By: Dan Culhane, President
It’s the time of year to take part in seasonal traditions, reflect back on the previous year, and look forward to the year to come. It is a time to reconnect with family, friends, and colleagues; discussing our previous accomplishments and plans for new challenges ahead.
One of my favorite holiday traditions is attending an annual scene shop party to reconnect with colleagues from long ago. I spent more than 10 years in that shop with an outstanding group of professionals. We accomplished so much together building countless shows and events, repertory sets, and national tours. It’s funny that no matter how hard and long the hours might have been, we always seem to remember the good times. I love to see who is there and what they are currently building. I love to hear where everyone is and what their families and children are up to. No matter the time or distance, we have a common bond through our experience of theater making together.
Holiday shows will forever be a part of the season for so many of us. Whether the show is the 40th presentation of A Christmas Carol or the premiere of Elf, The Musical, these shows are the gifts theaters give to their communities. The holiday shows always hold a special place for me, sitting in the audience opening night and watching the children with wide eyes and joyful smiles experiencing the magic of live theater, some of them for the very first time. The next generation of theater goers and theater makers are created in these spaces. Families continue to gather to share the joy of these seasonal stories. Life is a cycle of events.
As 2018 winds down, may you celebrate your own holiday traditions with people you love. And l wish all of our USITT family joy and camaraderie, opportunity and adventure in the year that follows.
Happy Holidays!
