Anderson puts time and effort into Starkville Community Theatre

By Amy Stengel
April 2003

Bob Anderson is a director, a producer, an actor, and a set designer; but most importantly a strong supporter of Starkville Community Theatre.

After working with SCT for 25 years, Anderson has not only experience but pride in what he and others have done for the community.

He became involved after reading an announcement in the paper asking anyone interested in forming a community theatre to attend a Chamber of Commerce meeting. He said he liked what he heard and saw and has been involved ever since.

Anderson can always say that he was the first person to direct a show for SCT, 6 rms riv vu, back in the summer of 1978. He said that was a great experience and he has fond memories of the show. Anderson also has a lot of other great memories to look back upon.

He has had many memorable moments over the years, including being involved in some way or another with more than 40 productions. But the most significant moment to him was when SCT got a permanent home.

"We were going to be able to transform the old Katz store into a small theatre. It took a lot of hard work…we have over 5,000 man-hours of work invested in the building. And now we are going to expand with a new shop, dressing room and storage area. Hallelujah!"

If he were given the chance to be back on stage, Anderson said he would love to play Willy Loman again. As a director, he would pick to direct Twelfth Night again.

He said he thinks the best play he's ever directed was Grace and Glorie during the 1998-99 season and the best experience he's had with a cast and crew was with Marriage to an Older Woman just recently during the 2002-2003 season.

Anderson encourages people to come out and get involved with SCT.

"Basically I encourage people to work with us…onstage, backstage, offstage, in the box office, doing publicity, whatever…so they can experience the satisfaction and the excitement of the theatre. And I always point out that being a member of the audience is as important as being a part of the production staff," he said.

Anderson has had quite a career with SCT and is still going strong. He always tries to stress why SCT is important for the community and says, "SCT provides an outlet for talents and abilities which make Starkville a better and more pleasant place to live."

He was there for the first show and has many memories that will stay with him. Anderson also still has many memories to be made working with SCT.