Grace Bishop was a Grande dame. She was royalty in the regal world of central Alabama’s community theatre. She was respected as an actress, director and most notably as one of the small group of visionaries who got together to form the Wetumpka Depot Players. Grace was a character – on stage and off.  

She took the business of Community Theater seriously, but never herself. She was creative, whimsical, irreverent and playful. But perhaps the best description of her is a word referencing Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream … Grace was Puckish!

 Grace was a spark that moved us all. She was creative, knowledgeable, and unafraid. Once as an idea for a fundraiser, she suggested a calendar featuring photos of each member of the Depot Board photos – in the nude. We aren’t sure if she was completely serious, but if there had been enough “ayes” there is no doubt she would have been the first one in line for the photo shoot.    

In the last few years, age had begun to take a toll on her – as it does with us all – but she attended nearly every play and board meeting at the Depot. She continued to watch rehearsals and offered sought-after advice to fledgling directors and actors. She became a bit frail in body, but was always young in spirit. The sparkle in her eyes showed an inner energy, a love of the theatre and all those who are a part of this special fraternity of individuals who come to play.

In Shakespeare’s Midsummer, Theseus speaks: “This passion, and the death of a dear friend, would go near to make a man look sad.” Grace would be furious if she saw us shed a tear on her behalf. She is likely at a rehearsal now – patting the Bard on the back, smiling at his latest efforts and giving her patented one word review, “Wonderful!”