Distance

 This month is a time of reflection for BDACT.  We’ve officially opened our History Hall.  This project has been in the works for some time.  In fact, you could say it’s been 60 years in the making!  This area of the BDACT Fine Arts Center houses a great deal of wonderful memorabilia chronicling the six-decade history of Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre, and what a colorful and amazing history it has been.

Every great story begins with an idea and a few individuals.  Our first performance was the play, “Harvey” in 1964.  That experiment turned out nicely, and more individuals with more ideas came onboard.  We’ve performed in numerous places including the old Wisconsin movie theater building, the High School, and a remodeled church on Spring Street, before moving into our wonderful Fine Arts Center building on Maple Avenue.

To that one idea to “put on a play” more comedies, dramas and musicals were added.  Soon  “seasons” of entertainment were being planned.  Live music was added, local playwrights were able to showcase their world premieres, and eventually dinner theater, variety shows, stand-up comedy, improv, and classes in acting and singing became part of our standard fare.  There isn’t enough space here to list all the shows and events we’ve shared together, but you can find them all in History Hall.  Exhibits will be updated continually, because we have more wonderful things to share with you than the walls will allow at one time!

We’ve hosted community meetings and events, and national touring groups. People who began participating in our shows as children, have grown into adults who still participate.  We’re into several generations already, and that includes performers, artists, directors, creators, volunteers and audience members. Many people who started with BDACT eventually moved out of our community to go to school or seek their lives and livelihoods, and became (and still are) involved in the performing arts where they now live. (That’s my story as well!)  We’ve become so much more than an enthusiastic group of creative dreamers putting on a play, and that’s all because of the involvement and generosity of this community.   

The images on the walls of HIstory Hall display the faces of thousands of community members working together as part of this grand experiment.  Every aspect of live performance is showcased, including but not limited to writing, directing, performing, dancing, costumes, lights and sound, set building, scenic artistry, singing and even teaching.  You’ll find some very interesting props and equipment from over a half century of technical advancement.  There is a stagecraft area where visitors can see some of the material elements that are used to create the magic you see onstage. 

But more than anything else, the new BDACT History Hall is filled to overflowing with memories.  Memories of joy and laughter, and belonging to a wonderfully creative community family.  To me, the best part is realizing we’re adding to this incredible story every day.  It seems only a moment ago we were planning ahead for things which have now gone into the history of this magical place. 

I’ve always believed it’s not where you start, or where you finish in life, it’s the distance between the two. Spend a few minutes here and you’ll quickly realize the distance we’ve gone and the distance we’ve yet to go on this journey.  For many of us, it’s an honor to be part of this story.

Come stop by the BDACT Fine Arts Center on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 10 - 4 and ask to see History Hall.  Or come a little earlier to a show and stroll through a marvelous memory lane with us.   Please visit our NEW website at www.bdact.org, or give me a call at 920-885-6891 to find out how YOU can become part of this ongoing and inspiring experience.  After all, none of this is possible without YOU.