"The Beauty of What They Do"

Over the next week, as we approach our Development Review Board hearing, we thought we'd share some letters in support of Mirror Theater Ltd/GAAR. Today’s letter by Julie Gallivan Parker was originally published this summer as a Letter to Editor in the Hardwick Gazette, and is used here with permission of the author. Previous letters can be found below. If you would like to add your support, please email us.

"A Perfect Blending of Positive Experiences

To The Editor:

I am writing to express my admiration and appreciation for the Greensboro Arts Alliance and Residency for all it does for our community as a whole and specifically for my children.

I understand the planned theater for Greensboro has ignited many strong feelings for some townspeople, just as Circus Smirkus did. What I find incredibly saddening and offensive is the personal attacks against the people involved. Why in this area does it seem that we are so quick to turn on good people that we may have a little difference of opinion with?

My children have been involved with GAAR for four years and nine productions. They consider the people of GAAR to be extended family and some of their very best friends. I cannot begin to explain how personally they take the very rude attacks.

I have read previous letters in this newspaper [Hardwick Gazette] criticizing the use of professional actors and not using local talent. Clearly, that individual hasn’t attended a GAAR performance. The beauty of what they do is a perfect blending of professional actors, musicians, and stage crew with local talent.

My children, at the ages of 15 and 17, have worked with professionals from all over the world. They have invaluable contacts and references, as this is the field they both plan on pursuing. This area does not exactly have many offerings for teenagers, especially if they do not enjoy athletics, hunting, or motorized sports. I can’t even imagine what their teen years would have looked like without the positive experiences that GAAR gives them.

My children’s passion for the theater has turned into paid summer jobs for them with GAAR. Their income, along with the actors, musicians, and stage crew that come for the season, goes back into the local economy. I know that isn’t important for some, but for a working class family such as ours, it is vital. I can’t help but notice that Willey’s is busier than ever this summer and that there are so many fun, unique, interesting, talented people around, thanks, in part, to GAAR and Circus Smirkus. How wonderful for us all.

In closing, I would like to publicly acknowledge Sabra Jones and Charles McAteer for all they have done for this community and for my children, Zachary and Alahni. Please know you have my deepest appreciation, admiration and support.

Julie Gallivan Parker
Walden"