TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Face Behind Masque

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: December 31, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Masque Community Theatre President Joe LoPinto describes Ruth Kegel as the "glue" that holds the nonprofit group together.

"Ruth is the theater," LoPinto said.

He has watched Kegel do promotions, coordinate costumes, make props, handle the lighting, create playbills and manage concessions. He also has seen her produce, direct and act in numerous productions, often without remuneration, over the five-year period he has known her.

And he never ceases to be amazed by the ease in which Kegel, 49, handles so many different roles and that whatever money she earns goes back into the theater's costumes and props.

But what impresses him most is her extraordinary connection with elementary-, middle- and high school-aged actors.

"Not only is Ruth who also works a full-time job with an insurance agency talented and hardworking, but she has sacrificed so much of her own life for the kids," LoPinto said. "This is her life."

Her husband, Vince, often works along side her in whatever capacity needed. He said it is not unusual for Ruth, also a Masque board member and the vice president of marketing, to send out e-mails to parents or other board members at midnight or 6 a.m.

He is proud of her dedication to the organization, especially to the kids. Many hope to become professionals, and she is willing to work individually with them "at all hours of the day."

"The first couple of words that come to mind are passion and compassion for kids ages 6 to 16, and making sure their dreams are fulfilled," Vince said as he described Ruth, who has no biological children of her own.

He said the toughest part of what she does is telling children who audition for a part they did not make the cut.

"She does not take that lightly, but she wants them to realize there are other opportunities," Vince said.

Ruth always takes the time to listen to what the kids have to say, he said. "It's never about her, and that's why you'll never see her name on the marquee."
Mindy Foskey of Westchase was able to see Ruth in action when her daughter, Atlanta, 14, had a role in Masque's "Beauty and the Beast."

"Some would say she is demanding, but she's able to get out of them what they are able to give. And she also gives it her all," Foskey said. "The kids just absolutely love and respect her."

Atlanta, a freshman at Alonso High, was thrilled to be cast in the play and to take positive criticism from Ruth.

"It became the most amazing experience of my life," she said. "I really connected with Ms. Kegel, and I found she gives 100 percent of herself in everything she does."

Sandy Wright of Temple Terrace has gotten both of her daughters, Jamey, 14, and Lindsay, 12, involved in Masque. She is Impressed with how Ruth teaches them character-building, stage presence and articulation skills.

"One of my daughters was really shy, and by the end she was really confident," Wright said. "Ruth helps them realize their potential, and that's not always easy. She's fabulous, and she is one of the most giving people I know."

Ruth came on board at Masque about nine years ago with two high school plays to her credit and singing experience in her church choir, but with no formal training. She auditioned for a part she did not get, but because of her community relations knowledge was tagged for the producer's role.

Throughout the years, she not only has honed her theater-teaching techniques but has made it a priority to educate the children about the importance of giving back to their community. They have participated in the Temple Terrace Fourth of July parade and they have performed for patients at the Shriners Hospitals for Children - Tampa and the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital. They also have brought kids from The Children's Home to see plays, and this year the kids collected toys for Metropolitan Ministries.

"It's not just all about learning your script," Ruth said.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT