Clear Lake Community Theater
A Long-Standing Tenant at CLACC
by Muriel Nelson
The Clear Lake Community Theater completed its thirty-fifth year earlier this month with the comedic presentation of “Skulduggery Sails the Atlantic”. The play, produced and directed by Heidi Paulson, entertained the audiences to a “T”.
This community theater was created in 1987 by local residents Rev. Robert Bingea, Cindy Paulson and Heidi Paulson. At first, the plays were performed in the Clear Lake High School gymnasium. When the high school moved to its new building, the theater continued at the old high school gym after the building transitioned to the Clear Lake Area Community Center (CLACC). In 2020 the community theater moved it productions to the CLACC’s Event Room.
The theater’s start-up was financially supported by the Clear Lake Lions. Once the theater group became “solvent”, the money was returned to the Lions with the theater’s gratitude.
In the early years, the theater had hardly any props, costumes, or special equipment. As the organization acquired these items, an old Clear Lake District school bus was used for storage. Eventually, the theater rented the former high school music room and adjacent storage areas from CLACC to house their growing inventory.
The passage of time and increasing interest in the theatrical group called for some changes. By 1998, the group decided to add musicals to its repertoire, that is, continue with a comedy, mystery or drama in the fall and add a musical in the spring. Musicals tend to be more challenging; moreover, they require more cast members who are recruited not only from the local community but also the surrounding area.
Heidi Paulson, a long-time community-minded volunteer, has been the theater group’s producer since 1988 and director for the last two years. Her love for theater production work is obvious. When asked, she quickly explained the considerable effort needed not only to select new presentations, but also to find the right cast members and support crew. Heidi, a very special and gifted volunteer, spends long hours preparing for the shows. In fact, she develops future productions years before they make it to the Event Room stage. Heidi’s special interest lies in costumes that are designed to be true to the era and casting role.
Although the pandemic halted productions for 2 years, there are signs of recovery for the theater group. They presented “Dead Giveaway” this past April to very supportive audiences. In addition, ten talented actors just finished six presentations of ‘Skulduggery’ to welcoming patrons even though the Sunday matinees competed with Packer games. Thanks to these promising signs, plans are underway for a popular musical in the not-too-distant future. (Stay tuned!)
The Clear Lake Community Theater was among the first tenants to lease space at CLACC and has enjoyed the location and amenities provided there. They indicated that, as their production needs increased in complexity, CLACC has provided the necessary support. The producer/director suggests that other entertainment entities should investigate using this facility too.
Clear Lake is fortunate to have dedicated and talented thespians and theatrical organizers in the area who provide quality entertainment to our community.
Melodrama meets the high seas when J. P. Morganfeller, mysterious millionaire, carries his priceless painting, the "Mona Lisa Unbuttoned," aboard ship. A villainous art thief and three lady cat burglars (thinly disguised as high society types) steal it and throw all the blame on officer Vance Trueblue, who must solve the case to keep his sterling reputation and his true love, Dimity Darling. About 40 minutes.
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