Response to letter to the editor regarding Valley Performing Arts

This is in regards to the letter that Nan Potts sent on June 2 about the VPA choosing to not show “A Bunch of Armatures”. I have 40-plus years in theater experience including and not limited to teaching drama, directing, acting, set design and stage production. I am the mother of the actress who played the lead role. This is my opinion. First of all, neither I or anyone from my family was involved in the discussions or decisions that VPA made. I was shocked that my daughter was given this role. She was auditioning for the teenage role (which would have been more appropriate) in the play or a back stage position at best. I read the script and was extremely uncomfortable with the content, specifically the language of the play itself as well as my daughter in the lead roll of a romance. I also know that VPA could not afford a make-up artist to make a person who looks 12 to 13 years old, look 30 years old. I still do not understand why the directors chose her for this role. I was told it was for the “shock” factor. That statement lead me to believe that the directors were in need of direction from VPA. Regardless of who came up with the thought of an appearance of an inappropriate relationship of adult and child romance, the point is this; if even 1 person had a thought like that and mentioned it out loud, you can bet that there would be hundreds more who think the same thing. VPA has brought great family entertainment to the Valley for many years and I am glad they chose not to show the play. I realize the time that the actors, directors and stage hands put into it was time consuming, but you all did have fun didn’t you? Could VPA have handled this differently? Yes, they could have. I have been involved with VPA for going on 20 years and have faith that they will be sure this won’t happen again. VPA will always be a place for our community to be involved with, whether it be volunteering in some form, or just going to see the plays. It’s a great place for families. I think it’s time to let go Nan and move on.

Joyce Martin, Wasilla