Some of the most satisfying hours a person experiences are as a volunteer with a good group of people.

One local group near and dear to my heart brings merriment, fear, anxiety and loathing to residents and visitors alike during the course of a year. Iberia Performing Arts League members do all of the above through the theater, one of the oldest art forms in the world.

IPAL is looking for a few good men and women of all ages to help bring the organization to the standards of similar theatrical groups in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Dallas and Houston. That lofty goal is stated in a recent newsletter that has been circulating around town.

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Picture this, according to the newsletter: “The marquee is blank ... the lights are down and the curtains are drawn; but the ebb of activity grows ...”

It takes people to make those things happen on the stage. Before each production has its final call, as the newsletter points out, IPAL turns its attention to the next production of another memorable community event.

Community.

That says it all. The group stages its productions for you, me, our neighbors and anyone else who enjoys a respite from the rigors of life.

IPAL is looking for members who want to be on call and trained to perform duties necessary to present each play in an efficient manner. That leaves less for the director to do and more opportunities for the membership.

So the call is out for members to sign up to be trained volunteers in areas of need, such as lighting, sound, stage construction, publicity, fundraising and membership drives.

The IPAL communication notes the group has dedicated, experienced and capable volunteers on hand who do a great job in all of those fields. It wants to broaden its base and train newcomers, including those who may have once worked in theater and want to get on board to make a difference.

As a former actor in IPAL plays “The Odd Couple” and “Exit Who?,” I appreciate the time those volunteers put in to give each production a chance to succeed. They are the lifeblood of the organization, as any actor or actress would attest.

It’s a magical moment when the curtain goes up for the first act. You can help make it happen behind the scenes by calling 364-6114 or e-mailing IPAL at ipal@cox.net.

“Come be a part of what you, your family and your town can call the best experience of a lifetime” is included in the next-to-last paragraph in the newsletter. It happens to be the most important sentence and one that should appeal to anyone who wants to help in some capacity.

Thanks!

Don Shoopman

Senior News Editor