2008 & 2009 ETP workshops.  

He coached the young singers individually, developing their understanding of vocal performance, while also collaborating with renowned tenor Mike Eldred on the staging of the musical theatre numbers, 'Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In' & 'Fame'.

Emmy Award-winner Rick Alexander has enjoyed a long and successful career as a professional Re-Recording Sound Mixer in the film & television industry in Los Angeles.

In early 2009, Rick graciously mixed the inaugural music recording session of 'Love Is The Bridge To Peace' featuring Rob Quist, the participants from the 2008 ETP workshop and special guest artists.

Rick's commitment to his craft and huge heart ensures that SYVF's musical productions resonate with a distinct, professional edge.  

Rick and his lovely wife Julie split their time between Los Angeles and Montana.

Born and raised in Whitefish, Montana Singer Songwriter & Guitarist Tim Torgerson returned in September 2005 with wife Alex, son Joseph, daughter Estelle & baby son Matthew after living in Las Vegas, Nevada.

His latest CD The Invisible Man is 14-song studio album produced and mixed by L.A. based producer extraordinaire, Michael James (whose credits include: New Radicals, Robben Ford, Hole, Reverend Horton Heat, AJ Croce, Janes Addiction, L7, et al.). 

Torgerson worked with the 2009 ETP participants, leading them in the wonderful experience of a musical songwriting session that culminated in the crafting of the lyrics to an original song entitled 'Dreams are the Fuel to the Fire of Life'. Tim will be refining and composing the musicover the next few months. A recording of the track is anticipated by the end of 2009.

Jack Gladstone is a Native "Poet Singer" and lecturer from the Blackfeet Indian Nation of Montana. Regarded as a cultural bridge builder, he delivers programs nationally on American Indian myth, legend and history. In a career spanning two decades, Jack has produced a dozen original CDs for which he has received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.

Honored as a “modern day warrior”, Jack holds a Human Rights Award for Outstanding Community Service from Montana State University. Sine 1997, Jack Gladstone has collaborated with Lloyd Maines, Grammy winning producer of the Dixie Chicks. He was a key tribal voice providing alternate perspectives and narrated the Lewis and Clark film 'Confluence of Time and Courage'.

In 2008, Jack traveled across the US as Montana’s troubadour, representing Montana and the “Heart of Montana”, Montana’s Capital Christmas tree and headlined concerts at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indians in Washington D.C. Tying in with Rob Quist's songwriting sessions at the 2008 ETP camp, Jack led an inspiring and insightful indigenous storytelling session.

World renowned and multi-platinum record producer David DeVore's list of credits include musical icons like, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, The Grateful Dead, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Santana, Ringo Starr, and Survivor.

Most recently the International Music Awards presented Liquid Blue and producer David DeVore a gold record for the song REAL. The song won "Best Production" at the IMA and Liquid Blue won a Top-5 award for BEST BAND.

David graciously contributed his expertise and wonderful advice during the recording sessions of the song Love Is the Bridge to Peace.

These three individuals have been extraordinary volunteers as well as performers during the 2008 ETP Workshop program.  We are pleased to have them back in 2009!

A student a the prestigious Middlebury College, Ken subsequently teamed up with Jesse and sister, Bente for the 2008 & 2009 ETP workshops. Ken displayed the identical get-it done attitude as Jesse & Bente and threw himself into the workshop with verve. His show stopping performance with Jesse as the Scottish Proclaimers will be long remembered. We hope to see Ken next year too!

A recent graduate of Yale University, Bente teamed up with Jesse and brother, Ken for the ETP workshop program and inspired us all with her talent and comedic timing. Her attention to detail and sponsorship drive with Jesse and Ken set a high standard.

SYVF relies upon the contributions of our wonderful volunteers.

Here we name a few stand-outs...

Marybeth has been a tireless campaigner and volunteer for SYVF ever since her daughter participated in June 2008.  Her support, goodwill and tireless efforts ensured our March 2009 fundraiser was a success. 

With many years experience caring for young people, Leslie is the Director of Operations at the Boys & Girls Club of Glacier County.

Leslie took on the role of girl's counselor for 2008.  She joined the evening campfire sessions, ensured they were all tucked in at night in their cabins and also provided necessary aid where required.   Leslie's continued contribution of time, energy and patience are greatly appreciated.

With a history in Event Planning and TV production Jamie Newman brought her talent and dedication to the ETP program.

In 2008 she generously provided much needed time, energy and event coordination expertise which contributed greatly to the success of the 2008 Tea & Crumpets fundraiser.