Salem is home to a small but thriving theater community. Nearly every month, the city’s playhouses host high-quality productions performed by local actors. Many of these thespians work without pay and participate in a life-consuming production schedule.

Local stage favorites Heather Dunkin and Michael Swanson do it all while raising families and holding down day jobs.

Heather Dunkin (still known to most of her fans by her old name, Heather Dunkin Schwartz) is a well-loved face on the Pentacle stage. Her performances have included leading roles in plays such as Guys and Dolls and My Fair Lady. She is known not only for her deft grasp of stage comedy but for an astonishingly rich operatic singing voice.

Dunkin, whose day job is working for a Keizer employee benefits firm, had performing aspirations from an early age.

"When I was a little kid I had two career aspirations: to be a dancer in an MTV video or to be a "guest star." The reality is, I always wanted to be an actor but thought I would never get the opportunity,” Dunkin said.

She grew up with music and performance as a big part of her family life. Her father, an aspiring singer-songwriter, died when she was very young, but his passions lived on through his family. Dunkin’s mother sought many opportunities to let her children explore their interests in music and acting, enrolling them in community productions and providing Dunkin with voice lessons. Dunkin found a home for her abilities at Pentacle.

“Through Pentacle I was given opportunities to explore the "actor" side of me a little bit better. I also feel like I am still learning so much from the different actors who call that theater home,” she said.

Michael Swanson, who works as a computer tech for the State of Oregon, is also a popular and familiar face in the Salem theater community. His many appearances include Salem Rep’s most recent offering, Mauritius, as well as Pentacle’s Corpse! and The Diviners.

Swanson’s love of theater was ignited by a missed Peter Pan audition when he was 12.

“I don't recall where it was playing, though I do remember wanting very much to try out. I never did and it haunted me as a regret for most of my life. Back in 1999 I finally summoned the courage to try out for a play,” he said.

It wasn't long before Swanson began winning roles at Pentacle.

“Once I got involved in theater I felt like I finally fit in, Swanson said. "I was hooked. Being on stage is freeing in a way. For a few hours a night I can be somebody else. Sometimes it's emotionally and physically exhausting, but always rewarding.”

Pentacle Theatre is run almost entirely by volunteers, which Dunkin says contributes to a slightly relaxed albeit professional atmosphere. The commitment involved for an actor in a large role is demanding. Dunkin said rehearsals can require up to 3 hours a day 4-5 days a week.

“I generally will add and hour a day to that time. I fit in singing in my car, running lines during my lunch break. It's all-consuming. But to go out there and have complete muscle memory gives you freedom to have fun. And it is usually for only a couple of months at a time,” she said.

Swanson, who has performed at both of Salem’s largest playhouses, suggests that the differences between Pentacle and Salem Rep are minor.

“Overall I'd have to say that it's pretty much the same process. You audition, learn your lines, blocking, rehearse and then perform. They're both great theaters with wonderful people and I feel very fortunate to be a part of both," he said.

Regarding that process, Dunkin offers audition advice to would-be performers.

“The key to a good audition is preparation. I can't believe how many people go into auditions without sheet music or without knowing what song they will sing. It looks horrible. Also, the key is to never apologize and never make excuses,” she said.

When asked about long-term goals for the acting careers, both expressed an enthusiasm both realistic and optimistic.

“My goals are to continue to learn, possibly take more classes, and keep having a blast. I am also going to dabble in directing next year,” said Dunkin.

Swanson's great thrill is derived from simply being part of the process.

“I plan to continue acting as long as health and life permits. If I could earn a living doing it, that would be great, but if not, that's okay, too," Swanson said.