Peterson takes final bow at LaPorte Little Theatre Club

LPHS senior Parker Peterson has spent the last seven years of her life volunteering at LaPorte’s Little Theatre Club, and she recently had her last production.

Prior to working with LaPorte’s Little Theatre, Peterson’s mom had known a family who had been involved in the program, and the Petersons would frequently see the shows that the theatre produced. It was in 2015 that Peterson’s mom convinced her to audition for a production. 

Peterson began her debut in the Little Theatre in a Christmas production of Scrooge and Marley when she was an Irish dancer, as well as in the chorus. She describes her time in Scrooge and Marley as one of the best times of her middle school years due to everyone being very welcoming, and it was because of this that Peterson wanted to stay. 

From that point on, Peterson could be seen both on stage and behind the scenes in productions such as Bye Bye Birdie, Charlie Brown Christmas, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, James and the Giant Peach, and Anne of Green Gables. 

“I love stage managing. I love taking lead, and being in charge, and being a big part of a production in that way. I don’t want to say it’s easy because it is nowhere near easy, but I like the ease of not having to worry about costumes and costume changes or forgetting a line. But on stage, whether it’s a straight play or a musical, you have the audience, and you get to take a bow,” Peterson said. 

Though she has loved her time at the LaPorte Little Theatre Club, as she reaches the end of her senior year, she has to think about going to college. With that in mind, her last show was a stage management position in the production of Clue. 

“I felt every emotion possible in my last show. There were a lot of tears. It didn’t really hit me that it was going to be my last until two weeks left of rehearsal. I’m trying to remember all of those lasts and take it in and live in the moment,” Peterson said. 

That doesn’t mean that she is quitting the limelight, however, since she is going to Ball State with a major in Interior Design and a minor of Technical Theatre. Ball State has a large theatre history, and Peterson is excited to learn more about theatre and perform with new people. 

Peterson’s impact and legacy at the Little Theatre will continue to last for years to come, and she hopes the Little Theatre will continue to thrive in her absence and that someone will take up her torch.

“Be yourself. It’s very easy to try to follow the lead of everyone else that is there and be like them, but you have to stand in your shoes. You have to put forth your best face and your best effort. If anyone’s going into theatre at the LaPorte Little Theatre, don’t be nervous. The second you walk in those doors, you will be greeted with a smile and quite possibly a hug, if you’re comfortable with that,” Peterson said. 

Peterson’s impact on the LaPorte Little Theatre and the community will be cherished for years to come.