By Martie Thompson
editor@floridanewsline.com
Patty Everett hails from a long-standing Mandarin family and has lived in Mandarin most of her adult life. A native of Jacksonville, she attended both Florida State College at Jacksonville and the University of North Florida, earning a degree in nursing. She worked for several years as a surgical nurse locally, but after staying at home to homeschool her children, discovered that her passion is really for theater. She has been involved with a number of local theatre groups and productions and also serves on the board of the Mandarin Community Club. Currently, she is founder of Theatre Troupe 1776, which performs at the Mandarin Community Club. She has been married to her husband, Greg, for 30 years and has four children, three grandchildren, and is presently raising her eight-year-old great nephew.
Q: What historical family from Mandarin are you descended from?
A: Pvt. Gabriel Hartley, who is mentioned in the Mandarin Museum, and was married to a Minorcan woman, is in my family tree. So, I’m related to the Hartleys. Also, we know my great grandfather had orange groves in the area; we’re trying to find out exactly where they were located. I am fascinated by history and genealogy.
Q: How did you get involved in theatre?
A: More than 10 years ago, I started teaching a homeschool theatre course. We became involved with the Northeast Florida Conservatory; my girls were in plays and I also performed in shows, as well as served as assistant director and stage manager. I was very involved until they closed in 2018. The group kind of spun into the short-lived Fine Arts Conservatory, and I directed “Pride and Prejudice” with them. Next came Act II Players, where I directed “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Unmasked,” an original play by McKenna Rowell.
Q: How did Theatre Troupe 1776 come about?
A: When we were performing “Unmasked,” we took the show on the road for 14 shows, including as a field trip for children at San Juan del Rio. During this time, the cast met and decided to form a troupe. A troupe, as opposed to a theatre company, uses the same members in its shows and we focus on original works. Members of the troupe all work together; cast members do the props and the costuming, for instance. In September, we staged “1945 Cabaret 1945” as a fundraiser for the Mandarin Community Club. We covered all the expenses so that all revenues could go right to the club.
Q: What is Theatre Troupe 1776’s next production?
A: “Letters to Victoria,” set in the 1940s, is being staged at the Mandarin Community Club in late September. We also have shows scheduled for early October: Oct. 3 – 6. Tickets are available at https://www.showtixnow.com/.
Q: What is your favorite part about being involved with the troupe?
A: I enjoy watching the young actors as they grow and develop. I also like to bring new things to the community that they haven’t seen before, like the play from 1776, which was very well received. “Letters to Victoria” is set in the 1940s and we’re trying to bring attention to veterans from that time. We really want to tie in history with art.
Photo courtesy Patty Everett
Patty Everett
