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It's That Time Again

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 21, 2009

Forget all the talk about New Year's resolutions. In January, the focus at Freedom Plaza inevitably turns in just one direction: it's almost time to "Frolic" once again!

No, that doesn't mean party time. It has to do with the annual Freedom Frolics show, a benefit event for the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund, and a highlight of every year. This year will mark the 18th annual Freedom Frolics production. The shows have grown from a "Resident Talent Night" in 1992, to full-stage productions with two showings on successive nights, usually on April 1 and 2.

Word will soon go out announcing the initial meeting where residents will be informed about the theme and offered the opportunity to sign up. There will be lists for primary roles; group roles; backstage crew; costumes; stage sets and administrative support. Long-time frolickers, some having participated in nearly every production, know exactly what they would like to do; some newcomers will take time to think it over and sign up later; some residents will sign on all the lists and wait to see where they are needed. Their objective is simply to be involved, in some way, in what is always an upbeat, rather demanding, but very rewarding and fun-filled experience: to become a "Freedom Frolicker."

One aspect of the project that encourages substantial resident participation, is that there are no mandatory tryouts or auditions. While talent and stage experience are valued and utilized, they are not necessary. The only requirements for involvement in Freedom Frolics are a sincere commitment of time and effort and a positive attitude. As one venerable Frolicker put it so well, "It's all about making a fool of yourself for a good cause....and having fun while doing it!"

Because Freedom Frolics shows are fashioned from original scripts written especially for each production, characters can be created as needed, groups of characters can be invented, special abilities can be featured and physical limitations considered. No one is turned down. The residents are always the stars, with staff lending support only where needed, and the shows are always successful.

If, when you visit Freedom Plaza in the next few months, you hear hammering, smell paint, encounter folks rushing around like the Energizer bunny and sense a feeling of general excitement, you'll understand. It's almost Freedom Frolics time!

Peggy Burgess is a creative consultant for Freedom Plaza.

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