Friday, June 7, 2024

Jeff's Exit Interview - Towle Theater

 


I have stated many times, NW Indiana is dripping with talent. Whether you call it The Region, or 219, we do seem to have it all one way or another.

The Arts in this region have enriched us. One focal point of this artistic enrichment comes from the Towle Theater. Responsible for this is Jeff Casey and Kevin Bellamy. Their selection of productions, artistic creativity, their vision of what the Towle Theater needs to be about, has touched everyone who has stepped in that door and has positively affected us in the region.

As a prior non-theater person, meaning that I just did not have the mindset, I have now become a true believer because of the Towle Theater. Prior (past 50 years) I had seen the musicals “Pope Joan” in Chicago, “Man of La Mancha” at Bloom High School, and some other production that I cannot recall at the moment.

The selections and productions at the Towle are unique to Towle, because of the research performed by Kevin Bellamy. This selection is what has set Towle Theater apart from other theaters in the region. Together with Jeff Casey, they meet the challenges of selection, casting, production, costume, set, lighting, music, and whatever else would be needed to make it the best production that they can.

The variety is also what makes the Towle Theater unique. They touch on subjects that are important, select scripts or writings that one would not have ever thought of for a theater as important to NW Indiana to take on, and they make those passed by scripts and writings important. It touches you. Makes you feel. You cry, become self-aware, connect, and improve through this process of participation.

Somewhat like yoga, that is just as important to the mind as it is to the body, so are the productions Jeff has given us at the Towle Theater.

 

Now looking forward, Emily Nelson has been hired as the Executive Director who will build upon the Towle Theater legacy, contributing even more to the region. She is an actor, director, and teaching artist. You can read more by clicking here. When I see her she is always engaging with smile, and true emotion of excitement. You just want to volunteer so that you can catch that same fever of excitement. Jeff and Kevin selected well. She will have additional help by the end of the year as Jeff and Kevin wind down to begin their retirement. I have to write, I am on the same path where I work as well, with plans as well to retire by the end of the year. So, I understand the bitter sweet journey Jeff and Kevin have this year as responsibilities are lifted and given to your replacement. That comes with a commitment. One that asks of you to help prepare the best you can your replacement. For Emily and the Towle Theater, it also needs a commitment from the region to understand with continued support, to grow what dripping talent we have in NW Indiana. I’m all in!

Here are some brief photographs of Jeff’s “Exit Interview”. It was very educational for me, the history of the Towle Theater, the challenges, what the future is for Jeff and Kevin, and most importantly the engagement of Emily to continue and to build onto what we have. Enjoy, and do not Do Not miss the upcoming production of Pippin!























Towle Theater
5205 Hohman Ave.
Hammond, IN 46320
(219) 937-8780


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