The Imagination Blog

Being involved in community theatre for a little over three years, I am continually amazed at lessons learned by bringing a group of “strangers” together 4-6 weeks prior to am production and observing the process of multiple personalities and people becoming one team as the week of production approaches.

I have read the posts by Brian and Stuart and I am personally touched by the imagination, creativity of both but, more importantly, the passion of the focus of all the players and support staff in producing a great performance.

As a former senior corporate executive, there is so much to be learned by this process. I only wish that the business world which always talks about teamwork would send representatives to view this process. There are no guidebooks, policies, chains of command … there is simply a total commitment from all participants produce an excellent product! Excellence happens because of passion and commitment of all the players on the team on stage or backstage.

In advance, after watching a rehearsal last week, I’d like to congratulate the entire “Love Letters” team for what I’m sure will be a fabulous performance.

BREAK A LEG!

I just received the news that our Christmas show, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” has sold out for our Dec 7th performance. Based on information I received, it appears that we will sell out at least one or more of our shows during next week.

As I reflect on this past year, “who would have ‘thunk’ it” comes to mind. Last year at this time, we were approaching our second year in our playhouse with a new season and a number of exciting opportunities. If someone would have said that we’d be in this position at the end of 2008, I believe many of our volunteers would have said … ” Are you dreaming?”

We have accomplished many great things in 2008. We ran a successful season of planned plays plus an additional special performance of Jen Feldser’s “The Other Woman.” We just had our first “sell-out.” We established the Theatre Academy which has succeeded beyond expectations. We attracted new actors and directors from Lancaster, Lebanon, Harrisburg and have discovered some great talent from these areas.

For 2009, we have two new directors and a great schedule of shows and recently two wonderful actors who moved here from LA to raise their child, “walked in” to our auditions for “Love Letters” and “walked out” with the leading roles. How fortunate we are!

As I reflect on our successes, I believe every volunteer with who has touched our effort needs to take a moment to pat themselves on the back and enjoy the moment and then reflect on how we can all contribute in 2009 to solidify our future.

We have a long way to go to ensure our long term success, but if 2008 is any indication of our capability to succeed long term, I am confident we will achieve and exceed all our goals.

Thanks to all for all you do and have done to help bring this new cultural institution to Hershey!