Alumni Interview: Barbe Helwig

Who: Barbe Helwig
Years at Weathervane: 1973 – current
Position: Actor, Board Member

When did you become part of the Weathervane family? What show/role/position were you in?
My first show at Weathervane was in 1973. I was in the ensemble of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

What do you do now? How has the COVID-19 shutdown been like for you? How do you stay creative?
I am retired after being a secretary at Granville High School for 18 years. My days are pretty much the same as they were before COVID other than not being able to attend or participate in shows. Other than making jewelry (which I was doing before COVID) I haven’t really been all that creative. I have a computer project which has been ongoing for a number of years that I am continuing to do, but it has nothing to do with creativity, just data.

How do you stay in touch with people after a show or a season closes?
I am Facebook friends with most of the people with whom I have done shows, but I don’t hang out with anyone once a show is over. I also perform at Licking County Players, so I will see those folks more often since the casts are mostly the same from show to show.

What is the longest distance between you and someone you stay in touch with after getting to know each other at Weathervane? (ie. Ohio and Arizona)
“Staying in touch” and just checking Facebook off and on to see what someone is doing is not quite the same. I imagine Australia would be the longest distance as a couple actors with whom I performed also performed there.

What does being a part of the Weathervane family mean to you?
I love meeting lots of different creative people and seeing what joy and fun they bring to Weathervane. I like working the auditions and seeing old friends returning and new ones hoping to join us.

What would you say to the patrons and cast of Weathervane’s 2020 Summer Season? Any advice on how to stay connected or words of encouragement?
To the patrons – thanks for being so loyal to WV and know that if there had been any way to bring the 2020 season to you, we would have done so. To the 2020 cast – I am so bummed I didn’t get a chance to work with you this summer, but, fingers crossed, we’ll ALL get a chance to make magic next summer. We’ll have a whole year to learn our lines!