Local man first marched into entertainment with Frazier band
SCOTTDALE – Richard Means first marched into entertainment as a clarinet player in the Frazier High School Commodore Marching Band in Perryopolis. Raised in Dawson, one of three children, Means, who now makes his home in Scottdale, has an associate degree in applied science from Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood. He also graduated from Geneva College in Beaver Falls with a bachelor’s degree in resource management.
He’s spent almost 30 years honing his skills as a part of the Actors and Artists of Fayette County, a local non-profit organization.
“I don’t usually play the lead,” he said of his performances with Actors and Artists. “I usually get the character roles.” His favorite role was a dual part in “Camelot.”
“I played a fuel role, Merlin and King Perimore in ‘Camelot.’ They were such juicy roles … a real stretch,” Means said.
Means said he likes “to have fun with each character. …”
In “Best of Friends,” a comedy in three acts by James Elward, “I Once played (Mr. Bedloe) an 80-something-year-old gentleman who liked to nip at the bottle. I brought the house down a few times,” he said laughing. “That was so much fun.”
Means, who retired from Allegheny Power in the fall of 2002, also sings with the Trinity United Methodist Church Choir in Scottdale and the Greater Uniontown Chorale and Children’s Chorus directed by William Dreucci.
He previously sang with the former Connellsville Community Chorus under the direction of Merle Stutzman. Despite his obvious vocal talent and being cast in many musicals along the way, Means said, “I’ve never had to sing a single note on state.” He’s down some 20 years of “Christian clowning” and more recently directed three plays. But earlier this year, he took on his biggest role to date, that of interim stage manager of the Scottdale Showtime Theater.
The board of directors of Scottdale Showtime Theater are Patricia Miller, president; Karen Kiefer, vice president; Martha Oliver, secretary; and Richard Means, treasurer. Members at large include Carl Burkhart, Richard Snyder, Kathleen Warman, Dwight Brown, Millard Hess and Mary Beistel.