Recent ACU grad Josh Tumblin (’11) seeks to empower community through theater with his production of “Just One of Those Things.”
Ever since Josh Tumblin was a child he always knew the arts were his calling.
After participating in various performances and majoring theater, Josh took on the challenge of directing Abilene Community Theater’s newest production, “Just One of Those Things.”
“Just One of Those Things” is a romantic comedy set in the 1950’s. The story follows a young woman traveling by train to her country wedding. Because she lost her luggage, she is forced to spend the night in a train station where she meets a janitor with a romantic soul and a penchant for classic movies. With her fiancé making his way toward her, the young woman finds herself in an evening of whimsical thinking and questioning everything she’s ever wanted. “Just One of Those Things” is a contemporary homage to the romantic comedies of the past.
“I’ve never participated in community theater before, that’s been kind of a transition, which has actually been quite delightful. I’m used to working with people that have an over bearing amount of knowledge about theater,” Tumblin said. “It’s refreshing to work with people that are new to performing, who come in with a whole new level of enthusiasm that I can watch make those first few discoveries.”
Tumblin feels it’s his responsibility to give as many people a chance to try theater as he can.
“Whether it is an audience member, an actor or crew member, whatever they feel like doing I want to involve them,” Tumblin said. “Abilene Community Theater shares this view and really wants to involve the community as much as possible – it’s just a matter of finding an outlet for them.”
After 57 years of production, Abilene Community Theater has been actively empowering the community through incorporating diverse levels of talent and allowing audiences to select future productions.
“Abilene Community Theater is truly for the community. We wouldn’t function with out our patrons. They are the heart of the theater,” Kim Baker, office manager for ACU said. “Each year we have patrons pick a production they want to see next. We believe our viewers should have a voice for what they want to see the next season.”
Production tickets will go on sale Mar. 5 at the Abilene Community Theater box office for $10 for adults and $8 for students, seniors and military. Just One of Those Things will run Mar. 8-10, 15-17 and 23-24.
