The Significance of The Gilbert Theater
The following thoughts on the “significance of the Gilbert Theater” are from former board members, actors, staff and patrons.
The Gilbert Theater was significant to the area because no theater had ever dared address controversial subjects. They just stuck to the tried and stale Broadway plays. Nothing wrong with those, mind you, but the Gilbert dared to use local playwrights as well as local acting and directing talents. Many controversial subjects were gracefully handled on the stage and were applauded by the attendees. The Gilbert gave an audience something to talk about. It helped to unmask a lot of talent that had never surfaced before. News of its friendly open-door policy spread far and wide. The theater public responded heartily to the change of pace of the Gilbert, and supported it wholly through donations and volunteerism for years. From a small intimate theater, it grew to become a tradition in the area. Often sold out, the audiences came to see the offerings more than once and it became a feather in an actor’s cap to be selected to appear on stage. Directors and playwrights came from other venues hoping to get a chance to show their work at the Gilbert, and many did see their wish fulfilled. Without the Gilbert, issues of race, rape, abortion, religion, gun control, mental illness and bigotry would never have been explored as deeply and sensitively as the Gilbert did. It was as modern and traditional as any theater of its kind. It brought the world to a small area of the South.
Beth Johnston
In writing it [the significance of the Gilbert] I’m now on a quest to find the correct adjective – So when describing the films, they show at the Cameo [movie theater on Hay Street] you could say art films or independent films and people know just what you are talking about. What is the equivalent in [live] theater – it’s not alternative – really doesn’t encompass it. I can tell you what it’s not – it’s not popular or reflective of popular culture, its not endless musicals, and it is not light and shallow comedy. If you think of the answer let me know.
Rose-Ann San Martino Bryda
The Gilbert. Who could imagine such a dream would become reality? As soon as I attended my first performance, I knew I wanted to be part of this theater experience. The original theater in town was hiring professionals for the leads and there was no outlet for actors like me to hone their skills. Over the past 25 years I have been privileged to perform in a variety of roles. Every play, be it comedy or drama, helped me to develop new aspects of my acting abilities. If it had not been for the Gilbert, I would never have had the opportunity to stretch and grow. As an octogenarian, it is rare indeed to be recognized as still having value. Gilbert, I miss you!!
Joyce Lipe
We moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina – (Sanford area) from a small town in Southern Maryland. LaPlata, Maryland was about 30 miles from Washington DC, and it had a small community theater called the Port Tobacco Playhouse. Since we have always enjoyed the theater, we frequently attended their productions, as well as, the productions at the National Theater. Ford’s Theater and the Kennedy Center. When we made the decision to move to North Carolina, we thought that our only options for quality theater would be in Raleigh or Durham.
Much to out surprise we found that this area was rich in theater opportunities. To our even greater surprise we discovered the Gilbert Theater, which quickly became one of our favorite places to enjoy quality, thought provoking productions. Some of the shows that we have seen over the years are familiar to many. However, what made the Gilbert unique was the variety of productions presented each season. In addition, tot the shows that were presented that were unfamiliar to us, there were many shows that were authored by local playwrights, which drew on the talents of local actors, directors, and stage crew. The subject matter was varied, but more often than not led to lively discussions after the show. You may not have known much about the show beforehand, but the ideas presented left an impression that did not end when one left the Gilbert.
While we weren’t involved in the Gilbert in the early days, having moved to North Carolina in 2007, we felt that we were part of the Gilbert family. Lynn Pryer’s enthusiasm, warmth, and love of sharing great stories is conveyed to anyone who has the pleasure of knowing him. The legacy that he left when he moved from Fayetteville continues to this day. The Gilbert Theater is a unique gem in Fayetteville. For that, the community thanks Lynn, who is also a gem no matter where he lives!
Karen and Allen Truhan
As I research the history of the Gilbert, I am in awe of your monumental achievement. In my analysis, the overwhelming success was due to several critical factors:
- Lynn Pryer – creative genius; organizational ability; interpersonal relationships; community activism and awareness; theater background; stellar personality; beautiful smile.
- Community based theater – use of local acting talent and local production staff.
May I offer my “for what it’s worth department” based upon my research, observations, and previous theater board experience, (Fayetteville NC and Dahlonega, Georgia): The success of the “Pryer Years” will never be duplicated. Only one Maestro per century for Fayetteville.
- The Gilbert as pure community theater. Built upon the Lynn Pryer model of local talent in all areas --- local actors; local production staff; volunteers; local board members, etc. Lynn’s genius is the recognition and implementation of local community resources.
- Promotion of educational enrichment for children of the Fayetteville, North Carolina area.
Jason Wetzel --- former board member and volunteer
The Gilbert Theater was significant as a venue that provided local theater actors and directors with the opportunity to enrich the lives of local audiences by presenting meaningful plays that would not be ordinarily presented by other theaters in the area.
When the Gilbert black box basement theater was unjustly forced to close its doors, it did nothing to deter Lynn Pryer from continuing his dream. He found a new home for the Gilbert at one location, then another location, and still another, until he found a permanent home for his dream theater to continue astounding audiences with the power and beauty of live theater.
James Dean --- actor, director, playwright
The Gilbert was a welcome mat to the world of theater, a come-as-you-are-party to which all were cordially invited without regard to whether you had money for admission or experience on stage.
Jane Moran
An intimate family theater.
John Ashford
…the Gilbert Theater…how it saved my soul….
Clitha