Stalwart of Sudden Valley's Barn Theatre is stepping down

MICHELLE NOLAN - FOR THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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Ruth Broward's life in community theater began in her early 60s with Sudden Valley's Barn Theatre. Now, after more than a decade of dedicated, behind-the-scenes work, the 73-year-old enthusiast is stepping down.

"But I'll still be there to see the plays," she said. "I couldn't miss those."

Broward and her husband, Paul, live in Bellingham. They have three children and three grandchildren, and therein lies the story of her entry into community theater.

KATIE BARNES | THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

MORE ABOUT THE BARN
For information about The Barn Theatre At Sudden Valley, including upcoming shows, call 671-5970 or see thebarntheatre.org.

Question: How did you become involved in theater in your 60s?

Answer: I wasn't involved in theater in high school in Chicago or college, but I have loved attending plays throughout my life. I did a little behind-the-scenes and prop work in community theater when I lived in Woodland Hills (Calif.), but it wasn't until my daughter Rebecca and grandchildren Hannah and Tristan began acting at the Barn Theatre that I really became involved.

The first time I saw my grandchildren on stage, it was so exciting, it was hard to stay in my seat! My daughter, Rebecca Niemier, wanted to give Hannah and Tristan a broader experience. After I saw how wonderful the concept of family theater is at the Barn Theatre, I was hooked, and I answered Rebecca's call for volunteer help.

Q: Other than working with your family, what has meant the most to you about the Barn Theatre?

A: I just fell in love with the whole concept out there. Rebecca and I used to say it took two of us to keep up with Ellen Kester, who is the Barn Theatre's artistic director and co-founder. Before I started working with the theater, Rebecca told Ellen, "If you think I'm good, you should meet my mother." So I had to help.

Q: It's quite a family operation, isn't it?

A: I remember a special moment when there were 13 members of the same family on stage together. I firmly believe in families making memories together, and that if you keep your children close and involved, when they become adults you still have a deep connection.

Q: Have you done many things, besides serving on the theater board?

A: Sure, including sweeping the floor if needed, along with things like technical and prop work and costume designing. We planned fundraisers, sold tickets ... you name it, we did it.

Q: I hear you have a reputation for costume work.

A: Oh, I love costume designing and all the research and responsibility that goes with it. I've thought of myself as an embellisher. And I love designing hats!

Q: Tell me about the Barn Theatre.

A: We do 10 performances of plays in spring and fall, and we sometimes do a Christmas show, plus two weeks of children's summer drama. We're now trying to appeal to seniors with two Saturday matinees of our fall and spring plays.

Q: Did you ever act?

A: At the Barn Theatre? No. The only time I was ever on the stage, I did it as part of a philanthropic group in Los Angeles. What was I? A sugar plum fairy!