Springfield, OH

Two days ago, we returned from our tour of Springfield, OH, courtesy of the Springfield Arts Council's "Arts in the Classroom" program. They have booked every show we've offered for the last two seasons. So we have performed The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, An Algonquin Cinderella, A Christmas Carol, and now, Coretta Scott King and the Fight for Freedom, at schools in that area; as a result, we are getting to know Springfield fairly well.

We have now stayed at the same hotel several times, and the owner recognizes us when we check in. He waves to us when we leave each morning and sometimes, when we return each night. We know the strip of fast-food joints and necessity shops near the hotel.

It's always a welcoming sort of feeling, coming back to a familiar town, and familiar schools. We've performed at Horace Mann Elementary a few times, enough to remember where the restrooms are, where we can park the van, etc. So often we arrive at a school that seems surprised at our visit, but in Springfield, we are always expected, always welcomed with grace.

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Teresa had some special guests in attendance at two of the shows: Her parents and her aunt came to our evening show at a local museum and convention center, and the next day, some friends arrived at the Horace Mann show. One of the perks of traveling so close to Cincinnati is that there are so often familiar faces in the audience. I imagine that for the grown-up friends and family members who know us actors, the delight in watching the show is twofold. Not only do they get to see their loved ones perform, but also the joy and lessons we bring to the students.

C. S. Lewis, author of the beloved Narnia children's books series, said that he enjoyed writing books for kids more than for adults, because he was able to put more into them, and thus, he got more out of them. I think it is the same with children's theatre. More effort and precision goes into your performance, especially since you repeat it so many times, and the nuances you create in your roles are more inspired, more genuine. There are few audiences so rapt as children, and few stories as carefully woven as those crafted for simple, adoring minds.

Lima, OH

Back on tour again, we met this morning at 9:45 and set out for our rescheduled show in Lima, two hours north. Most of the shows that got canceled last week have been rescheduled on scattered former days off in February. We do have a few more large breaks in our touring calendar, mainly because Justin is planning to fly out to LA to set himself up for when he moves there in a few months. So our schedule is busier, but not at the expense of some rather large portions of down time.

But we're happy to be back together in the van again, laughing and philosophizing about everything under the sun and above the ground. We stopped at a Perkins on the way back home: Teresa and I ordered dinner; Justin and Marva ordered breakfast. Over chicken, eggs and syrup containers, we discussed everything from future plans to deep theological questions about the nature of the universe. That's one strength of this group, I feel: The ability to discuss and disagree about as amiably as we work together on the stage.

It is so easy to feel close to someone when you act with them every day. Not always do onstage relationships translate into offstage friendships, but when they do in a natural and professional way, you discover just how wonderful co-workers can be.