Soldiers, families take part in theatre production

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterMarch 20, 2015

Soldiers, families take part in theatre production
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. (March 20, 2015) -- Fort Rucker plays an important role in the surrounding Wiregrass community, but the Wiregrass is equally important for those on the installation, especially when searching for creative outlets.

One of those outlets comes to many in the form of the Southeast Alabama Community Theatre where Fort Rucker Soldiers, family members, veterans, retirees and civilians take part in the various productions put on throughout the years.

The most recent production was "Les Miserables," a world-renowned production that was the organization's most ambitious project to date, according to Sherri Lipscomb, SEACT volunteer and assistant stage manager. And with a crew of almost 150 involved in the production, only about 15 have a direct connection to Fort Rucker with about another dozen or so loosely connected to the installation, but although that number is comparatively small, it's made up for by big involvement.

"Fort Rucker tends to be a place unto itself because it's such a tremendous facility. It can be difficult to attract people from that community because there is so much available to them," said Sam Farnham, co-director for the show. "We're a community theater and it's really gratifying to have Fort Rucker as a part of that community."

For many, the play serves as an outlet that can't be found locally anywhere else on this scale. CW5 Chris Suddarth, Army Reserve and SEACT president, said that outlet, whatever it may be, serves an important role.

"There is not that much available for the military (on Fort Rucker) for something like this, so I think that of the diverse culture that the Army has in its ranks, there are many that do appreciate theatre, the arts, etc.," he said. "I think it's a great way for people to get away for a bit and see a show or even get involved."

For David Loyless, disabled veteran who plays Enjolras in the production, community theatre provides an escape.

"To have this outlet, for someone like me who suffered (post traumatic stress disorder), it's something that I enjoy and that helps to take my mind off of things by helping me escape into these different realities," he said. "We have people from all different backgrounds and I've been here since 2011, and I've made lifelong friends here just like you do in the military -- it's just so much fun and we all have a blast doing it."

Loyless, who served in the Army from 1994 to 2003, is not only an Army veteran, but a veteran of the stage as well, having served in eight SEACT productions and countless more throughout his life.

But whether veterans of the stage or not, for some, like Jayson Altieri, military family member who plays Gavroche in the show, "Les Miserables" was his first big production, and the organization and play serves as an opportunity to broaden not only his horizons, but everyone else's.

"When my mom told me about this, I just really wanted to do it," he said. "I like that I get to make people happy. They get to live an experience. In this show, you're talking to the audience, so I think they're getting the experience of the show and that's why I really like this production."

As the son of Col. Jayson A. Altieri, 110th Aviation Brigade commander, Jayson comes from a structured but supportive family, so they wanted to make sure he had every opportunity to let his creative side flow.

"He is the entertainer of our family, and he is constantly singing and acting or doing something to make people laugh," said his mother, Shelle. "As we started to explore the community more, these opportunities came along (with SEACT) and it's just been an amazing experience.

"I think the one thing that we have learned, especially now that the kids are getting a little bit older, is that life is about the experience," she said. "The opportunities outside of Fort Rucker are many, and what is certainly to be realized is just how much is available just right outside the gate. And just a little bit further into the other communities, there are incredible opportunities, and incredible talent and a great community that is very supportive for the young actors."

That community can help nurture growth and help people like Gwen King, military spouse, live out her passions. Having been acting in plays since she was 4 years old growing up in Mississippi, King is no stranger to the stage, so she feels she's lucky to have found her passion in life and grateful to be able to take part in it.

"Everybody has to have a passion. If you can find your passion and live out your passion, you're going to be a happy person, regardless of what that is," she said. "SEACT is kind of my home base and it's just fabulous to have it here -- not just to be in the show, but to even have it to watch the show."

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