BSP Alumni

J.K. Simmons

J.K. Simmons appeared on the Bigfork Stage in various roles from 1977 – 1982. Since that time he has appeared in diverse projects spanning motion pictures, television and stage performances on and off Broadway. He played J. Jonah Jameson in Sam Raimi’s “Spider Man” trilogy. His motion picture credits include “Hidalgo,” “The Ladykillers,” “The Mexican,”  “Off The Map,” “For  Love of the Game,” “The Gift,” “Thank You for Smoking,” “Rendition,” “Burn After Reading”  and, memorably, his portrayal of the off-beat but not deadbeat father, Mac McGuff, in the hit comedy “Juno.”

Other films include “The Music Never Stopped”, “Jennifer’s Body,” “Extract”, “The Vicious Kind”, “ I Love You Man”, “Beginner’s Guide to Endings”, and the Academy Award nominated film “Up In The Air”. 

On the small screen, Simmons played LAPD Assistant Chief Will Pope in TNT’s hit series “The Closer,” in addition to Vern Schillinger on HBO’s acclaimed drama “Oz” and a recurring role as Dr. Emil Skoda on NBC’s “Law and Order.”

Simmons, having continued his live stage career as well, has performed in five Broadway stage performances: “Guys and Dolls,” “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”, ” A Change In The Heir”, “Peter Pan” and “A Few Good Men.”

When it’s time for the annual softball showdown with the “townies,” JK is all in with BSP!

Daniel Erickson

After graduation from MSU moved to NYC where he did plays in regional theatre, off Broadway, television commercials and, on Broadway, in a technical position in CHESS. (“…..which is an excellent example of the well rounded education  that is afforded you working at BSP if you apply yourself.”)

He moved to LA and worked in more commercials, acting and eventually casting commercials. He enjoyed some success in Television and enjoyed playing both the good guys and the bad guys in network TV dramas, most notably, Matlock and Perry Mason. He has continued to contribute on various projects as a consultant producing, writing and directing. He also enjoyed success in ‘B’ Horror films.
His biggest contribution to the playhouse was starting the Plahouse/Townie softball game with co-captain JK Simmons and Bigfork’s own, Jim Manley.

Curt Olds

Montana native, Curt Olds, has enjoyed a critically acclaimed career starring with opera and musical theatre companies around the world. He has been seen on Broadway, at Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall, in addition to appearances with leading production companies across the country. He appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and Cats, and productions of Riverdance, Cabaret, with  over 60 productions of the works of Gilbert & Sullivan. At New York City Opera, Curt had the opportunity to work with Harold Prince on his 2017 Lincoln Center revival of Candide. A sought-after producer and director, Curt serves as General Director of Fargo Moorhead Opera, Director of Artistic Planning at Utah Festival Opera, and owns Black Tie Broadway, a concert production company. He earned two master’s degrees with distinction from Boston’s New England Conservatory and teaches guest coursework at universities and conservatories across the country.

Curt is a proud alumnus of the Bigfork Summer Playhouse and made his professional debut here in 1990. He has returned as both actor and director, as recent as 2021, and credits his professional success to the multi-faceted training and experience gained the Playhouse and the unique opportunities the Thomson Family has afforded him throughout the years. He is a proud University of Montana graduate and was extremely honored to receive the 2023 Odyssey of Our Stars Award for Distinguished Alumni from the UM College of the Arts and Media. In addition, he spent many wonderful years in productions at the Missoula Children’s Theatre and is a die-hard supporter of the Arts across the State of Montana. Curt grew up in Butte, America and spends as much time possible back home in the Treasure State.

Michael Buchanan