Happy March, everyone!

Where do leprechauns hang out? On the paddy-o. And honestly, who doesn’t appreciate a good Dad Joke to brighten the day?

March is one of my favorite months, and there are plenty of reasons why. We get to celebrate International Women’s Day and Daylight Saving Time on March 8th, then before we know it, March 17th arrives, and suddenly everyone is Irish—Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! But my personal favorite day of the month is still the March equinox—Happy Spring! There is just something about longer days, warmer weather, and that first real hint of spring that feels like a fresh start!!

With so many special moments packed into one month, this is also the perfect time to get out, enjoy a show, and support your local community theaters. We are already approaching the two-thirds mark of our season. Where has the time gone? The board is hard at work preparing for nominations, discussing ideas for the big event, and gearing up for these final months of the season.

Speaking of doing our part, have you done yours yet? Have you submitted nominations for the special awards, such as Stage Manager, the Wm. Perry Morgan Lifetime Achievement Award, David P. McMenemie, and Community Theater of the Year? Now is the time to do it! Don’t wait until the final week. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@njact.org. For award information and criteria, please visit www.njact.org and click on the Perry Awards tab.

As President, I also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible board I have the privilege of working with. Preparing for the Perry Awards is truly a year-round thing, and none of it would happen without this dedicated team! It would be impossible to do this work without everyone contributing their time and talent. I am especially grateful for Liz and all she does in her role. I honestly do not know how she keeps up with theater communications, emails, the weekly plea, reviews, and everything else. It feels like a full-time job on its own! Alissa brings tremendous energy as the event producer, and her organizational skills keep everything moving forward. Marie does an outstanding job as the reviewer liaison, and, together with Liz, the reviewer training sessions are always awesome and welcoming. Bill keeps us grounded with the budget, and we are fortunate to have that steady guidance! Heather, Dawn, and Rita continue to be amazing in everything they contribute, with some big ideas for the future. Everyone brings something important to the table, and I feel very lucky to work alongside such a committed team.

This month’s theater shoutout goes to Porch Light Productions in Glen Rock! They do remarkable work in helping shape future generations of actors, production staff, and volunteers. Their commitment to youth theater is inspiring, and the talent emerging from their productions is truly impressive. And if you are planning a visit, why not make a day of it? In addition to seeing a great performance, Glen Rock offers plenty to enjoy, especially for anyone who loves local history and nearby parks!

In closing, thank you to all of you for being such an important part of New Jersey theater. Your support, passion, and dedication are what keep our community strong.

With much love and appreciation,