Don Countermine

Don with his wife, Marlene and Bob Farquharson. Don and Marlene were recipients of the Etta Moore award in 2008.

Don was a versatile theatrical person. He was a principle actor, director, lighting man, producer, and set builder, etc.  I was Don’s producer for the last show he directed at SLOC, Robber Bridegroom. Don was a “real hands” on person. He not only directed the show, but he also designed and built the set. When I directed the show, Red, Hot and Colefor the Not So Common Players, Don helped me by being my set designer and builder. Don appreciated when you helped him, and he never forgot.

Don was a graduate of SUNYA (University at Albany) with a B.S. and a M.S.  He also held a master’s degree from Union College. He became a math teacher at Troy High School and Albany High School for a few years, and then made at career change, being employed by the Colonie Block and Supply Company. He was married to Marlene Countermine, who has contributed a lot to SLOC as rehearsal secretary and other duties. Don is survived also by his three children: Cara, Tom, and Bradley.

Principle Roles:

  • Sample Swichel in Ten Nights in a Bar Room(Feb. 1976). His appearance with SLOC.
  • C. Baxter in Promises, Promises(March 1977): This was Don’s favorite role.
  • King Arik/The Producer in The Apple Tree(March 1978)
  • Ring Master/Mr. Bailey in Barnum(April 1988)
  • Appeared with the Colonic Acting Troupe

Directing:

  • On a Clear Day (SLOC, March 1979)
  • Li’L Abner(SLOC, Oct./Nov. 1988)
  • Chicago(SLOC, Jan. 1991)
  • Robber Bridegroom(SLOC, March 2000)
  • Charley’s Aunt(Schenectady Civic Players)
  • How to Succeed In Business(Colonie Acting Troupe)
  • Bus Stop(Latham Community Players)
  • Dark at the Top of the Stairs(Latham Community Players)
  • The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smellof the Crowd(Glen Falls Community Theatre)
  • The Spitfire Grill(Not So Common Players)
  • Always, Patsy Cline(Class Act)

These last two shows were Don’s favorite directorial assignments.

Don’s Trivia

  • Involvement with community theatre dates back to 1968.
  • Member of both the Clifton Park-Halfmoon (where he received awards) and the Mohawk Toastmasters.
  • A great story teller about “behind the scenes’” material.
  • A participant at the Jonesborough’s Story Telling Festival
  • Amateur song composer
  • Saloon Singer
  • At one time, the President of the Latham Players.
  • Also appeared with the Triune Players.
  • Don would greet returning servicemen and women at the Albany Airport. This all took place at the Albany International Airport in the Captain John J. McKenna IV Military Courtesy Room.