Trek Theater: Creswell actors boldly going where no Trekkies have gone before

For Trekkies, Trekkers, and fans of science fiction, some primo entertainment is about to unfold.

Each summer for the last 11 years, Trek Theater has put on a Star Trek episode in the park. This year, “The Arsenal of Freedom” will be performed at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3, 4, 10 and 11 at the Irving Grange, 1011 Irvington Drive, Eugene. Admission is free. 

I am no stranger to Trek Theater. If you went to the early episodes at Amazon Park, or the Captain Picard Day fundraisers for Trek Theater, you might recognize me as the green Orion slave dancer—or indentured servant, as I called myself. I opened the show with alien belly dancing to Star Trek-themed music. 

But you also might not recognize me because I was very green.

This year’s production at Trek Theater showcases the Next Generation episode, “The Arsenal of Freedom.” In this episode, the Enterprise is lured to a planet that is offering to sell them arms. Once the away team beams down, the weapons system attacks them as part of an out of hand demonstration, and the Enterprise hovering above the planet, also is attacked.

This year, three Creswell residents are involved in the play: Joanie M. Starshine Kent is playing the part of Ensign Lian Tsu as well as serving as the puppeteer playing the weapon. Nathan Peet will be playing the part of Dr. Beverly Crusher.

Carey Elmring, who has been involved in the productions for the last three years, played Captain Picard last year in “Who Watches the Watcher.” 

“My role in this theater production this year is as one of the co-directors,” Elmring said. “Unlike on the Enterprise, we don’t have a captain and a commander. Myself and Samantha Fox equally share the responsibility of keeping our crew in tip top performance.”

Kent, playing multiple parts in this year’s play, has been involved with Irving Grange #377 since living in Eugene as a child, and has maintained her grange membership since moving to Creswell. She directs, writes, and acts in the Irving Grange’s play entries for the Lane County Pamona Grange Play Festival every April. 

“My husband and I saw Trek Theater perform in a park downtown Eugene during EugFest. As a Star Trek Fam, I felt right away that I wanted to be part of this wonderful theater troupe,” she said. 

If Kent looks familiar it might be because she is also known as Sitara T. Slugshine, a 6th time returning candidate for The Eugene S.L.U.G. Queen. Her husband, Clark Kent, may also look familiar; he is a Creswell city councilor and has also starred in multiple productions himself.

It is surprising a Eugene play boasts so many Creswellians. But the Kents are not the only couple involved. Peet, playing Dr. Crusher, heard about the role from his partner, Elmring. Prior to the production, they hadn’t met Kent.

“The Arsenal of Freedom” will be performed at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3, 4, 10 and 11 at the Irving Grange, 1011 Irvington Drive, Eugene. Admission is free. 

 “I hope everyone who sees the show laughs, feels inspired and like they belong,” Elmring  said. “In a universe of strange creatures, I am happy to have found some of the kindest ones in Trek Theater and I invite everyone to join us where no one has gone before.”

Sarina Dorie is the arts writer for The Chronicle.