Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
LWLT Volunteer Rhoda Butler and Rob Fritz, former president, enjoy the buffet dinner at the open house.
. The LWLT served a buffet dinner at the open house and annual meeting on Monday, June 3. . The LWLT served a buffet dinner at the open house and annual meeting on Monday, June 3. The LWLT served a buffet dinner at the open house and annual meeting on Monday, June 3.
Leslie Grondin, LWLT president, describes productions for Season 42 at the open house and annual meeting on Monday, June 3.
Volunteers and board members (L) Mike Baccus with (R) Tom McCance attend LWLT open house and annual meeting on Monday, June 3.
Teen Productions Director Robby describes upcoming Teen Production, "Reality Stars: Greek Gods Edition," opening June 14.
More than 30 volunteers, members and patrons enjoyed a buffet dinner during the Lake Wales Little Theatre's open house and annual meeting at Monday, June 3. In addition to good food and good friends, there was plenty of good news, including a sneak preview of productions planned for Season 42.
"We're thrilled to that all our board members except one agreed to remain on the board of directors," reports Leslie Grondin, LWLT president. "I started here 32 years ago as a child and am stepping down after serving for three years to help in the background with grants and fundraising. "It's a great experience and community involvement. You learn more about yourself acting through another character. Everyone's so artistic and fun and there's so much talent in Lake Wales that no one knows about. We just want everyone to come out and see what we're all about so they can help keep us going and growing."
"It's really the crown jewel of community theater," says Rob Fritz, former board member for 16 years, serving as president for five years. "It's a wonderful theater to be part of where there has always been a stress for quality. It's very family-oriented and friendly. Out of the four community theaters in Polk County, we're one of two with no paid staff that are operated solely by volunteers who do everything."
"I love the Lake Wales Little Theatre because it's like my home away from home," says Kara Wiseman, Youth Services Librarian.
"I have tried to be an actor, however I've found that octogenarian parts are few and hard to come by so when I audition I say I'm roughly 60 years old, give or take a few years," reveals Tom McCance, who not only starred in one of the plays last year, he served on the board and donated thousands of dollars. "I got to wear my plaid golfing pants in a production last year and I have to tell you, I was IT!"
"It's a great community of people and it's fun to be involved in projects," says Rhoda Butler, volunteer. "Every few months you have a new project, a new vision and a new fun reality you're creating."
The non-profit organization solely funded by donations and ticket sales was founded in 1978. The LWLT season begins in September and runs through June with five productions. Along with its Teen Theatre and the Out of The Box Improv Crew shows, Children's Theatre productions are held in September with the Adult Theatre's three plays in November, January and March/April.
For the first 14 seasons, productions were presented in various local facilities. In 1992, the 15th season, the theater group proudly opened its intimate 140-seat theater at 411 N. Third St.
"If you would like to volunteer, please send an email with your name, contact information and area of interest to [email protected]," encourages Grondin. "We would greatly appreciate tax deductible donations and suggested levels are Friend ($25), Benefactor ($75), Adopt a Seat ($250) and Producing Angel ($1,500).
Visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=lwlt to order tickets.
Follow the LWLT on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lakewaleslittletheatre; Twitter: @LWLTPlays; and Instagram: lwltplays.
For more information, contact the LWLT Box Office at 863-676-1266.
Reader Comments(0)