After 95 years on this earth, Pit & Balcony Community Theatre sat down with Managing Director, Amy Spadafore, to finally spill the tea on living a long, happy, and outrageously resilient life.
AS: You’ve been part of Saginaw’s arts scene since 1932, and honestly—you look incredible. What’s your secret?
P&B: Oh, that’s easy: love your community. If you love them fiercely, they’ll love you right back—and that kind of love will keep you going longer than any wrinkle cream. When the American Association of University Women first brought me into the world, I think they just wanted something fun to do. I’m not sure any of them expected I’d outlive them all, but they gave me a foundation so strong I’ve basically been obligated to thrive ever since.
AS: You’ve survived depressions, wars, fire, recessions, a pandemic…and, possibly the hardest, the invention of television. How do you stay so resilient?
P&B: Haha. TVs were tough. But the answer is people. Surround yourself with humans who won’t let you fall on your face. No one makes it through this world solo—not even a theatre with an overdeveloped sense of drama. I’ve had incredible teams over the decades who pushed, supported, and believed in me. The relationships you nurture are the ones that will carry you through the plot twists.
AS: Final question. What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone hoping to live as full—and as fun—a life as you?
P&B: Stay flexible. Truly. The world today looks nothing like it did when I showed up in 1932. The people, the plays, the times—they’re always changing, and you’ve gotta stretch with them. Longevity takes growth, and growth takes flexibility. I’m the same theatre I was 95 years ago—just a little bigger, a little braver, and still growing.
AS: Pit & Balcony, thank you for your time. All 95 years of it. Here’s to a new season and decades more to come!