ATP Spotlight Feature - Margaret Anne Slawson        

   

Margaret Anne Slawson

Like many actors and directors, Margaret Anne Slawson’s theatrical career began at a young age—initially with church and Girl Scout groups that staged plays at Christmas and Easter. This was followed by events held at youth camps which provided additional occasions to act, sing and perform. Growing up she would sing and dance at every opportunity. As Slawson says, “I wanted to be Miss America!”    

The late 70’s found Slawson moving to Traverse City with a friend. In TC, she became aware of the Old Town Playhouse through the 1979 production of Godspell. “I saw nine of the twelve performances,” she elaborated, adding, “Then I auditioned for every show that came along—and I just couldn’t get a part.” 

Slawson spent much of the 80’s and early 90’s in the Washington DC area. There, she linked up with a community theatre group which began casting her in ensemble roles. By the time she returned to Traverse City, she had a fairly extensive resume in the theatre arts. 

“I wandered into the Old Town Playhouse during a Tech Sunday and asked if I could be of any help,” says Slawson. Soon, she was assisting with hair and makeup. Before long, she was doing all sorts of things around OTP, from painting walls to scrubbing floors to getting parts in a long line of shows on the Main Stage and in the Studio Theatre. This list included Carousel, Mame, Annie and The Music Man. 

Barbara Goodearl then enlisted Slawson in a budding new group—Aged To Perfection. She has been with ATP ever since serving as an actor, stage manager, director and group coordinator. Outside of acting, her favorite role in ATP is directing productions. “It’s great fun and very satisfying to watch people change as they bring forth a character in a play.” 

Current ATP Coordinator, Karen McCosky, states that Slawson’s contribution to the success of ATP will always be appreciated. “It’s her willingness to be available for any task or necessary function that will be remembered. We welcome this opportunity to recognize the time and efforts that were so unselfishly given.”