Still in the Picture
Back at the tail end of the last millennium, I had new headshots taken. I needed them to promote the premiere of my one-man show at Danny’s Cabaret in the New York theatre district.
A year later, I found myself starring in a very different kind of one-man show — this time as the newly hired founding director of the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center.
At the time, there was no cast, no crew — no staff at all, actually — because I hadn’t yet hired anyone. It was just me, a big empty building, and an even bigger dream.
Fast-forward 24 years. A few weeks ago, I had new headshots taken for the first time since those originals. Same shirt. Same smile. Just… a few more miles.
The face may not be as fresh, but it certainly has more character now — like a favorite LP that pops and crackles but still plays your favorite tune. Every wrinkle has a story, every scar a punchline, and every gray hair (well, each one I’ve clung onto) deserves a well-earned spotlight.
The reason for the new photos? You may have heard by now that I’m retiring at the end of the year. Don’t cue the sad music. I’m not taking my last bow. I’m just… changing scenes. I’ll still be performing, directing, and teaching—just in new ways and at a pace more suited to someone who’s enjoyed an incredible 24-year run.
As we head into the holidays, I find myself thankful for every moment that carried me from that bright-eyed guy in the first photo to the well-lit veteran in the second. I’m grateful for the laughter, the late nights, and the learning curves, and as the curtain begins to fall, I can’t help but applaud all of you who’ve supported me all these many years. Thank you.
So here’s to the passage of time, the persistence of shirts that still fit, and the power of art to keep us all in the picture — no matter how many retakes it takes.
And here’s to the past 24 years and to whatever encore lies ahead.
Video Links
The links below provide a video version of this month’s blog and a link to HCECTV’s The Monthly Marquee, an interview program hosted by Bart focused on performing arts activities in our region.
Audience Survey Winners
Congratulations to Daniel Fink, Sandra Freeman, Veronica Paulk, and Micah Trent, each the lucky winner of a $20 PAC gift certificate for completing an audience survey in October, and thank you for helping us learn how to serve our audiences better!
Audience Survey
Share your thoughts on your recent PAC visit and get entered into the next drawing.
PAC Spotlight
The November PAC Spotlight shines on Hardin County High graduate Hailey Kowalski
What do you want to do when you grow up?
Social work/therapist for kids
What have you participated in at the PAC?
I’ve participated in Cinderella, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, A Little Princess, and Bimulous Night with Allegro Dance Centre, along with several of their dance recitals.
What have been your most rewarding PAC experiences?
I think the most rewarding experiences at the PAC are always the audience’s reaction to our performance and the applause my fellow dancers and I get at the end of a show. We work so hard to put together a beautiful show, and the process is so special.
What did you learn from your PAC experiences?
I have learned discipline, organizational skills, time management, theater etiquette, as well as how to persevere through stressful and possibly painful situations in order to put on a wonderful show.
How have you benefited from the PAC?
The PAC has benefited me in many ways as a performer, but it has also given me the opportunity to see and enjoy many different genres of shows. They are always so inspiring to me and influence me to be a more well-rounded person and performer.
Why is the PAC important to you?
The PAC is very important to me because it gives me a beautiful theater to do my very favorite thing, which is dance. It gives me a space to inspire others of all ages from the stage that is so special to me.
Why should the PAC be important to others?
It is important for every community to have a beautiful theater, such as the PAC, for many reasons. It is a very impactful place to learn so much and bring many kinds of people of all ages together, despite differences.
Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
The PAC is where I first saw my older sisters perform, and I knew from that moment I wanted to be on stage too. It has been an important part of my childhood, and I look forward to enjoying it throughout my adulthood as well.
