Natalia Naman-Temesgen: Break a leg, Ron

Once upon a time, I only answered to "Nat." It's a family nickname, but I tried to make it stick with everyone I met. I was a pre-teen, hungry for a unique identity.

One of the only people who I am sure remembers that phase is Ron Anderson, associate artistic director and director of the Academy at the Springer Opera House. All but one of my T-shirts from Springer Academy bear "Nat" in the nametag spot. And he still calls me that.

The Ledger-Enquirer reported last week that Ron will remain in his roles with the Springer for one more year, then retire next summer to devote more time to his family.

It's been a nostalgic few days in light of this news. Ron is a man I literally called Father (I played one of his children in a late-'90s Springer production of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol,") and it does feel like our history is almost familial. I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling this way.

As an Academy camper, we all looked to Ron as a sort of godfather. He was the one who gave us our charge at the beginning of each day. The one who led us in his signature focus-breathing exercise. The one who taught us to end the day in a line dance set to a 1990 C+C Music Factory single. For those going "huh?," rest assured -- his one-of-a-kind ways were a big hit.

But then, Ron has a child at home besides his many "godchildren," and his son will surely benefit from having dad around in his fullness. It strikes me that the balance between work and family is one that he has wisely taken seriously.

Ron will leave quite the legacy behind at the Springer, in more than one sense. His dedication to theater and young people will live on as the heartbeat of the Academy, but he's also leaving behind actual property of value -- the renovated classrooms and new second stage that will keep giving for years to come. He will also leave a high standard that his successor will have to work to meet.

You've hopefully caught on to the fact that I'm a big theater person. From a very young age I loved to put on a show, but my introduction to the craft of theater came from Springer Academy. Ron called it that: a craft. He looked at my class of 10-year-olds and spoke to us as apprentices, not goofy kids. He and the other Academy teachers taught us that great craftsmanship is not a matter of raw talent, but practice and humility -- a dedicated investment of time and energy. This truth serves me not only as a theater maker, but also in most aspects of life.

Ron, I wish you your best year yet. Thank you for your earnest, generous spirit, and the many gifts you've passed on over the years. Break legs, this last run. Your house is standing room only.

Natalia Naman Temesgen is an independent correspondent. Contact her at nataliadian1@gmail.com or on Twitter @cafeaulazy.

This story was originally published August 30, 2014 at 10:48 PM with the headline "Natalia Naman-Temesgen: Break a leg, Ron."