Joann Yeoman

Dream Dealer: Stuart Walker and the American Theater Joann Yeoman

From the book's Epilogue: Stuart Walker exercised a genuine influence in several areas of the theater. His scripts and adaptations are still produced; his contribution in keeping the stock tradition alive insured that a generation of performers and audience members shared in the realization of an accessible, affordable, quality theater experience; his Portmanteau became a part of "little theatre" history in America; and during a lifetime in the arts he shared his professional philosophies and practices with hundreds of film and stage performers who, in turn, influenced other artists. Although he did not realize his primary goal of a permanent Midwestern repertory circuit, he did most certainly achieve a goal shared by every stage professional: he made an impact on and worked in his chosen field until the day he died. In this profession, that is the definition of success. He did so not only because he was a multitalented individual, but also because he was willing to persevere, to adapt, and to take risks, all qualities necessary for success in any profession. Professional is an excellent word to add to those which best describe Walker: professional, perfectionist, workaholic, survivor, and most of all - dreamer. --JoAnn Yeoman