From Oz to Opening Night: My Unexpected Journey into Community Theatre

When my hubby Robert and I were approached in Fall 2016, requesting our help to create a nonprofit community theater company ‘by the people, for the people’ that spans generations, we had very little theater experience, and had no idea what the future held. I underestimated just how much went into setting up a theater company – let alone what each and every show required for success. From websites to graphic design to audition paperwork to sets, we were dropped into this new world like Dorothy crash-landing in Oz.

And it wasn’t just behind the scenes, either. We were everywhere – on stage acting, offstage helping create magic through lights and sound, makeup and costuming, sets, and countless other little things that help a show come to life. We slept little, and we served HARD. Did I love every minute of it? Nope! But I wouldn’t trade it for the world! GTC has given me new opportunities to grow and express myself, with cherished friendships and a community I never knew was missing from my life.

Through the years, I have affectionately referred to myself as “the WORST theatre kid ever” because I didn’t get the theatre bug as a kid or even a teen. I didn’t start performing in theatrical productions until I was 35. So, unfortunately, no – I can’t sing along to every show, and am not familiar with a lot of well-known musicals. But please do not be fooled — I have a DEEP affection for every single show GTC has performed, and I take SO much pride in knowing that I got to leave my mark on each show in my own way – from creating grandiose set pieces and show posters to larger-than-life characters on stage. I got to shape each set piece, each character; and in return, each set piece and character has shaped me.

Theatre is hard work, and requires so much creativity, especially on a shoestring budget. It feels like money, time, and helpers are always in high-demand. Some say theatre is a dying art – but I say it doesn’t have to be! People LOVE to be entertained, and no screen in the world can evoke the feelings and buzz of energy of a live show – whether it is a concert, a musical, or a play. There is simply no comparison. Seeing is one thing – but FEELING is entirely different. When I saw The Lion King musical, and the characters dressed as animals started to release their African melody as they came down the aisles, I immediately got chills and began to cry. THAT is a memory I will forever hold dear because we got to see it live and be PART of the experience.
Theatre life can be challenging. But those aspects are part of what makes theatre so great! When the curtains rise on Act 1 opening night, the challenges become the rewards, and you see the culmination of that hard work and creativity come to life on stage. I believe there is a place for EVERYONE in theatre — on stage, or behind-the-scenes. Even if you don’t have the theatre bug, give it try! You might surprise yourself with the fun and connections that come from being part of the team.