Big Prairie Communications, Ltd. was incorporated in 1995, but was originally incarnated in 1987 as Prairie Productions. Company principals are Maureen Stapleton and Richard Hammond who share a combined 67 years experience in the corporate communications business.
Dick has a BA in English Lit from Bradley University where he also did graduate study in Theatre. He was a working actor in Chicago until he went bald at the tender age of 27, and could only get roles as fathers or kings in Children’s Theatre. He crossed over to other side, becoming a stage manager in legit theatres, and then discovered the possibilities inherent in Business Theatre where adrenaline junkies find their home given that each show is usually performed only once and with little rehearsal.
Maureen’s academic career traversed the campus from sociology to art to fashion design to social psychology and finally to film and video production. She insists that these fields are all intertwined, and has put her learnings to good use as a producer since 1980. Along the way, Maureen has worked as a writer, photographer, art director, stylist, videographer, lighting and scenic designer, audio and video editor, sound designer and costumer, for film, video and live shows. This variety of hands-on experience is responsible for her grasp of the processes involved in any production.