Most of my childhood occurred during the 40s and 50s.  We didn’t own a TV set until I turned ten.  It was more like a huge piece of furniture which housed a 10″ screen displaying images in black and white. Our entertainment took place in the backyard. 

I was the self-appointed playwright, costumer and director – an occupation which would follow me throughout my life.  Our theatre consisted of two bed sheets on a clothesline – secured tightly with clothes pins; served as the backdrop. Most of the boys were recruited by bonking them on the head or pulling teeth. Promises of swords, guns and bow and arrows finally convinced them.  The girls came willingly – each wanting to be the star of the show. Since I was the only one with “professional” training,) I would run the show. Most of the scripts were simple stories everyone knew. We simply jazzed them up with costumes, makeup and wishful talent.

Mom made popcorn and lemonade for us to sell. We were lucky to have some left to sell. Watching the magic of live theater unfold, while sitting on a scratchy wool blanket on the grass, set the atmosphere. No one ever remembered lines or cues. It was more like an early screening of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?”  Everyone thought we were so cute, just by being there and going through the motions.  I learned at an early age that a director has to pull a performance out of the actors immediately, or they become easily distracted – especially if they’re five.

I became the youngest director of my time and lost several of my friends in the process.  Show business is like that.  Here today and gone tomorrow. I persevered.  Soon I had a regular troupe of about five kids who agreed to follow my direction.  The concessions were a hit at least.  I started with the classics, rewriting them into funny renditions of the old fairy tales we had grown tired of.  It was time to put a new spin on things.

By the time I reached high school, I was referred to as a theatre nerd – or one who was born to entertain. To me it was much more than that. It was the only team sport I was interested in.  I call it a team sport, because it indeed is the result of several people working together for the same end result.  This is when it finally hit me.  I didn’t have to be a jock. My less than adequate physical status wasn’t necessary for this task.  It was a way to express myself through words, actions and persona. emotional dynamics.

It’s funny how we were able to make fun times out of basically nothing but a couple sheets, some popcorn and improvisation.  The families loved the time chatting with each other, even if the show lacked attention getting material.  Times were so different then, but were they really?  I think we all still enjoy time spent with our kids, with our neighbors and spouses.  Kids will find joy in playing inside a cardboard box and banging on pots and pans.  It’s unnecessary for them to be so engaged in electronics at such an early age, but then, if I were a mom today, I would undoubtedly be encouraging it.

As decades come and go, we have seen tremendous changes in society, but I believe that creating things that stir our children’s imaginations will live with them forever. The things we did as children often lay the groundwork for what we will become.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!