In 2001, I was invited to join with others from the community in the planning for the eventual refurbishment and rebirth of the Turnage Theater. We toured the old Turnage – what was left of it. There were no seats; there was nothing beneath our feet but a dirt floor; there was a semblance of a stage and tiles which hung haphazardly from the ceiling.

Since that time, I have seen the hours of work – the quantifiable proof of this community’s commitment and dedication – that have gone into making the dream a reality. In fact, the business plan of 2001 was titled “A plan … turning the dream into a reality.” From my perspective as a director, actor, colleague and teacher, I have seen the dreams of our students and faculty turn into a very tangible reality as ECU’s School of Theatre and Dance and the School of Music have maintained a partnership which grows stronger with each performance we hold at the Turnage Theater. Whether it be music, dance, or musical theatre; original plays written, directed, or performed by faculty; main stage summer theatre, or ECU Storybook, audiences are taken on journeys which only live performance can do. Dreams are shared with the audience regardless of age and regardless of the medium, and those present for that hour or two in the evening or afternoon experience the incomparable joy of live art.

And that’s not all that the theater has brought to Washington. First-run movies, too, have been shared at the Turnage as well as visual art in the lobby, benefits, fashion shows, comedians, concerts, drama workshops for children plus a multitude of other events I have left out.

There are plenty of great events still to come, some of which are very close to my heart. ECU Storybook Theatre will present “Seussical” (all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters and stories rolled into one!) at 2 p.m. Saturday with a free workshop for children immediately following the performance. Then, on April 2, we will be sharing the original works from the Young Playwright’s Project with children from selected schools in Beaufort and Pitt counties. Finally, on April 9, we will hold our second, half-day drama workshop for children, where parents are encouraged to bring all their friends and family to see the 1 p.m. performance that their children will put together. You may find out about all of these events and many more just by visiting turnagetheater.com or calling the box office at 975-1191.

The Turnage Theater is very much alive with activity. The dirt floor has disappeared, the ceiling tiles are all in place and the stage, once covered with years of dust and debris, now once again knows the magic of a moment, the laughter, the thoughtfulness and the applause of an audience.

And I, too, now have a new role as a member of the board of the Turnage Theaters Foundation. I am excited to see what the next chapter will be, to serve as a steward of this very special gathering place, which welcomes all, moves many and dares to continue to turn dreams into a shared reality. Come be a part of our dream! Come join us at the Turnage!

Patch Clark is a new member of the Turnage Theaters Foundation’s Board of Directors.