Mike Orton
Volunteer of the Month – October

Why Volunteer of the Month?
Mike was “Johnny on the spot” during the production period for The Consul. Anytime anything at all broke (and, for some reason, a LOT did break during this show), Mike was the one who fixed it. From chairs to typewriters and everything in between, he was our man of the hour. Thank you, Mike!

About Mike
Mike Orton was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Orange County. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University. He is a retired salesman, having worked for Wilco Supply in Oakland, selling low level security systems and door hardware. Mike is married to Clarice Stasz and has a daughter, Kristin Orton and a step-daughter, Kendra Stoll.

In addition his work with Cinnabar, Mike has been a set carpenter and actor for Petaluma Community Theater. He has also been a chorus member in Sonoma State University’s Concert Chorale, the SSU Bach Choir and Cinnabar Chamber Singers.

Mike enjoys fly fishing, and is involved with Stream Conservation Trout Unlimited, a national conservation group that promotes stream restoration with reintroduction and maintenance of wild stocks of salmon, steelhead and trout (salmonids). He is a member of the Redwood Empire Chapter, Sonoma County.

Mike and Cinnabar
Mike’s first experience with Cinnabar was in 1980 with The Beggar’s Opera chorus. “Marvin (Klebe) asked my wife to sing in the chorus. I came along and was put to work on set construction. Eventually, I was also singing in the chorus. It was my first experience singing opera. I was hooked.
“My wife and I have had many wonderful experiences performing with Marvin and Elly over the years. We have met many of our friends through Cinnabar, and have seen firsthand the passion and dedication of the artists that perform with the Cinnabar Opera and Theater.”