Backstage crew valuable to local plays

• Roger Eastman and Frank Ackerman are positive impact volunteers of the week
• Ackerman is stage manager and technical adviser for the golf comedy "The Foursome"
• Eastman is running lights and sound for the show, but usually does set design and construction
• Both are also trustees for the Triple Locks Theater

COSHOCTON – Frank Ackerman and Roger Eastman admit they're not the greatest actors, but they have other skills they use to better the local theater community.

Both joke they are occasionally "allowed" to appear on stage in small parts but are usually found behind the scenes for the Coshocton Footlight Players. They also serve as trustees of the Triple Locks Theater, which the Footlight Players call home.

Ackerman is serving as stage manager for "The Foursome," set to open this week. The Newcomerstown High School golf coach also is offering his assistance as a technical adviser for the golf-themed comedy, which sees the actors taking mock tee shots on stage.

Eastman is running lights and sound, the first time he's done that in about 25 years. He said he wanted to learn the theater's new lighting and sound system, which were made possible through a recent capital improvements campaign.

The former owner of Fisher's Decorating Center usually oversees set design and construction.

The director of the show, Kathy Reid, said the pair are are "go-to guys" with good ideas and instincts.

"They're in their positions because I know they'll do what they need to do, and it's one thing I don't have to worry about," she said.

At a recent rehearsal, Eastman went over the idea of brightening lights as the play progressed from hole to hole and later in the day to give a sense of time.

To fill dead space between scenes, the role of a groundskeeper was created for Ackerman so he could do little bits on stage, such as changing the sign that designates what hole, and therefore scene, the actors are on.

"Instead of having a 25- or 30-second 'Where is everybody?' it's going to be me doing something real simple to fill that gap," Ackerman said. "When I saw this play and what was going to be going on, I knew I had to be involved in some way."

Being involved in some way has been important to Ackerman and Eastman as the theater underwent the recent $250,000 capital campaign that saw new seating, parking lot pavement and other improvements.

The next step, Ackerman said, is to let the public know the type of facility Triple Locks has become now that it can be rented for special events.

Eastman said theater officials are looking to bring in school groups and teach students how to operate the new lighting and sound systems. It's community outreach and a way to bring in the next generation of Footlight Players, he said.

"I don't think you can put a number on the importance of the community having a theater like this. It's so important," Eastman said.

llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com

740-295-3417

Twitter: @llhayhurst

About the series

The Tribune is profiling local people who make a difference in their communities through volunteer work. The features will appear each Monday.

The articles will highlight people in Coshocton County who participate in volunteer efforts that are not part of their jobs.

To submit suggestions for outstanding volunteers, email ctnews@coshoctontribune.com.