Nine years ago, Hanover Little Theatre elected me to its Board of Directors. A year later, I took on an officer position. Three years later, I became board President. For the past two years, I have served as Immediate Past President, a non-voting board position.

I have done very little over those two years. First off, I needed a break. Secondly, my successor didn’t need me throwing my two cents in after I willingly stepped down. Lastly, COVID wiped out the past 16ish months.

Today, I drove over to the theater – it’s just a few minutes from my house – and left my keys on the box office counter. The membership will elect a new president on Sunday, meaning I am no longer the Immediate Past President. (I have a conflict and can’t make the meeting – I wish I could be there to see all my friends in person.)

I really enjoyed being all alone in the theater one last time. Who knows if that will happen again? I am sure I will stay involved in some way, but will I want to take on a board position or directing role with all I have going on in my improv world?

I used to love those quiet moments when I had the whole building to myself. It didn’t matter whethere I just needed to drop something off on my way home from work and took a few extra moments to ponder the power that this little building can create or I was there late at night painting the set for the one show I directed.

Theater has a way to change lives. HLT was my first theater home. I had never performed on stage until being talked into doing a show at Hanover High School in 2009. That led me to HLT which led me to those many moments in that building both alone and with some of my favorite people in the world. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do the things I am doing in the improv world without HLT. It truly made me who I am as a performer.

I direct my energies differently these days, but I will always feel safe and secure on Blooming Grove Road. Make sure you go check them out when things open again. And consider getting involved. The memories are priceless.