Back when the run of Bull In A China Shop came to end, we were sitting around and asking who all was going to try out for the next play - The King and I. Since Bull was the third production in a row that I had been involved in, I said that I was going to pass. I was still pretty new to acting and all that and it was starting to take a bit of a toll.

However, I was asked to be the stage manager for The King and I and I couldn't pass up such a great opportunity. Even though it was some very long hours (the only time I was home was to sleep - and not much of that), I had a great time and learned a lot. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

And, as usual, when production came to a close the question starting going around: who will be trying out for the next play?

I was hesitant to audition. Four plays in a row and all of them very time consuming - whether on stage acting or doing behind the scenes work. But I was asked by several actors that I respect to audition and I relented.

Like always, I did my best but figured that I wouldn't get a part. It's not a big cast and there are a lot of people out there trying out for parts. My acting skills are...rudimentary...at best. There are people that have studied acting trying out for parts, so what chance could I possibly have?

But get a part I did.

I'll be playing the role of "The Sheriff" in A Bad Year For Tomatoes. Not a big part, and not even a pivotal one, but that suits me just fine. Apparently my take on the Sheriff impressed the director as he said I completely fit the part and that he just loved how I had done.

Five productions in a row now. There are people that are members of the Playhouse that don't get involved in this many shows.

If it wasn't so much fun, there's no way I would keep trying out or volunteering to help out or accepting offers to be involved. But it is fun. Hanging out with people that I probably wouldn't meet otherwise, making new friends and having a good time; it's a great way to spend some time.

Now if it just wouldn't cut into my painting time so much...