Retrospective (Guest Blog)

There are countless theaters in the world. A fathomless number of them that are constantly pumping out various amounts of entertainment for the masses, but in this expansive mass, there is one single theater. A small theater tucked away inside a small valley with a small stage and an even smaller budget. However, what they lack in physical space and financial backing, they make up for in talent, ingenuity and heart. This place is called the Hamilton Players and it is my favorite place on this earth.

For five years now, I’ve been a part of the Hamilton Players productions, both on stage and behind the box office window. From a jealous space-faring cook to a drunk cockney ruffian to a kind-hearted chief clerk who fell in love in a single evening. I’ve loved every role, every stage direction, every late night line memorizing sessions. After Hello, Dolly! is finished, I’ll have concluded my eighth production with the Hamilton Players.

As much as I enjoy being on the stage, the majority of my time here has been spent behind the desk, selling tickets and making calls. It’s been an incredible learning experience! As far as first jobs go, I couldn’t have been more lucky with the one I ended up with. My time here has taught me the ins and outs of theater, how it’s managed and how it’s run. It’s taught me people skills and how to handle customers and work under stress. Through both ups and downs, I’ve enjoyed every second of it.

My five years at this magical place have been the best of my life. My experiences on stage are what have shaped me as a person and allowed me to realize what I want to do with the rest of my life, which is professional theater. Everything I know, I learned in a small house with 168 seats with character that is bursting out of every seam. Here’s to the next grand adventure!

Hamilton Players, thank you for all the memories!

-Nathaniel Heckeroth