Every week, I pull out my session calendar and see where I am as far as blogging.

Ironically, this week it's the Lincoln Trail College production of the "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." (A year ago this week, I put in my last day as a full-time employee at the college. For some reason, however, I can't seem to let go of the theater family;) )

It was a big year for me and for the director of this play, Brennan Seth Tracy.

"The Bee" was the first full-length show he's directed. Additionally, he acted in it - which was pretty ambitious. He nailed both jobs!

I'm not sure if it was the welcome slightly adult content that had me in stitches, the audience participation, or the shock of seeing Mindy Evans' over-the-top 'do for the first time, but I found myself laughing out loud with the rest of the audience.

Throw in Lauren Wiseman's lisp, Grant Oxford's hilarious facial reactions, and strong showings by acting veterans Tara Gallion (yes, you have graduated to the veterans' club), Tom Moore, Evans, and Amy Drake and the show was assured success. Newcomer Jennifer Vela, in her second LTC performance, also gave a spot-on performance as overachiever Marcy Park.

The biggest surprise, in my opinion, however, was taking in the performances by the young actors I'd personally watched grow up on the stage via LTC's Children's Theater - Wiseman, Oxford, Will Devin, and Jace Logan. It's wonderful (and I never use that word) to see how this program is developing actors who are graduating into productions beyond "Beauty and the Beast," "Jungle Book," "Annie," etc. (Incidentally, many more actors crowds see regularly on the stage are LTC Summer Children's Theater graduates!!!)

Not only is this program developing future actors but also directors (Tracy was also involved in children's theater) and crew members.

How lucky is Crawford County to have such a strong theater community? And one that people of all ages can be involved in.

As a side note, auditions for the fall production, "The Nerd" continue today, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Zwermann Arts Center Theater. Even if you don't want to act, there are ways you can get involved. For more information, call 618-544-8657, ext. 1433.