Stepping Into the Unknown:
No One Walks Alone
Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you step out of your comfort zone. That’s precisely what happened when, on a whim, I auditioned for The Ferryman’s Daughter at the Bunbury Theatre in Louisville—my first audition outside of the PAC in over 15 years. To my surprise, I got cast.
But stepping out is just the beginning—you need a strong support system behind you, and this experience wasn’t without challenges. The play’s closing weekend overlapped with the PAC’s opening weekend of Mary Poppins. I could only pull it off because of the amazing PAC staff. They covered for me and made sure everything went smoothly. Their encouragement gave me the freedom to take this leap.
And, of course, I owe a huge thanks to my wife, Allison, who kept me grounded. She ran lines with me daily and helped me juggle family commitments. Without her, this would have been impossible.
If you’re thinking about trying something new, step up. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.
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 Linda Brown, Susan Lambert, Vicky Todd and Nancy Witten, each the lucky winner of a $20 PAC gift certificate for completing an audience survey in September, 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 October PAC Spotlight shines on Central Hardin’s Ellee Smith and Junk Lovers’ Kara Grey Anderson. They are performing in the CHHS/HCP production of Carrie – the Musical this month at The PAC and at Hardin County Playhouse.
What have you participated in at the PAC?
ELLEE: Cinderella Ballet (Allegro), The Nutcracker (Dance Center of Elizabethtown), Mary Poppins Jr. (Allegro), Peter Pan Jr. (Allegro), Peter and Wendy (Missoula), Gulliver’s Travels (MCT), Seussical Jr. (The Lawson School of Music), Ten Minute Musicals (CHHS), Decision Height (CHHS), The Wizard of Oz (CHHS), and Matilda (YTHC) and now Carrie-The Musical
KARA: Carrie-The Musical will be my first PAC production
What have been your most rewarding PAC experiences?
ELLEE: Decision Height was a great show and an amazing role that I felt really connected to and flying as Michael Darling in Peter Pan Jr. was an amazing experience that I remember fondly to this day. I’ve also learned more about the arts as a whole and how a small detail may have a truly powerful meaning deep down that an audience can’t see on a simple first watch.
KARA: I have always enjoyed theater, and I was so impressed when I walked into The PAC. I didn’t grow up in an area where theater was a priority. It’s truly a blessing that this community has a space like the PAC. I started my musical theater journey later in life, in my 30s. After seeing a few shows at the beautiful theater, I learned that my bucket list now included performing at The PAC.
Why is the PAC important to you?
ELLEE: I’ve created such strong friendships due to theater and shared experiences on stage. I’ve also benefited from memorization and learning many new skills to fulfill my roles. I feel like it’s made me a better-rounded person and made me stronger overcoming personal challenges due to problem-solving on stage. I feel like I’ve basically grown up there. I’ve watched my brother up on stage my whole life and the PAC had been the stage he was on the most. It is also where I’ve honed my own acting, dancing, and singing. Growing up performing at the PAC and seeing my brother performing amazing roles on the PAC stage has set the performing arts center as an incredibly important place for me in my heart.
KARA: The PAC is important to me because it provides a professional space for performers and, of course, for community members to attend events.
Why should the PAC be important to others?
ELLEE: It’s an amazing space where you can celebrate the arts and the wonderful artists around you. It provides amazing opportunities for adults and children alike. The PAC is also a great place for date night.
KARA: I know firsthand that not all communities have such a wonderful facility. Locals should be proud to have The PAC. Especially because it inspires the youth to become involved in theater when they otherwise wouldn’t have.
