Theatrical gifts

To the editor:

Art Sloan’s years of service at Lawrence High School were a real asset to Lawrence, as he was a supremely gifted and dedicated teacher. But he also served Lawrence valiantly in the arts as director of and actor in plays at the Lawrence Community Theatre. In the early days of LCT, Art could be counted on as a director every year. This, at a time when there were fewer qualified directors volunteering, and rehearsals and set building were scattered all over the city.

Some of the plays, such as the two Emily Dickinson dramas, dovetailed with his teaching. Others, like “Oliver!” were very much family shows for audience and cast alike, with parts for many children and young people. As an actor, he was effective in a wide variety of roles but might be best remembered for his touching and finely nuanced portrayal of Norman in “The Dresser.”

It would be a pity to “erase” a large part of Art’s contributions to Lawrence, which should be long remembered and appreciated by both theater-goers and those who make theater.