05/14/2025
Dear friends,
It is with mixed emotions I share that the curtain officially draws to a close on Innovative Performers of Chico.
After 10 challenging, delightful, and fulfilling shows, I have decided to, for now, put directing shows aside. This decision was not made lightly. I know that this could disappoint some, and if that is the case I am sorry, and feel some sorrow myself.
I also am immensely proud of myself. I started directing plays at the age of 16 (well, there were a few funny little home church skits before that), on a porch for parents and siblings to view, and I grew that into productions that had multiple performances, full venues, and sold out tickets. From lighting the stage with hot chicken lights tied to dining room chairs, to professional lights, from a porch to a memorial hall, from 25 or so audience members 150+, and more. I am so glad that younger me had the courage to pursue my dreams. A few intimidating steps at the age of 18 to branch out from adventure co-op to my own thing, IPC, put forth a trajectory of fun and growth.
However, with plans to move this summer, and other interests and hobbies vying for my attention, as well as not wanting the deep exhaustion, strain, and stress that the plays do tend to bring in part, it just makes sense to end IPC. Perhaps most of you have assumed so, from the radio silence of this page, but I want to make such a precise declaration because the debating of cramming a play in before I leave, or putting off other life interests was pulling a lot of mental energy from me that I need to put elsewhere. I have been asked a lot recently when my next play is, or if I will continue directing after moving, or the suggestion that perhaps if I end up not moving when I plan to I could do one then, and I would like to be able to refer people to this specific post. I am ready for new things.
If there is one thing you become good at when directing, it is trusting your instincts, and mine say onward, to new passions yet to be discovered, or even back to old things put aside. I could quietly move on, but I want to write this to really convey just a little of the place IPC will always hold in my heart, no matter what comes next.
This whole journey would not have been possible without you. Participants, supporters, and audience. Each of you serving a vital role in this little company thriving. How deeply thankful I am for each one of you who acted in, helped with, donated to, or watched our plays. And I am especially thankful to those of you who saw and invested my talent. Namely, my mother Cate, Andrea Patton, and the Arnold family- though countless others of you also poured so much time, encouragement, and resources into my efforts.
I hope I can say that IPC has been impactful on many, not just myself. I know that each play made a direct impact on my personal life. Each story bringing some new perspective. The never ending imagination of Wendy Darling, the justice of Robin Hood, the strength of family from the Banks’, Digory’s courage in Narnia, Anne’s effervescence and s***k, the loyalty of the creatures in the 100 Acre Wood, the true and inspiring bravery and endurance of every member of the Annex, Mary Bailey’s patience and fierce love for her husband, Dicken’s admiration of nature, and Beth’s gentle strength at the most challenging parts of life- and many many other lessons taught.
I have learned invaluable lessons from directing. Corralling people for months on end, tying together dozens of lose knots, not knowing if I would break even, and repeating “for the love of all that’s good, PROJECT YOUR VOICE!!” more times than I could possibly count, was frustrating. People who joined only to be with friends and not out of interest in the art, people who couldn’t get off book on time, microphones going silent, or props falling apart moments before the start of a show- so stressful. And though I was always sweetly supported, it was frankly up to me, bottom line- which became very overwhelming when faced with deadlines, parents not buying tickets on time then expecting me to fix it, costumes missing, no-shows to rehearsals, people talking backstage, miscommunications, and being asked every question.
However, seeing shy, scared children come out of their shells and shine their talents brightly, see many friendships form, or empathy for a life you will never personally live but get a glimpse into, was moving. Hearing that the audience cried, having sweet little ones say they want to act when they are older, an adult getting to revisit acting for the first time in years, people now knowing the story of an old book they never would’ve personally read, and being proud of seeing a beautiful vision finally come to life, was more than rewarding. I hope that my love for theatre has been inspirational.
IPC brought so many people into my life I never would’ve met, or would never have grown a closer connection to. Some of my closest friendships were formed through it. The reason I am living in the very home I type this post up in, is, in a butterfly-effect-type-of-way, a result of this troupe’s existence. Years ago, many of the cast members of Anne of Green Gables served at my sister’s celebration of life out of kindness, and last fall I attended the wedding of a young woman who graced our stage many times that I don’t believe I would’ve become close to without our plays, or one of my dearest friends assist-directed AOGG which I think of as the true start of our bond- I mean, there are truly countless personal moments to be in awe of that came from IPC. And I have grown immensely in confidence, capabilities, leadership, and vision from these plays.
I may not currently be a *participant* in the theatre arts, but I will always and forever be a *patron* of the theatre arts, and strongly encourage you to do the same. There is nothing like live theatre, and it is an art deserving so much more support and praise than it gets. “I regard theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” -Oscar Wilde
It is bittersweet to put aside my directing cap. So much beauty lies within the process of theatrical productions, or the joys of getting to work with costumes, or the bonds that come from cast members. But there will always be art and creativity deep within my very soul and being. To quote 18 year old me, “I only wish to softly impact people with warmth, art, and kindness- to love myself and others, and to create”. That will always continue to be a mantra of mine, though the creativity will come in various forms suited to different seasons of my life and lifestyle.
The end of an era, the end of a multi-act play in my life, but something certainly not set aside permanently. I hope once I settle into new routine I can dip my toes more into the acting side, or perhaps when I have a bit more spare time or energy, direct again. For there are many more plays to direct on my bucket list. Directing is magical, as tiring as it is.
I am so grateful to you all. It was my absolute privilege and honor to provide some slight entertainment to Chico these past 7 years. I am humbled at the support I have received over this endeavor.
Oh my dear friends, you have blessed me. I am tearfully reflecting upon my time directing, mostly happy tears haha.
“I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does.” - Anne of Green Gables
With satisfaction in a job well done, expectation to continue creating always, and deep fondness of a beautiful experience, I say, thank you, thank you, thank you for what has been.
Proudly, and with utmost gratitude,
Your director,
Melissa Leach
