By Paula Denault
As I contemplated ideas for this blog, I kept coming back to the idea that February is the month of LOVE. On the surface, of course, we think immediately of the love we have for the significant others in our life, so this wouldn’t seem to apply to a theatre blog. But the more I thought about it, I think the topic of LOVE is perfect! Acting Out Theatre Co. exists because of our love of theater. But more than that, is also exists because of our love for community. We strive to enrich the lives of the people in our community because we truly do care about this place,
its legacy, and the recipients of this love offering.
My day job is teaching third graders. In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, I recently read one of my favorite stories entitled Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch You can watch it on the Screen Actors’ Guild website, narrated by Hector Elizondo.
It’s a delightfully sweet story about the effect that a simple, random act of kindness has on one man. The word about town is that Mr. Hatch doesn’t smile much and is known to “keep to himself.” One simple act of kindness, however, noticeably changes this man’s demeanor as he returns to his work and interacts with the people in his neighborhood and town. He begins to see other’s needs and react with kindness. In return, the circle comes back to enfold him when there is a turn of events.
My class and I compared this to ripples in a pond, and how that one little act had far-reaching effects. To set this idea in motion, my co-workers and I decided to challenge our kids to complete 100 “Random Acts of Kindness” before Valentine’s Day. To start us off, I made cookies and they delivered them anonymously throughout the school. We talked about ways they could brighten other’s day both at school and at home, and then we sent them home with hearts to fill up (figuratively and literally). They are pumped! I can’t wait to see what they will accomplish, AND the effect that it will have not just on the recipient, but on them! 
Ok … so … back to you, our reader! I began thinking what if we extended this challenge to you! What would that look like? What would our community look like? Like the ripples in a pond, it will start small. But as others feel appreciated and cared for, it will spread far beyond the act itself. So LET’S DO IT!!!! Let’s ACT OUT in our community!
We challenge you to perform as many small “Random Acts of Kindness” as you can before Valentine’s Day! Pay for the person behind you in the drive-through, leave money in a vending machine, slip a treat on a co-worker’s desk, deliver cookies to a neighbor, leave a random note of encouragement on a waiting room chair, leave an extra tip, send a kind note, say a kind word …
the list goes on and on!
Facebook us and share your story! Here’s some cute little tags to get you started! Tell em’ “ACTING OUT sent you!”