You're History, Baby!

Well, not yet. Let’s just say, “you’re making history” every time you participate in a show at Barley Sheaf. Who’s job is it to make sure that these unique moments are not lost in the sands of time? The Barley Sheaf Players’ Historian, that’s who. Last August, the Historian torch passed from Rick Dowdall to Julia Liebhardt. Several folders of dusty paperwork also passed from President Michele Bolay to Julia Liebhardt, and she is being very careful to keep the torch away from those! After all, how else would we know that back in November 1994 a “successful hand-to-hand combat workshop” was held; or that the tape deck had to be replaced due to the “ghastly noises it made during a performance of Tartuffe.” Surely, there’s more to that story...

And here is another interesting tidbit from the History files: In September 1996, a Mission Statement and a Vision Statement for West Chester & Barley Sheaf Players was drafted. Here is the closing sentence of that Mission statement, followed by the Vision Statement:

In all activities, it is the goal of the Players to find the optimal blend of representing true community spirit, fostering creativity, and maintaining stewardship for the continued well-being of the Players.

The West Chester & Barley Sheaf Players will always strive to be recognized within our region, as well as by our peers within the theater community, as a shining example of artistic achievement and encouragement in combination with a pervasive sense of community spirit.

It certainly seems that our current membership is maintaining the ideals that were presented 15 years ago.

This season, it’s Julia’s goal to scan the historical paper documents, such as programs, Season brochures, and advertising, so they will be preserved. If you have anything that you would like to lend for scanning, please contact Julia Liebhardt. If your items have sentimental value, they will be re- turned safely to you.