January 1, 2012
As Hamilton Gibson Productions begins yet another exciting year in the continuance of fulfilling their mission statement: “to provide opportunities for people of all ages to enrich and empower their lives through the performing arts”, I am extremely honored to take on the ‘role’ as board president.
There is a phrase in theatre “what a tough act to follow” this is certainly true for me as I follow Craig Devenport, who provided leadership and guidance for 12 years in helping bring Hamilton Gibson Productions to its premier level of community theatre for people of all ages as performers and audience members.
My theatre involvement began over 50 years ago, including community theatre in the Lehigh Valley and serving as Theatre Troupe Director at Nazareth Area High School for 24 years. My wife Bonnie & I retired to Wellsboro in 2008 and my participation with Hamilton Gibson Productions began in September of that year.
In December of 2009 Hamilton Gibson began the creation of a new “theatre home” with the renovation project of the Warehouse Theatre in conjunction with the Deanne Center for the performing arts project. I enjoyed the playing role of ‘volunteer coordinator’ for this renovation project. In February 2010, Hamilton Gibson Productions celebrated their 20th season opening in their long awaited “theatre home” in Wellsboro.
2010 & 2011 have been very exciting and gratifying for Hamilton Gibson Productions providing many opportunities for countless people of all ages throughout Tioga County and beyond in enriching & empowering their lives through the performing arts.
Performing Arts are an evolving process, and in 2012 we will have the joy to witness yet another evolution of theatre & the performing arts in Wellsboro. The Deane Center of the Performing Arts, a dream and vision that began last century with Harold & Ivah Deane, will open early this year. This new performing arts venue will provide Hamilton Gibson Productions greater & challenging opportunities to fulfill their mission.
Hamilton Gibson Productions, a non-profit community organization for the performing arts with a full time Artistic Director, and Development Coordinator who along with a 13 member board of directors and large family of dedicated ‘volunteers’ all work together to fulfill the mission statement.
In my ‘role’ as president, it will be my mission to provide guidance, direction, leadership and assistance to Hamilton Gibson enabling the growth of their mission for future generations.
I invite & encourage you to visit our website http://www.Hamiltongibson.org for updates on our season productions, HG Choirs and other performing arts activities for our community.
Bruce Applegate, President, Board of Directors
