Calling it her “dream job,” Tara E. Enedy took over as the new director of operations of the Altoona Community Theatre in November and is earning rave reviews despite a COVID-19-induced pause in performances.

A Hollidaysburg resident, Enedy brings a diverse skill set, organizational aptitude and knowledge of the all-volunteer organization from her previous roles as an actor, stage manager and ACT board member. ACT has a volunteer base of about 200 individuals — 100 of those are “very active,” Enedy said of those who choose to give up their nights and weekends.

“(ACT) has a lot of moving parts,” said Bryce Cossitor, vice-president of ACT’s board of directors. “I’m pleased and very comfortable with her in this position. She has a lot of fresh ideas and understands operations and the inner workings of the organization. She can make a big impact and move us ahead.”

For Enedy, her new role is a dream come true.

“When I became involved in ACT about 12 years ago, Steve Helsel was our executive director and he was a big mentor to me. I thought then, that when Steve chose to retire, this would be in my wheelhouse. But then he passed away and knocked us all for a loop. To have this position now is like a dream job, but I wish Steve was still here. I didn’t want it under these circumstances.”

Helsel, who died after a brief illness in November 2018, had served as executive director for about 30 years. The board hired Cindy Stanbro in May 2019, but she chose to return to her hometown in Iowa last summer. In the interim, the directors refocused and retitled the position now held by Enedy.

“Tara has been an incredible addition to ACT,” said board President Jim Watt. “Her leadership has already taken us from a budget deficit to a small surplus. We are blessed to have her talent, passion and expertise at the helm.”

Founded in 1948, ACT will celebrate its 75th anniversary in two years, and Enedy said her primary goal is to make sure ACT “survives and thrives for another 75 years.”

Enedy credits the board for securing ACT financially.

“We are not in danger of closing our doors,” Enedy said, noting reserves offset canceled productions and fundraisers.

“Tara has brought an incredible amount of expertise in a wide variety of subjects to ACT,” Watt said. “From production, new technology and sound fiscal management, she has already improved our operation. In December alone we shattered fundraising goals putting us on solid footing for the spring. Her skills are impressive and her passion is infectious. She has made volunteering in this difficult time fun and meaningful. We are fortunate to have her in a leadership role.”

Using technology to live-stream performance art will likely remain even after ACT can take the stage at the Mishler Theatre.

“It’s great to have as an alternative production venue. It’s pretty low risk for someone who is new to directing or new to acting who might have stage fright on taking to the Mishler stage with its big house. We may have one or two virtual performances a year,” post-pandemic, Enedy said.

She remains optimistic the 2021-22 season will happen.

“Since 1948, we’ve not had a single year where there was not a single show, including all the years the Mishler was undergoing renovations and reconstruction. We are going to come roaring back,” she said.

Enedy grew up in Hastings, Minn., but her parents are Cambria County natives and her mother returned to the area after the couple divorced.

Enrolled in dance lessons since age 3, Enedy said she “doesn’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be on stage.”

In college, as she pursued a degree in theater arts.

“I started out wanting to be a performer … but I discovered my strength wasn’t on stage but as a stage manager. There’s a logical aspect to it that appeals to me.”

Her expertise landed her a job at a Virginia-based multi-media company after college as a producer and stage manager, where she won several national and international awards for the company. The business put on workshops, national conferences and high-profile product launches.

“It was a way to make a legitimate living using my degree,” she said, “It can be very theatrical and entertaining.”

And, she wants to share her love with the next generation.

“We love shows that have kids on stage because it exposes kids to acting, being at the Mishler and all creative aspects,” she said. “There is something very magical about live theater, especially when you attend for the first time, or when you meet a Disney princess after the show.”

Sharing the magic will help ensure ACT remains viable with a robust volunteer base strengthened through stronger community partnerships, especially with different student organizations at the high school and college levels.

“The Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center has a construction program and I would love to get those students involved in working on sets. … We always have needs backstage for those to help with costumes and props. It’s a great way for students to gain practical experiences,” she said.

And, despite all the uncertainties of changing jobs during a pandemic, Enedy said, “I’ve never felt more sure of anything in my life. I love this organization so much and I can’t wait to work so hard,” she said. “It’s important to me that the end product be good. (But) I also want to make sure the volunteers have fun — that the process is fun.”