“Coming home” is the way I describe the feeling I get every time I enter the Theatre. The people, the building ? they just welcome me.

I fell in love with theater in middle school. I found that helping to prepare a show was something I really enjoyed. In college, theater was a way to try new things and get to know new people. After college, work, family and daily life left little time for “playing” at the theater. In 1993, shortly after moving to the island, my children were part of the high school play Alice in Wonderland. Fred Yockers put out the call for help from the parents, and I was more than happy to get involved.

I?ve hung lights, run sound, managed the follow spot, picked up a hammer to help build sets and worked on the new flooring for the PARC building. Don McLaskey will call and talk about upcoming projects and I can?t wait to get started. There isn?t much I won?t try.

I commute to California for work, and the hours I spend at the Theatre help make my time on the island more relaxing and fun. There is nothing like the quiet moments, standing on a ladder fixing a light or hanging scenery when the Theatre is peaceful. It is amazing how many things need to get done -- a special effect that needs finishing, a headset that needs wiring, or some flats that need building. Then, when the cast and crew come to rehearse, they have what they need to do a great job. I like being part of that.