I still run into people who aren't all that interested in Good Company Players productions " 'cause it's just dinner theater." You'd think that with all the ink (and air time!) devoted over the years to the success of Audra McDonald, Sharon Leal, Heidi Blickenstaff and the dozens of other GCP alums who have gone on to distinguished theater careers that folks would be a little more cognizant of what a great training ground this local company is.

Some things never change.

But that's an even better excuse to celebrate Andrea Chamberlain, a Roosevelt grad and GCP standout. Not only did she understudy the lead role of "The Drowsy Chaperone" on Broadway, she nabbed the part for herself on the national tour. She's appearing in the show in San Francisco at the Orpheum Theatre through Sunday Aug. 17. We caught up with her for an email interview.

Question: What's the most challenging part of playing this role on a daily basis?

Stamina. Both vocal and physical. It is pretty demanding on both fronts. I am doing splits, cartwheels and high kicks in SHOW OFF as well as holding long high notes =). Over time, you build up those muscles(both vocally and physically) but there are definitely days where my body hurts or my voice is a little tired. Especially with all of the travelling that we do.

Have you had people from Fresno visiting you in Los Angeles and San Francisco after the show?

Yes, it has been amazing to have so many people come up to see me and the show. Some people Good Company Players like Dan, Laurie and Emily Pessano, Jolene Siebert, Nancy Miller, Fred Bologna (who also taught me at Roosevelt) and Karan Johnson. One of my acting teachers from Roosevelt, Carolyn Robertson, came as well. These people all were a huge part of my life and it means so much to me that they continue to support me. I had a lot of my friends/cohorts from GCP and Roosevelt come to LA to see me like Shandon Youngclaus, Sharon Leal and Romy Yoshimoto. So many friends from Roosevelt and GCP are still my closest friends today.

Do you still get back to Fresno these days to visit?

Unfortunately, not much. The last time I was there was over 2 years ago for a Junior Company benefit at GCP. My parents moved to Idaho several years ago so I don't have a chance to get back as much.

What was your favorite Roosevelt or Good Company production?

At Roosevelt, it would have to be A DAY IN HOLLYWOOD/A NIGHT IN THE UKRAINE. I got to play Harpo Marx which was a blast. At GCP, I would probably have to say the two Productions of ANNIE I did as a kid. Also, getting to do the Witch INTO THE WOODS.

I know that you understudied the role Janet in the original Broadway cast of "Drowsy Chaperone." How often did you go on in that lead role?

Sutton Foster didn't miss a whole lot but I got to go on for her week-long vacation as well as a few sick and personal days that she took. I also understudied the role of Kitty and got to go on for that as well.

Any words of advice to young members of Good Company Players who'd love to follow in your footsteps of a professional career?

For me it's about never giving up. There are so many roads to take in this business. So many of my friends from Roosevelt and GCP have become successful in this business and we have all taken completely different paths. There is no one way to get there. This business has a ton of ups and downs and for most of us it doesn't happen overnight. It's years of training and auditions and working your way up the ladder. It's tough. If it's what you want then don't give up. Focus on making yourself the best and most competitive you can become. Focus on your weaknesses and improve them. Take lessons. Ask for help. If you know someone working in the business make sure to use them as a resource. I didn't go to college but it is definitely a good training ground and a place to "grow up" a bit. Research arts colleges because a lot of them have showcases in NY at the end of their program which allow you to audition for agents and casting directors. Getting an agent is key to getting into the good auditions.

Any idea what you'll be doing after "Drowsy Chaperone"?

Nothing yet. I have been on the road for a year so I haven't been auditioning. I will be back in NY for a month before doing the 8-week DROWSY CHAPERONE extension. Hopefully I can work in an audition or two. Then, starting Sept. 24th , the DROWSY tour will be back on the road playing San Diego, Sacramento, Denver and Seattle before closing for good on Nov. 16th. After that, I go back to NY and, once again, become one of the thousands of actors just looking for another job =).