Joe Elwick
Volunteer of the Month - December 2006

Why Volunteer of the Month?
Joe is at Cinnabar almost every day, working, working, working. He builds sets, hangs lights, hangs curtains, paints…you name it. And probably most important to the staff at Cinnabar: he keeps Production Manager Sharlyn Klein in a good mood! (And, aside from all the hard work, we just plain like him!) 

About Joe
Joe Elwick was born and raised right here in Petaluma where he graduated from Casa Grande High School. He will be attending a special effects make-up school in Burbank California in March of 2007. His mother and stepfather live in Petaluma and his father and stepmother live in Dayton, Nevada. Joe has an older sister and younger brother who live in Petaluma and another older sister in Chicago, Illinois. 

When asked about his work, Joe said, “I held a variety of jobs in my younger years, nothing that ever made me feel complete. It's been everything from waiting tables, serving coffee, folding clothes and eradicating insects. I've always been a person of varied interests trying to experience all that life has to offer.

“Over the years I've spent the majority of my time learning a great deal about motorcycles and make-up. I spent the previous six years at Six Flags Marine World during the month of October taking part in Fright Fest. The first four years I acted as talent, getting the opportunity to scare the bejeebers out of paying customers. The next two years my time has been spent on the other side of the airbrush. I was employed as a make-up artist, which gave me the chance to put some creativity and talent to use. That's where the joy of Fright Fest really came to life for me and what led me to pursue a career in the field heading down to LA.

“Last year I had the chance of a lifetime to become a motorcycle technician for a local race team. Having just bought a motorcycle, this seemed like a great thing for me. One weekend a month I was either at Sears Point Raceway or Thunderhill working for CyclePro Racing. My job was simple: make sure the bike runs and help my boss with the best possible finish. The eight months I worked for CyclePro I learned so much about bikes! It's the stuff you can't experience anywhere else. The people that I came into contact with and the environment I was immersed in was an awesome experience.”

Joe and Cinnabar
Joe started with Cinnabar in the summer of 2006 helping with the summer camps. 

“I had just become friends with your wonderful and beautiful Production Manager, Sharlyn Klein. She asked if I would like to come down to the theater and lend a hand and I said okay! Now I help move heavy stuff and build things that will, at a later date, be taken apart.
Through Sharlyn I have constant contact with pre-production and help to fill whatever vacancies I can.”