Treasured Member, Barb Smisek Retires From Lofte Board

Sadly, one of the Lofte’s most cherished members has recently stepped down from the Board of Directors. Barb Smisek has been a devoted member of the Lofte family since its inception. She has the distinction of being one of the original Born in a Barn Players who performed in “Godspell” in 1977. Barb says that particular production made a huge impact on the course of her life and she hopes to do the show again sometime.

Why did such a devoted member step aside? Barb stated that in 2005, just about everything in her life changed. She and her husband became “empty nesters” and she was offered a full-time position as an associate minister at First-Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Seems she wasn’t kidding about the impact of “Godspell!”) After twenty-seven years of marriage, Barb and her husband, Todd put their farm up for sale and moved to the big city. Since making the move to Lincoln the Smisek’s are enjoying the “city slicker” perks of walking, biking, attending concerts in the park and going to the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

Their three daughters are busy too. Oldest daughter, Emily and her husband are moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan where he will begin his PhD program and Emily will graduate with her MBA this year. Sarah is a pharmaceutical rep in Dallas who is learning the ropes of becoming a first time homeowner. Youngest daughter, Meggan is a Junior at Hastings College majoring in elementary and special education.

During her time at the Lofte, Barb has seen many changes over the years, but says her proudest moment was serving on the board during the completion of the new theater facility. “I am also proud of my friend and beloved director, Kevin Colbert,” Barb confided. “Without his dedication, talent and character, I don’t believe we would be where we are today.”

Like all Lofte volunteers, Barb has a story or two about what happens offstage. She says one of her funniest memories was seeing her mother on stage during “Little Mary Sunshine.” Barb’s mom was supposed to walk onto the stage carrying a bucket of milk in each hand. Unbeknownst to mom, someone had replaced the milk with bricks. Hearing her cue, she picked up the buckets to go onstage and just about fell over! She made her entrance and sang her song -- all the while turning beet red from carrying what must have seemed like 50 pounds!

In the future, Barb would like to see an expansion on the “Lofte Experience” by perhaps including a restaurant or nice gift store somewhere on the property. More importantly, she would like to see the Lofte be able to afford a hard-surface parking lot and perhaps even to construct “out-buildings” to house props and costumes.

When asked if she had any words of wisdom for future and current Lofte volunteers, Barb reminded everyone that, “Everything you say and do creates the Lofte Experience. Volunteers are the key to our success. Know that and take pride in your role.”

Considering what a powerful impact Barb has had on her family, her parishioners and her Lofte friends, Barb Smisek has a lot to be proud of too.

Missoula Children's Theatre - The Jungle Book

The audition for the Missoula Children's Theatre production of The Jungle Book will be held on Monday, June 18th, 2007 from 10am to Noon at The Lofte Community Theatre. There are roles for students entering 1st grade through 7th grade. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show with the MCT Tour Actor/Director. There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play. Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15-30 minutes after the audition. Click here for a flier

LOFTE CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

The Lofte Community Theatre is entering its 31st year – just our second in the new barn! With the addition of air conditioning, heating, and even indoor restrooms the 2006 season drew an amazing number of people out to the barn – more than 13,000 patrons! Last year, we were honored to have four outstanding organizations step forward as corporate sponsors – Alegent Health at the Platinum Level, Legacy Retirement Systems at the Gold Level, Lincoln Benefit Life at the Silver Level, and PCS Phosphate at the Bronze Level.

The Lofte Corporate Sponsorship Committee is currently working to secure sponsors for 2007. The feedback we received from last year’s sponsors was extremely positive – so much so that PCS Phosphate signed on to repeat as a bronze sponsor before the committee even had a chance to send them information on the new program! Stock Seed Company has also stepped up as a bronze sponsor for this year.

The Lofte Corporate Sponsorship program is unique compared to many other groups who may solicit companies for support. We don't ask for a donation to help with a one-day or even a one-week event. Our program gains the sponsor the entire year of events at The Lofte.

If you are aware of an organization that would consider a marketing and public relations investment of between $1,000 and $10,000, please let us know at 402-234-2553. Their investment is a donation to a financially stable non-profit 501c3 organization. You can also download a brochure about this year's sponsorship program right here!