by Marcy Horst

Professional volunteers, Kevin Bookmeier, Austin Karr, and Matt Salger couldn’t be happier or more proud to see the Palace Theatre up and running.  These three young men have a personal stake in the community theatre project.  They think it’s a great  way to pick up chicks!  Actually, at least one of the gentlemen has a steady girlfriend.  The real interest Kevin, Austin, and Matt have in the Palace is the multitudes of hours they’ve donated to help plan and renovate the theatre.

The three friends are well known ACT I members.  They all joined the group a number of years ago; Kevin in Bridge to Terabithia, Austin in Girls in 509, and Matt as a technician in The Miracle Worker.  The have since all acted and worked behind the scenes in many, many ACT I productions. 

“My favorite ACT I show has to be Life With Father.  It was the first show I was involved in where the entire cast participated in tech and props.  It was so cool to see everyone working together.”-Austin

Kevin also cites Life With Father as his favorite ACT I production.  “The cast was small and we all got to know each other.”

Matt, on the other hand, chose Boardwalk Melody Hour Murders.  “I got to see Austin in fishnets, heels, and a bra.”

The Washington High School graduates are all currently working as projectionists at the Palace.  Austin and Kevin also both work for Apex Office Supply.  Kevin holds a third job at Karr Tuckpointing, and Matt is a junior sociology and communications major at UNI, while Austin is enrolled at UNI for the spring term this year.  When questioned about other community involvement or hobbies, all three responded with a resounding “PALACE!”

“The Palace Reconstruction Project has been a huge part of my life.  I am amazed at the community support that was launched. Although frustrating at times, through the Project, I have made good friends and grown closer to old ones.  I hope everyone has memories like this.  I will have them forever.  I thank each and every one involved, Kurt, Lu, Julie, Kevin, Ray. Barb, Jan and everyone else!  A special thanks to Austin for all the great times.   See you at the movies!” -Matt

“It is so great to see the entire town coming alive; the Palace, new businesses, new downtown.  Vinton is a city to be proud of.  We want the Palace to be a part of everyone’s lives.  We love it and want it to do well.  People my age will be able to bring their children here someday and remember to day it reopened.  What a great memory!” -Austin

“Come see the Palace and all aspects…movies, plays, speeches, or anything else.  It’s a wonderful place to be.  See you at the Palace!” –Kevin

ACT I thanks Kevin, Austin, and Matt for their hard work and dedication. 

Update:

Austin and Kevin have been updated in Member of the Month articles that covered their respective families.  Matt, who last appeared with us as John Day in Life with Mother, recently graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and is now living in Chicago attending mortuary school, and is engaged to Amy Seivertsgaard, another ACT I veteran.

                                                                                                                    Photo by Julie Zimmer

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