The Arena Civic Theatre was founded by Ann Christern in the early 1970s, long before the three thespians pictured in a recent article about this organization were involved.
I performed with Ann at the Ryther House Barn Theatre, Bernardston, in 1968. I then performed for her at the Round House at the Fairgrounds in the ’70s. She was the driving force behind ACT for many years until her retirement due to the ravages of Parkinson’s disease.
Many young and old individuals benefited from her encouragement to perform on stage. For example, Elizabeth Perkins, now a professional actress, spent one summer under Ann’s tutelage. She considered Ann to be her mentor.
I am pleased that ACT is coming back to life at the Round House; however, do give credit where credit is due.
Louella B. Atherton
Bernardston