Forst Playing

by Deena Dawn Larsen

For starters, I want to express that I DO know how to spell and the title of this blog is not a typo. The Forst Inn is a quaint and endearing theater located in downtown Tisch Mills, Wisconsin. I have attended shows here in the past but this past weekend, I actually performed on stage. Well, it was a pub show and took place in the bar but technically, I did my part on a small stage in the corner.

This would have been my stage debut were it not for having a lead in an Encyclopedia Brown play 50 years ago when I was in 5th grade. I played the part of a doctor and I think I got the part because I could read well and memorize. I recall one of my peers telling me that I only got the part because my Dad was a doctor and I had access to a stethoscope and a white lab coat. I, on the other hand, maintained that I had talent and a stage presence. Ha ha! Ah, to be ten again!

I am familiar with theater, having spent 3 - 4 years involved with Peter Quince Performing Company when I was in high school. Of course, back then, I was too frightened to appear on stage. I spent my time working on building the sets and taking pictures for the program. When performance time came around, I was in the pit orchestra, playing my saxophone. I know that I made the best decision for myself at the time as I didn’t have the courage to step outside my comfort zone. Still, I do have some regrets. My wife Linda was in quite a few plays in college and I have recently seen some photos of her on stage. Both of our children were involved in theater in junior high and high school, including at least one where they were part of the same cast. I guess me finally being involved gives us all a common experience, of sorts. I feel like I have checked something off my bucket list when I didn’t even know it was on the list!

To be clear, I didn’t go looking for this opportunity, it found me. A former student of mine, Karter, let me know there was a part that needed to be filled in an upcoming performance of the Vagina Monologues. Erin, the director, felt strongly that the part of a transwoman should not be cast with a cis woman. I had time on my hands and agreed to give it a go. The play has two separate casts, one for the September weekend and one for the October weekend. A couple of us are doing both. And I need to give a shout out to the women I have worked with these past few weeks. They welcomed me to a project they started back in June. Thank you to Erin, Valentina, Mary Kay, Hannah, Sophia, Katie Si., Gracie, Leah, Katie Sc., Carrie, and Lisa. I have learned so much already and I continue to learn.

As I reflect on this entire experience, it isn’t lost on me that if someone would have told me five years ago that I’d have the courage to go up on stage and read a monologue written by Eve Ensler, about a transgender woman, I would have very quickly dismissed the idea. But here I am. While there are some parts of the monologue that I read which resonate with me, other parts were quite tragic and remind me that I have been fortunate in my own personal journey. My friends and family have been unbelievably supportive during my transition to my authentic self and bear the credit for my courage.

When the October show ends, I know I’ll be grateful for this experience. I’m keeping the door open for potential future opportunities. So, just maybe, this won’t be my final curtain call. I adore this venue and I think I'd like to become more involved with this community theater gem.

(The September show sold out for all three performances. As of this writing, the October show was at least 60% sold. If you want to see it, I suggest buying tickets early.)