It all started in 3rd grade. I played the part of Casper the Ghost in the school play. A few years later, I was Dick Martin in “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” After a short respite to play flag football and flirt with the cheerleaders, I had two choices of high school - one that was just down the street, complete with all my pocket protector buddies and straight leg flood pants. The other high, clear across town, held tremendous promise. Know one knew me. I didn’t have to fulfill my longstanding roll of resident dipstick. I could be whatever I wanted to be.
In my freshman year, something possessed me, and I tried out for the school musical, “Carnival,” and was given the lead of Jaquot, the Puppeteer. From there, I played Cornelius Hackl in “Matchmaker,” the non-musical version of “Hello Dolly.” That Summer I did a couple of bit parts in Lil’ Abner, and later played the Scarecrow in “Wizard of Oz” and Sir Harry in “Once Upon a Mattress.” I played Harold Hill in the “Music Man’ and El Gallo in the a “Fantastiks.” My first community theatre was in a production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” where I happily played the spoiled caninie, Snoopy.
In the back of my mind, I had always wanted to find the right time to re-enter the theater fray. And what better venue to do so than with C-STOCK! My first show was “1940’s Radio Hour.” What a truly gifted ensemble we had for that show. It was the perfect choice to bring me back into the fold.
Shortly thereafter, I was asked to participate as a Board Member, a role and responsibility that I take very seriously.
Additional roles thus far has been fairly small, but loads of fun. I was the Coach in “Footloose” and a mentally challlenged stage hand, and the Baseball Commissioner in “Damn Yankees!” I especially enjoy “Damn Yankees” because both of my youngest boys were in the cast as well. We all shared some very meaningful male bonding during rehearsals!
If you’ve never participated in Community Theater, I would implore you to do so. It’s any amazingly rich and satisfying experience, and the people are truly great to work with.
So whether actor, singer, set design, musician, costumes,, etc.. there’s just the perfect place for you!
