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Something I Did Once Upon a Time

Posted on October 5, 2023October 9, 2023 by Dot

While visiting with friends recently, I was asked, “Do you still perform in plays at the dinner theater?”

In 2001 I attended an open audition at 111 Arch Street Dinner Theater in Searcy, Arkansas,  and landed a part in Neil Simon’s Moon Over Buffalo. That gig began a wonderful time in my life. From then until 2018, I was in 20+ productions at that theater, now known as Performing Arts at Center on the Square. I had tons of fun and have many delightful stories from that time to add to the memoir.

But, I aged during those 17 years, as we are all wont to do. I developed some issues with balance and the ability to move around the stage quickly and steadily. I also had difficulty climbing over the obstacle course that is often backstage in a small theater.

My fear (and probably that of the director) was that I might fall on stage and not only pull focus but also take down a flat or possibly another actor. In 2018, my swansong came with Cemetery Club, a really cute play and a great experience with good friends.

At the Archies Ceremony, I received a Lifetime Achievement Award. At the age of 85, my acting career was over.

Then came the Pandemic and the lockdown, which hurt all of the entertainment industry, especially the non-profit sector. PACOS went dark for a while. Only to recover! 2023-24 will be their first full season since the dark spell. The opening last month of Hello Dolly  was spectacular.

So, I answered my friend, “No, that’s something I used to do but I don’t do any more.”

“Wow. That’s hard.”

“Yes. But it was a great ride while it lasted.”

*Visit centeronthesquare.org for more information of PACOS 2023-24 season.

Category: Living my Life

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1 thought on “Something I Did Once Upon a Time”

  1. Anthony says:
    October 5, 2023 at 5:19 pm

    Good words. Thanks, Dot.

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Dot Hatfield

Dot Hatfield

Dot Hatfield is a member of the Arkansas Writers Hall of Fame and a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church. She is the author of 7 books.

Dot’s Books

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  • Every Day a New Day

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