Bethanie Knieser (Co-founder, Minnie)
At age 3, Bethanie wanted to take tap dancing lessons because she wanted to “make noise.” Since then, she has hoofed her way across the USA from Florida in 42nd Street to Downey California in her dream role of Ruby in Dames at Sea.Giving her tapping toes a rest, Bethanie has also concentrated her talents on the harp, acting and singing. All these skills have been utilized by The Laguna Playhouse in their Theatereach program. In 1999, she originated the role of Jack in By the Great Horn Spoon and now also plays Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web.
Bethanie is a graduate of Professional Actors Conservatory and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Evansville. She also studied harp at University of Evansville and at The Eastman School of Music.
She is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. She is also a “member” of a group of actors that just can’t stop performing the beautiful story, A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas.
Bethanie has coached children in acting, dance, and voice at arts programs in Los Alamitos, Laguna Beach, at the JCC. Trying on a new hat, she has been directing youth performances at her congregation, Shuvah Yisrael.
Her favorite roles are aunt to her nephew and niece and mommy to her boys, Aidan and Gavin. She is grateful to her supportive husband, Bill, especially for loading the sound equipment.
