Friends of Tabletop: Meet John and Peter from Lakeland Cultural Arts Center

Friends of Tabletop is a place where we share who we love working with. This can range from a client, influencer/blogger, or special someone who simply means a lot to the Tabletop Team. Colleagues and friends who we’ve met throughout our journey with Tabletop Media Group make us a part of who we are.

For our October Friends of Tabletop, meet John and Peter from Lakeland Cultural Arts Center!

Pictured from left to right: John DuVall and Peter Holloway

Tell us about Lakeland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC).

Lakeland is the recently rebuilt Arts Center in Littleton, NC, bringing people together from the entire Lake Gaston area with arts, entertainment and education.

What is your position at LCAC?

John: I am the Artistic Director, responsible for everything on the artistic side of LCAC, although everything is a collaborative effort amongst the whole team. As AD, I oversee the look and quality of all LCAC productions, the curation of our gallery, acting classes, and working with Peter on season and movie selection. I am also focused on cultivating the next generation of actors, singers and directors.

Peter: I am the Executive Director. It's my role to keep things moving from a business and community perspective, and to work together with John, the rest of our staff, our Board and our wonderful volunteers to make Lakeland all it can be.

What production are you looking the most forward to at LCAC?

John: It’s not a specific show, but I am very excited about the Actor’s Studio Series, which will offer smaller, more intimate shows that might deal with contemporary topics or social issues. This series of plays will create a wide range of exciting opportunities for everyone involved - how a director blocks a show in round, perhaps, or how an actor prepares a challenging role, or how an audience member might react to a performance that is two feet in front of them. Hopefully, these shows will spark discussion within the audience.

Peter: Whatever is coming next - we have a lot of interesting plays and concerts on the calendar.

What about favorite production in general?

John: If you mean what is my favorite aspect of producing a show - it is the rehearsal process. So much discussion and discovery while an actor builds a character - I love it. If you are asking which is my favorite production - impossible to name just one. As an actor, most of my favorite roles are ones that challenged to do better, to go farther. As a director, my favorite shows will always involve an actor or cast who creates theatre brilliance.

Peter: I don't think I have a favorite production, but I think my favorite show is Guys and Dolls - I've been fortunate to have been in that show several times and it is always fun for cast and audience alike.

What is your favorite memory from opening LCAC?

John: After the renovation, re-opening was almost dreamlike - but what brought the final piece into place and brought it all into reality for me was the opening gala itself, primarily the people. Having a full lobby and theatre was what the space was lacking, and the shift in energy was palpable and thrilling.

Peter: Gosh, it's only been two weeks. Seems too soon to reminisce, lol. I was glad it all went so well, from the guests, to the volunteers, to the band, to the staff and caterers, I think everyone had a good time.

Bar order? If you don't drink, what's your coffee order?

John: My favorite cocktail is The Last Word, but I also love a good Manhattan or glass of red wine.

Peter: Yeah, I'm afraid I'm a dud here - I don't drink alcohol or coffee. Diet coke.

What is one of your unpopular opinions? (i.e. opinion you have that goes against the norm)

John: Hmmm - that’s difficult and very subjective, as the definition of “the norm” seems to be always changing. I am very liberal, so there’s that. Won’t every opinion go against someone else’s norm? I’m going to play safe and say “ketchup does not belong on a hot dog”. There. I’ve said it.

Peter: That there are many more things that should bring people together than politics and ideologies that would keep us apart.

What is your favorite thing about Littleton, NC?

John: I have been coming here for years before I moved here, to visit my parents who are lucky enough to have a house on Lake Gaston, so I have great memories of friends and family spending time together on the lake and in Littleton and Warrenton. There are some amazing people who live in this area, and I am always humbled by the volunteers who give so much of themselves to keep Lakeland going.

Peter: You know, for a small town, Littleton has a bit of everything. There's some fun shops and restaurants, and of course, great recreational options on the lake. Maybe the best part is the laid back friendliness of the people.

Do you have a favorite story about how you got to where you are in your career?

Peter: I've gotten the chance to work with a lot of people over the years, a few that were famous, most that were not - but you try to learn something from all your experiences, good and bad. Theater teaches you to respect the process, and know that it takes the efforts of a lot of people both out front and those behind the scenes to get anything done.

What is your favorite part of your job?

John: So many things! I love helping an actor reach the next level in their craft, I love curating our art gallery, and planning the cultural exhibits. There is always a feeling of creativity, and no two days are ever the same!

Peter: I like the variety - you never know what may happen on any given day.

What's the most useful lesson you've learned from working in arts and theater?

John: Theatre has the possibility to change lives, and it definitely changed mine. Theatre teaches you so much, more than I can name here, but I will list a few. Theatre teaches you confidence, dedication, and adaptability. It allows you to be vulnerable and strong at the same time. Theatre requires you to put your trust in other people on stage, and a good actor must also be a giving actor. Art can inspire and create empathy, and it can educate and illuminate. It is one of the most powerful and enduring aspects of our human culture, and it is one of the primary ways we learn about past civilizations and cultures.

Peter: Everyone has a role to play, and a story to tell. All you have to do is listen.