Resident Report: Tom
Amanda Surdock, M.A.

For this issue of the newsletter, we have the pleasure of interviewing the star of the most recent Wonder Players production, "The Bachelor King". Tom S. played the role of Yokel, the new king, and has granted us this in-terview to talk about his experiences at the Baddour Center.

Tom has been at the Baddour Center for 21 years, and has seen many changes over the years. He got into acting because it is something that he has always wanted to do. He says that it boosts his "alter ego" and gives him confidence. Tom feels that acting is a Godly talent, along with singing, dancing and reading, and that he has an obligation to share his talents and not hide his light under a barrel. Tom feels that by being in so many plays, he has learned about teamwork, cooperation and equality.

Because Tom has been in so many Wonder Players productions, he has had the opportunity to play many different roles. When asked what his favorite roles were, Tom said they were Eeyore (from Winnie the Pooh), Doc (from Snow White) and Donald, the soda foun-tain jerk (from Rock around the Block; see picture at right). When asked about his current role as Yokel, Tom said that he liked that he was able to play as a main character, and felt that he was chosen for the role because of his ability to memorize his lines and keep at it in rehearsals.

As for the future, Tom is not limiting himself just to acting on the stage. Tom would like to get his GED and continue his education. Eventually, Tom would like to use his education to become a sales representative, customer service representative, buyer, product demonstrator, researcher, or broadcaster. But for now, he is happy just to be a part of the Baddour Center and share his gifts with the world through Wonder Player productions and traveling with the Miracles.