When we first kicked off Generations Theater Company in 2017, I had no idea I was signing up for a wild, wonderful ride filled with fog machines, last-minute costume fixes, and a deep, abiding love for community theater. We weren’t some big-budget Broadway machine—we were scrappy, passionate, and powered by coffee, creativity, and the occasional panic attack over ticket sales. As Vice President since day one, I’ve had the privilege of watching this company grow from a hopeful idea into a cornerstone of the local arts scene. And let me tell you, it’s been one heck of an opening act.
My role at Generations has evolved over time, much like a character arc in one of our shows. In the early days, I was VP by title but also the guy ordering pizza during tech week, rewiring lights that shouldn’t have needed rewiring, and talking down a stressed-out stage manager with a bag of Skittles. But with each production, our team grew stronger, our audiences bigger, and our ambitions bolder. From humble beginnings with Bye Bye Birdie to standing ovations for Arsenic and Old Lace, we’ve built something that feels like both a family and a movement.
What makes Generations special is right there in the name. We don’t just cast shows—we build bridges between generations. We’ve had grandmothers on stage with their grandkids and entire families volunteering side by side. Theater here isn’t just performance; it’s mentorship, legacy, and heart. And as VP, I’ve had a front-row seat to the magic that happens when people of all ages come together to create something bigger than themselves.
Of course, not every moment has been a standing ovation. We’ve had rain on load-in days, microphones that didn’t love us back, and summer rehearsals so hot inside our building that we joked about selling sauna tickets instead of theater seats. But through it all, we’ve laughed more than we’ve cried (though sometimes the crying was from laughter), and every challenge has only deepened our bond as a company.
Eight years in, I still get goosebumps when the house lights dim and the overture begins. Being part of Generations Theater Company has taught me that community theater is more than a hobby—it’s a lifeline, a learning ground, and a place where dreams take the spotlight. I’m endlessly proud to serve as its Vice President, and even more excited for what the next act will bring.
