by Marcy Horst

ACT I, a non-profit community theatre organization, relies heavily on the generosity of its sponsors and members.  One of our biggest supporters over the years has been Farmers Savings Bank and Trust in Vinton, Diamond GEM sponsor for the upcoming production of Lost in Yonkers.  Farmers has also sponsored Harvey in 2000-2001 and Romeo and Juliet in 2001-2002, as well as many other past productions. 

Recently, our main contact at the bank has been Bill Owens, vice president.  Not only does he make sure Farmer’s contributes financially behind the scenes, but Bill, his wife Beth, and their two children, Meghan and Luke, actively contribute in a big way both on and off our ACT I stage.

It is an awakening to the humanities.
We gain a greater appreciation for how the arts have shaped our lives.

The Owens family began their ACT I adventure when Meghan was in kindergarten.  That spring she appeared as a child in The Prince and the Pauper.  Following that stint she has been seen on stage in Hansel and Gretel and Charlotte’s Web.  Meghan and Bill appeared together in A Christmas Carol, and Meghan and Luke both played school children in The Red Shoes.

Bill and Luke have each appeared without Meghan in shows – Luke in The Truly Remarkable Puss-in-Boots, and Bill in The Crucible and Romeo and Juliet – but we have yet to see Beth on stage (although she has worked our back stage arena often).  Until now…

This month, both Meghan and Mom tried out for Annie, which opens in September. Meghan was cast as the orphan, Duffy, and, though the adult cast has not yet been announced, Grease Paint has the inside scoop!  Beth will be appearing ON STAGE in the upcoming musical!

Reading their impressive list of ACT I credits, it’s impossible to believe the Owens family has a minute to spare any other activity.  Bill fulfills his civic duty serving on the Vinton City Council.  Beth, a certified public school teacher, is currently filling a long-term substitute position at Tilford Middle School.  They are members of the Vinton Country Club and enjoy other outdoor activities, as well.

ACT I is only one of many facets of our community.  It does, however, have the distinction of showcasing some of the best and brightest we have to offer.

The Owens family is proud to live in and support a town that pulls together for the betterment of its own, including promotion of the arts.  They feel this sense of community most at the Palace Theatre.

It is “our” theatre.  

                                                                                                                    Photo by Julie Zimmer

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