Perspectives / Barbara G. Nichols Barbara G. Nicols has been a member of Actors Associates for over 25 years. Actors Associates are key to the success of the Humana Festival and the operations of Actors Theatre year-round in several ways. The Associates are a circle of about 120 theatre lovers who donate their time and resources to support the creation of new works and the retelling of classics. During the year, they serve meals and provide transportation to hard-working artists and artisans. They hold prop auctions, costume sales and fund-raising raffles. They organize pre- and post-show play discussions. And during the Humana Festival, they do much more. Past President Barbara G. Nichols started working with the Associates in the late 1970s. She was invited by a friend who taught humanities and volunteered with her students. Barbara has worked about 25 Humana Festivals. "In the beginning, if you wanted to have an opportunity to listen to an artist, playwright or director, you almost had to be an Associate," she said. "They didn’t have all the programs they do now. There’s a lot more access these days." During the festival—particularly the weekends when the theatre hosts professionals and critics from around the world—Associates turn out in full force to provide support in myriad ways. They are joined by another 100-150 volunteers who provide additional support during the festival weekends. Associates drive vans that shuttle visitors and guests between airports, hotels, parties and the theatre. If an artist has a medical concern during rehearsals, an Associate or volunteer is always available for a quick trip to the doctor or to pick up medications. In past years, before the revitalization of downtown took hold, a van trip was necessary to get a meal, said Barbara. "Even 10 years ago, there weren’t that many restaurants downtown." Associates run a fully-staffed kitchen so that meals are always available for casts and crews to grab a quick bite between shows during the big weekends, she said. It offers hearty meals from soup and salad right to dessert. During the weekend, they serve more than 1,200 meals. "Associates do all the planning, preparation, cooking and serving, and volunteers help with the cleanup. The shows are so intense those weekends; the actors really don’t have a chance to get away from the theatre at all." The Associates also run the lobby bookstore that offers anthologies and published copies of past years’ plays each weekend during the Humana Festival. And almost all of them are ushers, as well. "It’s the opportunity to be in close contact with the actors and the people backstage. We get a lot of famous names in during Humana and we always have. You’ll see Sigourney Weaver or Morgan Freeman and that’s pretty exciting," said Barbara. "I don’t think you’ll meet an Associate who doesn’t love theatre. Not just Actors Theatre, but theatre in general. Many are lifelong supporters of Actors Theatre." She said it’s also exciting to see a play that could earn a Tony Award or an actor who might be the next Kathy Bates, John Spencer, Julianne Moore, Holly Hunter or John Tuturro. "To see Kathy Bates on stage doing ‘night Mother," Barbara reminisces, "you felt like you were a part of history." — Raven J. Railey