I have had conversation after conversation in the lobby of the Saratoga Civic Theater with hundreds of individuals, many of whom have been a significant part of SBMT’s long 64 year history. I had a realization after one of those conversations that as much as we are focused on the day-to-day and the future of the company, we need to remain connected to those who have made this all possible. We are theatre people; we tell stories. And sometimes we are the stories.
This was the origin of SBMT Legends, an ongoing video series that spotlights some of the people in our community who have contributed to the long history of this organization. The idea is to reach out to these individuals and invite them to be interviewed, hear their stories though a series of prompts, and then document and share with everyone else in the community so we can connect, be inspired, and have a shared understanding of who and what it is to be a part of SBMT.
With the help of one of SBMT’s wonderful volunteers—in this case it is my loving spouse, Yvonne Hirsch—interviews are held, themes are uncovered, and videos are produced to be the vehicle to share these stories. Our first SBMT Legends are Ed Hunter, Karen DeHart, Doug Baird, Don Masuda, and Michael Johnson. We have all benefitted and are so grateful for their service and contributions.
In the first video of the series, The First Spark, we explore what it was that first lit the spark for live theatre in our Legends. The second asked Why Community Theatre Matters. The latest is The Community Theatre Difference, where the Legends discuss how community theatre is different from professional theatre.
There will be more to share over the coming months from these individuals as well as other SBMT Legends. Have someone you think we should interview about their involvement with SBMT? Please let us know!
— Michael Paul Hirsch, Executive Director
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