Performers new and old dish on SKITS

By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

What’s it like to be in a community theatre troupe? Ask any one of Shell Knob in the Spotlight’s members, and they’ll tell you it’s a whirlwind of challenging fun.

In its sixth year, the non-profit community theatre group just completed its spring play, ‘Mission Possible,’ with a cast of 22 on the stage at the Central Crossing United Methodist Church in Shell Knob.

Cade Keeton, director of the play putting on his second production with SKITS, said more goes into the performances than people may think — much more.

“Scheduling varies depending on the show, though usually we have about 10 weeks to get everything ready,” he said. “Certain roles need more care, and all of that depends on the actor and the role itself. For instance, in this play, Silverthumb, the iconic villain, is played by Craig Burford. Craig is very funny, as I’m sure many who’ve seen SKITS plays know, however, this role is very big, has many lines, and is quite an undertaking. Getting all of the details for his character down has required extra time and effort put in, so that come performance night, Craig has all of the tools he needs at his disposal.”

Burford is one of many experienced actors and actresses with SKITS, and another long-time participant is Purdy resident Renae Neill.

“I joined SKITS for the Fall performance in 2018,” she said. “My Uncle, Phillip Buntin, encouraged me to join. He had been involved in some of the set design and had a history in theater as an art teacher. I had also enjoyed going to some of the previous performances with my grandma, Jean Buntin.

“The greatest thing about the SKITS group is that it is made up of people from such diverse backgrounds. It is a microcosm of this great nation that we are all blessed to live in. I know of no other place where people of different faiths, different political views, different socioeconomic backgrounds, and different age groups are truly able to find common ground and enjoy each other’s company without friction.”

That camaraderie among SKITS members is noticed by the community — and it draws more people in. Matthew Hutcherson, who performed for the first time in “Mission Possible” April 28-30, said another key draw was the group’s visibility in the community.

“[I saw] the play info and write ups in the newspaper for months and thought how fun would that be to get a role in a community play,” he said. “It was more of a ‘if I got a part’ thing; I didn’t think I would actually get one. I also looked at this experience as an opportunity to work on my social anxiety issues.

I had zero acting experience prior to this debut.

“The group in general is outstanding, super friendly and a group that truly wants to bring joy and entertainment to people. The most fun at SKITS for me would be getting to know the people and designing the stage.”

Ads in the newspaper convinced another newbie to join this spring, Shannon Paseka.

“At first, the ads to attend the play looked so fun, then there was the audition call,” she said. “I was drawn to the ‘free bag of popcorn’ if you dress like a pirate. I had zero acting experience prior to auditioning. 

“All ages and skills are within the group. At the beginning of practice, we did fun ice breaker games that allowed us to get to know each other. We are very supportive of each other.”

Coming from Texas about two years ago, Keeton said SKITS was a perfect fit for him.

“I have acted since high school and was really itching to get on stage again,” he said. “SKITS happened to need a character in “Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon,” and I went for it. I got curious about directing, and they let me have a go at directing the next play which was ‘Jolly Roger and the Pirate Queen.’ That was the first play I had ever directed, though I had years of experience being directed, so that helped me out. I knew what I liked and didn’t like, and tried to implement those things to the best of my ability.”

With such a tight-knit group, there are no shortages of role models for the new and the old.

“I don’t have one role model or mentor because everyone there is a role model and mentor they all have something to share to help others,” Hutcherson said. 

“All the veteran actors/actresses have offered words of wisdom and encouragement,” Paseka added.

“I say everyone participating is my role model,” Keeton said. “It’s awesome seeing them go on stage and try something new, or watching the stage come together, or the costumes/props and how they almost show up out of nowhere. Most of my influence came from my director in high school though. He was notorious in the state of Texas as he managed to make a small 2A school a competitor across the whole state in regards to One Act Play. “

Neill said the experienced members of SKITS work hard to make new ones feel welcomed and included.

“I try to be an encouragement to people who are new to the group,” she said. “I still remember how terrified I was for the first couple of plays, so I try to share those experiences with people when they first come on board. I remember just really watching the veterans during practice and trying to relax and enjoy the process.”

Putting plays together is what the group enjoys, but theatre does not happen without a little drama and challenge.

“The most challenging part of being involved in SKITS is the amount of time required; but it is totally worth it,” Neill said. “The practice schedule is rigorous. We commit three nights a week to rehearsals for about six weeks, and I spend about 3-5 hours each week to memorizing lines and developing my character in addition to the actual practices.”

“Working full time and getting to practice on time has been my challenge,” Paseka said. “Practice was three nights per week for 1.5-2.5 hours. There was extra time for helping build the set, too.”

“So far, knock on wood, I have yet to discover challenges,” Hutcherson said. “But, if I had to pick one, it would be stage fright. The schedule is great for me. It seems to be the right amount of time to get everyone and everything ready for the best three nights of anyone’s lives.

Keeton said as the director, his biggest challenge is mostly met by the SKITS committee.

“I basically put full trust into them when it comes down to it,” he said. “I’d say the most challenging part is being the main person ideas are ran by. It’s a lot of multi tasking, having to remember obscure details at all times, and possibly be able to give my own ideas as well.”

A challenge for any performer in a play is line memorization, and SKITS members said it’s no different for them.

“You have to understand your character and know your lines,” Paseka said. 

“The only thing that I kept in mind since the tryout was ‘learn your lines,’ so, that’s exactly what I did,” Hutcherson added.

In that endeavor, even the most experienced have had some help.

“I use an app called Line Learner,” Neill said. “It is amazing. This app allows me to practice during the drive from Purdy to Shell Knob.”

Memorizing lines and performing a character are expected, and SKITS members said there are some surprising aspects of the group, too.

“Designing the stage surprised me,” Hutcherson said. “When I auditioned, I mentioned that if I didn’t get a part could I help with the stage. Little did I know, I would be designing it, as well. That was a great experience, and I hope everyone enjoyed it.”

“I surprised me how fun learning a random play with a bunch of unfamiliar people is,” Paseka said.

“I didn’t expect SKITS to be so addictive,” Neill added.

Once the work is done, the reward for SKITS members is the three days of plays and enjoying the fruits of their labor.

“Everyone who is a part of SKITS loves performing for the community, and tries their hardest to be as entertaining as possible,” Keeton said. “Even the people new to acting and SKITS understand that, and they have the freedom to come up with their own ideas and really make their character their own. It’s great seeing people on stage trying to figure out what will make the audience laugh the hardest. That really shows with how much we laugh during practice.”

Always open to more performers auditioning and joining, SKITS members all say if you are thinking about getting involved, just do it.

“Give it a try,” Keeton said. “We’ve had more people new to acting in ‘Mission Possible’ than in any other play I have directed, and it has been a total joy. Each of them have had a role to play, even outside acting, and I hope they come back during the next one. It’s a good place to meet new people, and to experience something new. If you’ve been considering, you should definitely try out for the next show. We don’t only need actors. More people to help is always a plus in my book.”

Neill echoed Keeton, saying if there’s an interest, go for it.

“The casting committee will generally start you out with a small part and if it is something you enjoy, then you can audition again and try something a little bigger,” she said. 

“SKITS is meant to be a place to bring the community together, and to have a place for different member of the community to feel the thrill of acting on stage,” Keeton said. “In the two years I’ve been with SKITS, that much has been apparent, and I love it. That is always my main goal — to make it fun.”

Paseka and Hutcherson said that decision was the right one for them.

“It’s the best use of idle time,” Paseka said. “I challenged myself to do something I never dreamed of doing.”

“Come do one,” Hutcherson added. “It truly is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, and who knows, you might just really surprise yourself and find your inner calling.”