Miller Minutes
“Another Op'nin’, Another Show.”
This famous line never fails to pass through my head during tech week, the final stretch of rehearsals leading up to a show opening.
As I am in the thick of those rehearsals for a play I am starring in, which opens Friday, Sept. 20, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about the feelings which accompany that.
No matter how many times you rehearse a scene or a bit, nothing will ever make you feel prepared to perform for an audience. Theater is one big trust exercise among the actors, director, crew and designers.
To an outsider, this can make a show stressful. To me, it’s even more stressful trusting myself and all the hard work I’ve put in. I constantly ask myself if it will come off OK, if the audience will get it, and if they will like what they see.
Everyone involved wants the show to be the greatest it can be. They want you to laugh and cry and experience the story along with them. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that you, the audience, want that, too. I have to tell myself you all look to us to be entertained, that you are on our side.
Even if the cynical side of me allows nerves to set in right before the curtain goes up, I remember my castmates and crew are pulling for me to succeed. Theater is a team sport. This most recent theater experience I’ve had has reminded me of that.
Actors can only be so funny without each other, and they can only look so good without the crew behind the scenes. This bonds us inexplicably to each other; friendships are created in theater that are stronger than most.
To my cast and crew of “The Star Spangled Girl,” if you’re reading this, I hope we are part of each other's lives forever.
For the rest of you, I hope you’ll come see the show, which premieres at Butler Little Theatre. While you’re at it, check out the other events going on this weekend in Butler County.
The Pennsylvania Arts and Crafts Autumn Festival opens at 10 a.m. Friday and runs Saturday and Sunday at the Butler Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, 625 Evans City Road, Connoquenessing Township. Shop a plethora of vendors and grab some yummy food while you’re there! For more information, visit familyfestivals.com/autumn-festival.
Celebrate World Peace Day with Zelienople’s Rotary Club at 4 p.m. Friday in the gazebo at Zelienople Community Park, 402 E. Beaver St. There will be a thousand paper cranes and children’s artwork on display, as well as a dove release. To see the event flier, visit visitbutlercounty.com.
See a hilarious performance of Neil Simon’s “The Star Spangled Girl” starting at 8 p.m. Friday at the Butler Little Theatre, 1 Howard St. Shows run throughout the weekend and then from Tuesday through Saturday. To purchase tickets, visit butlerlittletheatre.com.
Hear live music by the band Faded Color at Pullman Park, 100 Pullman Park Place, Butler, from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday. Enjoy a night under the stars for only $5. For more information, visit historicpullmanpark.com/live-events.
Play night disc golf at Alameda Park, 184 Alameda Park Road, Butler Township, starting at 9 p.m. Friday. Registration begins 15 minutes prior at the Masonic Shelter. It is $10 to participate and requires bringing light up discs. For more information, visit bcpr.recdesk.com.
The Circle of Swords Gaming Guild convention kicks off Friday in the Crystal Hall of Tesla Biohealing Wellness Hotel and Resort, 139 Pittsburgh Road, Butler Township. The event runs until Sunday. To register or learn more information about the types of games going on, visit circleofswords.com.
A community trunk sale will be set up in Alameda Park from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday near the Masonic Shelter. One person’s trash is another’s treasure! For more information, visit bcpr.recdesk.com.
Support the Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company by attending their fall pancake breakfast, which starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at the station, 180 Main St., Connoquenessing. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. There will be pancakes, eggs, toast, sausage, bacon, pumpkin roll, coffee and more. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Evans City PumpkinFest is back! Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, activities will abound on Main Street. Everything from live music, food, vendors, and games are yours to enjoy. Visit pumpkinfest.evanscityevents.org for more details.
Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company is hosting Sportsman’s Fest on Friday and Saturday at 195 Pittsburgh St. One ticket costs $100 and earns you the chance to attend, eat and drink on both days, win prizes, and more. Purchase tickets at svfc.com.
The ZelienApple Fun Fest runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Sippel Reservoir Park, 400 Reservoir Park Drive, Adams Township. There will be a story walk on the Harmony Trail, apple tasting, raffles, games, music and apple treats. For more information, visit the event page on visitbutlercounty.com.
Support Prospect Community Library by attending a DJ Bingo event at 7 p.m. Saturday at Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, 373 Main St. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance at the library, 357 Main St., Prospect, or at the door for $20.
Hear original music from local artist Sarah Altomari at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hobnob Theatre, 134 S. Main St., Butler. Purchase tickets at hobnobtheatre.com/events.
Meet and learn about falcons at a presentation in Succop Nature Park, 185 Airport Road, Penn Township, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Learn from experts about the ancient practice of falconry. The program is free to attend. For further information and registration, visit aswp.org/events.
If you want to submit an event for Miller Minutes, email the information to news@butlereagle.com.
Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.