A newsletter from your friends at Pull-Tight Theatre
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In This Issue
- A Letter From the President
- Presenting Our 2026/27 Season
- Tax Season Tip
- Lucky Stiff Nominated for Green Room Awards
- Did You Know?
- Volunteer Spotlight – Pat Evans
A Letter From the President
As is often the case, the January Board meeting had a little bit of everything. We spent a great deal of time finalizing the plays and directors that will comprise the 2026/27 season. I wrote at length about that process in my letter for the December issue of Curtain Call. The specifics can be found in this issue, and it promises to be another stellar season! You will note that the schedule for performance dates has not changed – 12 performances per show, including two Sunday matinees and two Wednesday night dates.
A few months ago, we sent out a survey asking for opinions on whether or not we should add a performance date to each show’s run. The prevailing opinion of those who replied was that a show date should be added. The problem was, when the Board studied the data, it was obvious that while a 13th show date was preferred, the response as to where in the week to add that additional performance was anything but clear. Opinions were all over the place. As a result, when designing the 2026/27 season, the Board elected not to change the schedule. Please be certain that we very much appreciate those who took the time to participate in the survey. In addition to the data, we also reviewed the comments that were shared. Getting your feedback matters.
Tickets are on sale and going fast for “These Shining Lives.” More than 40 people auditioned, and Bre Hall has cast three actors new to Pull-Tight. The story features two children, including Garrett Woodruff, who makes three generations of the Woodruff family on our stage.
The Tech Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Savannah Aiell,o is now in the design phase for lighting upgrades. Based on how well the sound upgrades turned out, we are all anxious to see what’s in store with lighting.
Pat Street reported that the Ad Hoc Committee has been formed for further study of the Casting Policy approved by the Board in October. More to follow, of course, as their work takes shape in the months ahead. Pull-Tight Artist Members who have agreed to serve on this committee are as follows: Board of Directors Ad Hoc Committee Members: Pat Street, Jeanne Drone, and Joey Echeverria. Artist Member Ad Hoc Committee Members: Laurel Aiello, Matt Grimes, Claudia Finnegan, Abby Newman, and Mark Mason. Artist Member Focus Group: Leslie Berra, Helen Carter, Forrest Hutchinson, Becky Leopard, and David Weatherbee.
And as called for by our Bylaws, I named a three-person Nominating Committee for the purpose of presenting names for election to the Pull-Tight Board of Directors. This year’s Committee is comprised of Stephanie Dillard, Pat Street, and Iain Macpherson.
In closing, the reference to the Bylaws in the previous paragraph reminds me that your Board of Directors takes the responsibility associated with governance of Pull-Tight Players very seriously. There was a great example of that during the January 18, 2026, Board of Directors meeting, which I will refer to now, not so much because the moment was uncommon, but rather because it was this Board doing what this Board always does. We were debating an issue, the specifics of which are not important, and as the discussion went around the table, I would see board member after board member offering their opinion. In addition, though, fellow board members would also interject to make certain we were considering all sides of the topic at hand, even to the point of ensuring that an opinion contrary to their own was being heard.
What is obvious to this Board is that the most important voice to be heard around the Board Room table is that of our Fellow Members. Each and every one of them. Sitting there watching it unfold is “great theater,” actually. And, even better governance.
Sincerely,
Cabot
Did You Know?
Fifty years ago, our 1976–77 season featured the play Count Dracula, and now a new version—Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors—will appear on the Pull-Tight stage during the 2026-27 season!
Volunteer Spotlight – Pat Evans
What first inspired you to get involved with Pull-Tight, and how long have you been with us?
I have been doing community theatre since I was a teenager. It’s always been a love of mine. I first became aware of PTP in 1988 at the Main Street Festival. Judy Tamble, Jeanne Drone, and Steve Evans performed “Easy Street” from the musical Annie on the 4th Avenue stage. I knew then that I wanted to get involved. Fast forward to 1991, when I met Cindy Massey. She was directing Driving Miss Daisy and asked me to do makeup for the show, and the rest is history.
Can you share a favorite memory or moment from your time here?
I have so many wonderful memories that it’s hard to choose just one. I will say that watching my sons perform onstage was always special to me. They spent their teen years at PTP working onstage and backstage. I’ve always been grateful that they had PT for their creative outlet. One other very special moment was the year I was awarded the first Spirit Award. There had always been a President’s Award, but it wasn’t presented every year. Woody Woodruff renamed it and began the tradition of its annual presentation.
What roles or tasks do you enjoy most when volunteering, and why?
I like to organize and manage things. Cataloging the PT Script Library was right up my alley. It took some time, but it was worth it. I can provide access to scripts to anyone who wants them! I also enjoy producing and directing.
What has volunteering at Pull-Tight Theatre taught you or brought into your life?
Volunteering at PT has given me a place to raise my children with the support of a loving community, make lifelong friendships that I treasure so much, including my husband, Steve. We are members of the “I met my spouse at Pull-Tight” club.
If you could play any role on stage or in a production crew, what would it be—and why?
I’ve aged out of any roles I would like to have played, and I’m still active behind the scenes. I would like to serve on the Board of Directors to give back all that has been given to me.
