Author: Angie Sykeny

Angie Sykeny is a Hippo staff writer covering local arts, theater, music and pop culture. She can be reached at [email protected].

On The Job – Melissa Davis

Melissa Davis

Blow Dry Bar Owner

Melissa Davis is the franchise owner of Blo Blow Dry Bar in Bedford, a “no cuts, no color” salon that provides hair styling and makeup application services.

Explain your job and what it entails.

My job is to be here daily, welcoming guests and working with the team to make sure that our wash-blow-dry concept and experience is on point, and that we’re really connecting with the community.

How long have you had this job?

We opened on Aug. 20.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

I’m originally from Manchester. I moved away after high school and spent many years in New York City and a couple years in Toronto and Miami, and blow dry bars are very popular there. I became an avid client at my local blow dry bar and would go weekly or biweekly to get my hair styled for events. When I moved back [to Manchester] about six months ago, I was deciding on a career change. I knew I wanted to start my own business, and I thought there was definitely a need and a market for [a blow dry bar] here in New Hampshire, because there isn’t anything like it here.

What kind of education or training did you need?

I spent the previous 12 years of my career with … a high-end luxury health club. I was in the global sales division and operations division, working with corporate sales teams, hiring teams, opening locations and bringing the concept to new markets. That background [prepared] me for what I’m doing now with Blo.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Our signature colors are hot pink, baby pink and gray, so we wear any of those colors or black or white.

What was it like starting this business during the pandemic?

It’s been pretty smooth so far, but we’ll see what happens with the new [Covid] variant. I think as long as we’re following the mandates and adhering to policies, we’ll … still be able to deliver our services to our guests.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

To go with the flow. There will be hiccups, but as long as you learn to pivot and keep moving forward with your vision, it all ends up falling into place.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

I wish that more people knew that something like this existed. … We’re [working] to educate the public about us and about our concept, but it’s a process, for sure.

What was the first job you ever had?

I worked at a pharmacy when I was 16.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

Keep things in perspective. When you’re really invested in something, it can feel like everything is the end-all-be-all. It really helps if you take things with a grain of salt and calmly strategize your way out of [a problem], versus reacting emotionally.

Five favorites

Favorite book: The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
Favorite movie: Fight Club
Favorite music: Musical theater
Favorite food: Lobster
Favorite thing about NH: The four seasons

Featured photo: Melissa Davis. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 21/09/30

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

•​ Fall fair: The Craftworkers’ Guild presents its Harvest Fair and Shop from Sept. 30 through Oct. 11, with in-person shopping at the Oliver Kendall House (5 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford), as well as online shopping with curbside pickup and shipping available. There will be a variety of handmade goods by juried artisans for sale, including textiles, sculpture, jewelry and more. Shop hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit facebook.com/craftworkersguild.

•​ Downtown theater tour: Intown Concord hosts its Upstairs Downtown Tour on Saturday, Oct 2, from 1 to 4 p.m., in downtown Concord. The tour highlights Concord’s arts and culture through downtown theater and music venues and live entertainment. “It has been a really hard year for our downtown theatres and performers,” Jessica Martin, Intown Concord’s Executive Director, said in a press release. “We are thrilled to be able to support them in person again, safely, as this will be a masked event.” A short film at Red River Theatres kicks off the tour at 1 p.m., followed by performances by Grateful Dead tribute band Crawl Space at the Capitol Center for the Arts; Walker Smith at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage; the Concord Community Players, with a preview of their upcoming production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park at Phenix Hall; and the Club Soda Band at Eagle Square. Tickets cost $40, which includes a guided tour, appetizers and the entertainment. Advance registration is required. Visit intownconcord.org or call 226-2150.

•​ A picture of New Hampshire: “New Hampshire Now,” a collaborative photography project presented by the New Hampshire Historical Society and the New Hampshire Society of Photographic Artists, will be on display in eight exhibitions opening on Friday, Oct. 1, at museums and historical societies across the state. Nearly 50 photographers participated in the project, taking more than 5,000 photos of New Hampshire people, places, culture and events from 2018 to 2020 to create a 21st-century portrait of life in the Granite State. Exhibition locations include Belknap Mill Society in Laconia; Colby-Sawyer College in New London; Portsmouth Historical Society; Historical Society of Cheshire County in Keene; the Manchester Historic Association; Museum of the White Mountains at Plymouth State University; and the Tillotson Center in Colebrook; with the flagship exhibition at the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord. Visit newhampshirenow.org and nhhistory.org.

• Neil Simon classic: Get your tickets now for the Community Players of Concord’s production of Barefoot in the Park, which will run at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Friday, Oct. 15, and Saturday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $16 for youth ages 17 and under and seniors age 65 and up if purchased by Oct. 13, and $20/$18 after Oct. 13. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

ART

Call for Art

• WOMEN’S ARTISAN FAIR Girls at Work, a Manchester-based nonprofit that empowers girls through woodworking and building, is seeking artists for this fair, which is set for Oct. 15 and 16. Women artisans are invited to submit handcrafted fashion pieces, home goods, paintings and other visual arts for consideration. Visit girlswork.org or call 345-0392.

Exhibits

• “THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX” Exhibit featuring experimental pieces in a variety of media created by local artists during the pandemic. On view through Sept. 30. Art 3 Gallery (44 W. Brook St., Manchester, 668-6650, art3gallery.com).

• “AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE” On exhibit at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center, 49 S. Main St., Concord, on view now through Dec. 16. Featuring the work of New Hampshire Art Association member Elaine Farmer, the exhibit features her oil paintings embodying New Hampshire’s iconic views and ideals, ranging from mountain lakes and birch tree woods to historic landmarks. Visit nhartassociation.org.

• JOAN L. DUNFEY EXHIBITION Features artwork in a variety of media by regional NHAA members and non-members that follows the theme “Portals.” On display at the New Hampshire Art Association’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St., Portsmouth. Now through Nov. 28. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “AS PRECIOUS AS GOLD: CARPETS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD” Exhibit features 32 carpets dating from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). Opens Oct. 23. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• “SALON 2021” Exhibition features offbeat and experimental works in a variety of media by regional artists with diverse studio practices and artistic approaches. The Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com). Nov. 6 through Jan. 6.

• “TOMIE DEPAOLA AT THE CURRIER” Exhibition celebrates the illustrator’s life and legacy through a collection of his original drawings. On view now. Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• ART ON MAIN The City of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce present a year-round outdoor public art exhibit in Concord’s downtown featuring works by professional sculptors. All sculptures will be for sale. Visit concordnhchamber.com/creativeconcord, call 224-2508 or email [email protected].

• WOMEN’S ARTISAN FAIR Girls at Work, a Manchester-based nonprofit that empowers girls through woodworking and building, features handcrafted fashion pieces, home goods, paintings and other visual arts by women artisans. Fri., Oct 15, and Sat. Oct. 16. Visit girlswork.org or call 345-0392.

Fairs and markets

• CONCORD ARTS MARKET Outdoor artisan and fine art market. Every third Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Now through October. Rollins Park (33 Bow St., Concord). Visit concordartsmarket.net.

Special events

• FALL IRON MELT Participants create an iron tile of their own design by scratching it into a 6-by-6-inch sand mold and coat it with a liquid graphite, then watch as molten iron is poured into their molds on site. Participants can pick up their mold from the Andres Institute of Art, 106 Route 13, Brookline. Pickup dates are Sept. 23, Sept. 25, Sept. 30 and Oct. 2. Dop-off dates are the same as pickup dates, plus Oct. 7. Designs will be poured and ready to pick back up on Oct. 14 and Oct. 16. Register anytime now until Oct. 2 to secure a kit. The cost is $40 per mold. Visit andresinstitute.org.

Workshops and classes

• GENERAL ART CLASSES In-person art classes for all levels and two-dimensional media. held with small groups of two to five students. Private classes are also available. Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery (32 Hanover St., Manchester). Students are asked to wear masks in the gallery. Tuition costs $20 per group class and $28 per private class, with payment due at the beginning of the class. Call 493-1677 or visit dianecrespofineart.com for availability.

THEATER

Shows

•​ GLORIOUS The Winnipesaukee Playhouse presents. 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith. Sept. 22 through Oct. 9, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., plus matinees on Tuesday, Sept. 28, and Thursday, Sept. 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 to $37. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

•​ CRUEL INTENTIONS THE ’90s MUSICAL Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents. Sept. 23 through Oct. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• GREATER TUNA The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Oct. 1 through Oct. 10, with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets $22 for adults, $19 for students and seniors. Visit hatboxnh.com.

•​ 9/12 New World Theatre presents. Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth). Oct. 8 through Oct. 17, with showtimes Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets $25 for adults and $22 for ages 65 and up and students. Visit playersring.org.

Reviving the river

Work begins on whitewater park in Franklin

After six years of planning, construction on New England’s first whitewater park is underway on the Winnipesaukee River in Franklin, with the first of three water features expected to be completed in December. The new park also includes a land-based portion, Mill City Park at Franklin Falls, which opened to the public in June. Marty Parichand, founder and executive director of Mill City Park at Franklin Falls, discussed the project, including the park’s features and what makes it unique.

What is the historic and geographic significance of the park?

The mills gave Franklin a reason to exist. They were churning out products and [provided] jobs and opportunity for people. … The river drains Lake Winnipesaukee, which is a ton of water … and it drops pretty steeply into downtown, so as a mill town Franklin relied on that river. … When the mills ended, [the town] turned their back on the river [because] it was no longer the economic engine of the town. … What’s interesting about Mill City Park is the juxtaposition between nature and [the mills] that used to be there. … New Hampshire does a really good job with preserving natural beauty — places like the White Mountains and Bear Brook State Park — but in Mill City Park, you have nature taking that site back.

What activities will people be able to do on the water?

It’s not like a place with water slides or an infinity pool or anything like that. The whitewater features aren’t built for running whitewater rapids; they’re built for playing and surfing inside of the river. Because the water comes down the river from Lake Winnipesaukee, we don’t have to wait for water from other places, so you’ll be able to surf inside the river 365 days a year. … We’ve engineered three different whitewater features: two for people on boogie boards and whitewater kayaks to sit in one location, and [one] that’s a wave feature for people on surfboards.

What can people do at Mill City Park?

Mill City Park was based on an idea for a free 13-acre adventure park. It includes a parking lot, about three quarters of a mile of trails and historic viewing spots of [mill] ruins, the trestle bridge, the upside-down covered bridge and the graffiti wall. … We’re still planning to build a bathhouse and a timber-frame pavilion in the upcoming year.

Is there anything else like this in New Hampshire?

No. There are 300 whitewater parks across the country, but not one in New England.

How will the park benefit the city of Franklin?

It’s free outdoor recreation, a place where the public can interact with the river. … It’s a fun place to sit down, watch [water sports], play or have lunch. … It gives people [a reason] to come here and [patronize[ the downtown businesses. It’s increasing the value of our town, attracting more businesses [and] developers here. … [The park] isn’t even fully built yet, and there’s already been a positive impact on the community.

What inspired you to start this project?

I had a good-paying job as an engineer … but I wasn’t around much for my kids, and I was always preoccupied or thinking about work. One day I woke up and realized I wasn’t doing the things in life that I really cared about. I [thought] about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and decided that I wanted to really prioritize having fun while making a positive impact. I love spending time on the water. I’ve been around whitewater since 2000, and I’ve seen how it brings people together. I’ve seen how vibrant towns and cities that have this free outdoor amenity can be. … Now I live in Franklin, and I really wanted to see that in my town.

What’s the next step?

This year we’re building a pedestrian walkway, an amphitheatre and one of the whitewater features. We’re hoping to have construction on those done in December.

Featured photo: Marty Parichand. Courtesy photo.

On The Job – Dan Segal

Dan Segal

Skateboard coach

Dan Segal is a Manchester-based skateboard coach and owner of Evolution Skateboard Academy, which offers skateboarding lessons for kids.

Explain your job and what it entails.

If there are kids who want to learn to skate or are struggling with learning … their parents contact me, and we schedule a time to meet at a skate park of their choice. Then, I work with the kid — we start with the basics — and I teach them how to skate.

How long have you had this job?

In the ’90s I owned an indoor skateboard park in Massachusetts. I started teaching lessons there professionally in 1997. After the park closed and through the years I kept helping kids … and started Evolution Skateboard Academy this year in May.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

Skateboarding has saved my life multiple times. … When I was growing up it gave me a way to get out of an abusive household. It helped with my anxiety, with my ADHD, and it put me with a group of kids who automatically became my best friends. … But I had no natural ability to skateboard, so I struggled brutally early on when I was trying to learn. In the age of no internet, I had to learn through skate videos that were coming out on VHS, and it was hard that way to break through that barrier of progression. … That’s why I’ve always had this natural urge to help kids who are trying to learn to skate. … One day I saw an ad on Indeed for a skateboard coach … and realized that this is a new industry. Skateboard coaches are a thing. This is in demand.

What kind of education or training did you need?

As a business owner, it’s been a lot of trial and error. I made a lot of mistakes and corrected them early on, and I’ve learned a lot that way.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Casual. I wear my sneakers, and my T-shirts with the Evolution Skateboard Academy logo on it.

What was it like starting this business during the pandemic?

It was actually pretty easy to accomplish because we’re outside and it’s very easy to modify the lessons so that we’re socially distanced.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

I wish I had known that people wanted this service a long time ago. I had 996 hits [on the website] in July alone. … I had zero idea that it was in this high demand.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

When kids get into skateboarding, that scares a lot of parents, because they don’t know anything about it. It’s not like watching a football game where the kid scores a touchdown and there’s something to cheer at … but there’s so much more behind skateboarding. … I was teaching this one kid who was very shy and full of anxiety. In the first lesson, he could barely stand on [the board]. Six lessons later he was walking into the park with head high. He was smiling. He had a group of friends who had taken him under his wing. His mother was floored by what skateboarding had done for her son.

What was the first job you ever had?

D’Angelo, making sandwiches when I was 14.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

It’s not about how you fall down; it’s about how you get up —progress, not perfection. It’s the same thing I tell the kids. Dust yourself off and keep moving, because that’s life.

Five favorites

Favorite book: A Million Little Pieces and anything by Charles Bukowski
Favorite movie: The Princess Bride
Favorite music: I grew up on punk rock and metal, and I still love it today.
Favorite food: Cupcakes
Favorite thing about NH: The people and the attitude

Featured photo: Dan Segal. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 21/09/23

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Urban pottery: There’s still time to see some urban art at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) in its exhibition “Roberto Lugo: Te traigo mi le lo lai – I bring you my joy,” on display through Sept. 26. Lugo is a Philadelphia-based potter, painter, social activist, spoken word poet and educator. His pottery reimagines traditional forms and techniques with inspiration from urban graffiti and hip-hop culture. In this exhibition Lugo pays homage to his Puerto Rican heritage and explores his cultural identity and its connection to family, place and legacy. Museum admission costs $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up. Museum hours are Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• One person, one performance: The Community Players of Concord will continue their run of Nassim Soleimanpour’s White Rabbit Red Rabbit at the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) through Sept. 26, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. According to a press release, the one-person play is unique in that the actors who perform it can only perform it once and must have never seen it or read the script before their performance. There are no rehearsals or directors, and the actor will not get to see the script until it is given to them at the beginning of the play. Each show will be performed by a different actor. Tickets cost $22 to $25 for adults, $19 to $22 for members, seniors and students, and $16 to $19 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• Family shows: The Kids Coop Theatre will perform Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway in Derry) from Friday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 25, at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 26, at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $15. See kids-coop-theatre.org for more on the show and kidscooptheatre.ludus.com to purchase tickets.

Cirque-Tacular will perform at The Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; anselm.edu) on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $45. The Dana Center’s website describes the show as a “high-flying carnival” featuring aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, illusionists, trapeze artists and fire performers.

• Book sales: Pick up some used books at one of these book sales happening this weekend. The friends of Brookline Public Library are hosting a two-day book sale at the library (4 Main St., Brookline) on Saturday, Sept. 25, and Sunday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. There will be hardbound and paperback books of all fiction and nonfiction genres, as well as CDs, DVDs and audio books. Visit brooklinenh.us/brookline-public-library.

Bring the kids to A Freethinker’s Corner(652 A Central Ave., Dover) on Saturday, Sept. 25, from noon to 4 p.m. for a multi-book children’s author signing and sale, where you can meet New England children’s, middle grade and young adult authors of all genres. Call 343-2437 or visit freethinkerscorner.com.

ART

Call for Art

• WOMEN’S ARTISAN FAIR Girls at Work, a Manchester-based nonprofit that empowers girls through woodworking and building, is seeking artists for this fair, which is set for Oct. 15 and 16. Women artisans are invited to submit handcrafted fashion pieces, home goods, paintings and other visual arts for consideration. Visit girlswork.org or call 345-0392.

Exhibits

• “THE SHOP” Photographs of European Auto of Rye by Carol Van Loon. New Hampshire Art Association’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St., Portsmouth. On view through Sept. 26. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• JOAN L. DUNFEY EXHIBITION Features artwork in a variety of media by regional NHAA members and non-members that follows the theme “Portals.” On display at the New Hampshire Art Association’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St., Portsmouth, Sept. 29 through Nov. 28. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX” Exhibit featuring experimental pieces in a variety of media created by local artists during the pandemic. On view through Sept. 30. Art 3 Gallery (44 W. Brook St., Manchester, 668-6650, art3gallery.com).

• “AS PRECIOUS AS GOLD: CARPETS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD” Exhibit features 32 carpets dating from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). Opens Oct. 23. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• “KICK-START!” Also known as “the shoe show,” this themed art exhibition from the Women’s Caucus for Art’s New Hampshire Chapter opens at Twiggs Gallery, 254 King St., Boscawen. The exhibit runs through Oct. 31. The shoe theme is expressed in a variety of works like paintings, sculptures, artist books, drawings and mixed media pieces. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com.

• “AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE” On exhibit at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center, 49 S. Main St., Concord, from Sept. 21 through Dec. 16. Featuring the work of New Hampshire Art Association member Elaine Farmer, the exhibit features her oil paintings embodying New Hampshire’s iconic views and ideals, ranging from mountain lakes and birch tree woods to historic landmarks. Visit concordnhchamber.com or nhartassociation.org.

• “1,000 CRANES FOR NASHUA” Featuring more than 1,000 origami paper cranes created by hundreds of Nashua-area kids, adults and families since April. On display now at The Atrium at St. Joseph Hospital, 172 Kinsley St., Nashua. Visit nashuasculpturesymposium.org.

• GALLERY ART A new collection of art by more than 20 area artists on display now in-person and online. Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford). Call 672-2500 or visit creativeventuresfineart.com.

• “SALON 2021” Exhibition features offbeat and experimental works in a variety of media by regional artists with diverse studio practices and artistic approaches. The Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com). Nov. 6 through Jan. 6.

• “THE DYSFUNCTION OF SOCIAL PRACTICE” Kelley Stelling Contemporary presents an exhibition featuring paintings, sculpture and performance works by five New Hampshire artists. Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord). Opens Nov. 20. Visit kelleystellingcontemporary.com.

Fairs and markets

• CANTERBURY ARTISAN FESTIVAL The event celebrated artisanal, handcrafted works, also featuring live music and demonstrations. Sat., Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for Village members and free for kids, teens and young adults under 25. Visit shakers.org.

• 40TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL AND NATURE ART SHOW Event hosted by the Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org) will feature art by regional artists, children’s art, live music, live animal demonstrations, guided hikes and natural products for sale. Sat., Sept. 25, and Sun., Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Special events

• FALL IRON MELT Participants create an iron tile of their own design by scratching it into a 6-by-6-inch sand mold and coat it with a liquid graphite, then watch as molten iron is poured into their molds on site. Participants can pick up their mold from the Andres Institute of Art, 106 Route 13, Brookline. Pickup dates are Sept. 23, Sept. 25, Sept. 30 and Oct. 2. Dop-off dates are the same as pickup dates, plus Oct. 7. Designs will be poured and ready to pick back up on Oct. 14 and Oct. 16. Register anytime now until Oct. 2 to secure a kit. The cost is $40 per mold. Visit andresinstitute.org.

THEATER

Shows

• WHITE RABBIT RED RABBITProduced by the Community Players of Concord. Hatbox Theatre, 270 Loudon Road, Concord. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., and Sundays, 2 p.m., Sept. 10 through Sept. 26. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

• TRUE TALES LIVE Monthly showcase of storytellers. Held virtually via Zoom. Last Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., September through December. Visit truetaleslivenh.org.

•​ GLORIOUS The Winnipesaukee Playhouse presents. 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith. Sept. 22 through Oct. 9, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., plus matinees on Tuesday, Sept. 28, and Thursday, Sept. 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 to $37. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

•​ CRUEL INTENTIONS THE ’90s MUSICAL Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents. Sept. 23 through Oct. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• GREATER TUNA The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Oct. 1 through Oct. 10, with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets $22 for adults, $19 for students and seniors. Visit hatboxnh.com.

•​ 9/12 New World Theatre presents. Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth). Oct. 8 through Oct. 17, with showtimes Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets $25 for adults and $22 for ages 65 and up and students. Visit playersring.org.

Differences welcome

New school district position prioritizes diversity initiatives

Andres Mejia has been named the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice for the Exeter Region Cooperative School District — the first position of its kind in a school district in New Hampshire. Mejia talked about the newly created position, why it was needed and what he hopes to accomplish during his tenure.

Why was this position created?

The position was created to bring in someone who can help with DEIJ initiatives in schools, with community building and [making sure] everyone feels like they belong here and that their voice matters … no matter what their perspectives, political views, identities or differences are.

What is your background in this type of work?

I’ve been involved in social justice work for the past 11 years, working with different student organizations as a social justice educator, providing workshops for faculty and staff and learning about DEIJ work or social justice work. I’ve helped with the retention and recruitment of students of color, and first-generation low-income white students. I’ve worked in multiple school districts helping them work with professional circles around racial equity to understand this work more.

How did you come into this position?

Social justice work is my passion; it’s part of who I am. … When I first came to New Hampshire, I thought, ‘Why do I feel so different? Why do people keep treating me wrong or treating me differently?’ That’s when I started to get involved in social justice, so I could help make New Hampshire a place where everyone feels like they belong. … I was [working] at New Hampshire Listens at the University of New Hampshire when I heard about this position. I was surprised and proud to see that a district had created a position focused on moving [DEIJ] work forward, and I applied.

What exactly does your job entail?

It can look different every day. One day, I’m working with educators and administrators to move DEIJ forward in their schools. … Another day, I’m meeting with parents who are also doing DEIJ work and parents who don’t understand what DEIJ is and what it looks like in schools. Some days, I’m working with our human resources departments to recruit and retain a diverse pool of staff, administrators, educators and faculty — people of different races, people in the LGBT+ community, people with disabilities, people [speaking] different languages. … I also plan on going into the schools to work with the students who are part of student organizations that are already doing DEIJ work to let them know that their voices do matter.

What do you anticipate being the biggest challenge of your work?

The biggest challenge is going to be making sure that families have correct, accurate information. … There’s a lot of misinformation about DEIJ, so there are people who fear it and push away from it because they don’t really understand what it is. … It’s not going to take away from anything else; it’s just putting an extra lens on how we make decisions, the policies we create, the stories we tell, the images we show and who we recruit so that we’re [including] people with different perspectives. … Not everyone has to totally agree with everything we’re doing; we just want to make sure they have enough information to agree or disagree fairly, and to understand that we’re here to make our communities better for everyone.

What would you like to see for the future of this position?

I hope it’s not the only one or one of very few in the state. … I’d like to see every school district have a DEIJ office. … It’s going to take all of us — families, schools, community members — coming together and understanding our differences to move this work forward, and that’s what I’m here to [facilitate].

Featured photo: Andres Mejia. Courtesy photo.

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