HEART OF STEELE

As a big fan of theatre, I’ve always enjoyed interviewing actors who take part in Little Theatre of Owatonna productions. Until now, I’ve never been surprised by one.

When we’re kids, we’ll try almost anything, even if it’s scary or might cause trouble. That’s how we learn what we love and what we don’t, and where our talents and natural abilities lie.

Over time–well, hopefully–we become a little wiser. We’ve learned the lessons of injury, failure, and embarrassment and use that information as we ponder the idea of diving into something new. Experts tell us the older we get, the more important it becomes to try new things and find new passions. Researchers conducting a 2011 study followed more than 1,000 adults in their late 70s for up to 12 years and found those with an active social life were 70% less likely to lose their mental faculties than those who were isolated.

Talk about a magic bullet.

Learning new things keeps us mentally sharp. It hones our resiliency and gives us something to focus on outside of our aches and pains and personal woes.

It gets us out into the community and expands our social circles.  

Which brings me to Little Theatre of Owatonna and brand new actor Rick Kvien.

When I asked director Jeffrey Jackson to choose a few actors for me to interview, I suggested a mix of veterans and newcomers. Rick was my last interview.

One of the first things he said–with a big smile–was, “I don’t know anything about acting.”

He also said he almost backed out the first time he got a look at the stage but managed to overcome that fear. He talked about the camaraderie among the actors and how others with more experience are helping him learn the craft.

People are always looking for way to add years to their lives with vitamins and drugs and treatments and, most recently, bovine colostrum supplements. Fear of aging can make you do some pretty crazy things.

What matters more, I think, is adding life to your years by challenging yourself, making new social connections, taking those occasional risks.

So do you heart and your mind a favor: Get involved in something new. If you’re looking for inspiration, “The Man Who Came to Dinner” opens April 19.