The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro staff and actors were thankful for I&M's support and sponsorship of the production of "Sleepy Hollow."
On a cool rainy autumn night Rockport Plant employees witnessed a frightening scene – running at top speed was a headless horseman come to life. This was all for fun as it was part of a local theatre production of “Sleepy Hollow.”
The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, Ky is located roughly 20 minutes from I&M’s Rockport Plant. The theatre provides a hauntingly good opportunity for employees to take in a show and for I&M and our parent company AEP to support the non-profit.
“I’ve been involved with the local theatre for years now. Most days I’ll wrap up my job at the plant and head over to the theatre and get to work there,” said Rich Howard, Rockport’s Industrial Hygiene Consultant. “We’re theatre parents since our daughter is heavily involved and my wife, Shellie, serves on the board of directors. We just love to be there.”
The Howards got involved at the theatre on a recommendation of a fellow Rockport Plant employee and they’ve stayed active behind the scenes. Rich has built stages, rehearsed lines and helps actors in any way he can. The family was key to obtaining sponsorship from I&M and AEP in support of local productions.
“Without the support of I&M and AEP we wouldn’t be able to do what we do for our community,” said Dr. Shellie Howard, Board of Directors and Youth Committee Chair. “The funding provided helps afford costumes, staging and special effects to make our shows come alive.”
Rockport Plant employees recently enjoyed a special performance of “Sleepy Hollow” and were recognized for their support and assistance. If the headless horseman in the performance scared them, they had only themselves to blame.
“The funding from I&M and AEP was used in the production to secure the headless horseman prop. It was a 10-foot horseman with glowing eyes and emerges from the fog,” Shellie Howard said. “We were able to work with a local animatronics company to create this amazing prop for the play and it really changed our production value.”
The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is celebrating its 62nd season entertaining the community and providing a safe outlet for local kids and adults. Its mission statement is there’s a role for everyone and the same can be said about I&M.
“I love working at I&M, plain and simple. The people are the best and we really care about providing an essential need to our communities – in many ways,” said Rich Howard. “I’m so thankful the company invests in our interests and what our communities need.”
To learn more about I&M’s role in the communities where our employees live and work, visit IndianaMichiganPower.com/Community.