That helpful offer, made seventeen years ago, began the work
that Ostler now considers her calling in life—a calling that influences
hundreds of Salt Lake community members.
Following that first experience with the Riverton ArtsCouncil, Ostler desired to open a volunteer-based children’s theater in Salt Lake
County
Ostler now volunteers as the council’s president. Her years of service have resulted in dozens
of theatrical productions involving hundreds of local youth.
“It isn’t just about a show. It’s about relationships,”
Ostler said.
Riverton’s community theater offers youth a place to develop
friendships and gain valuable life experience.
J.D. Kay recently starred in several Riverton productions.
He feels theater helped him develop his outgoing personality.
“I’ve found that everyone here is super accepting. I’ve opened up and become a person that is
willing to do anything I can for my friends,” Kay said.
As a high school junior, Kyle Lawrence was given a lead role
in the council’s production of “Les Miserables.” He recalls Ostler’s direction gave him the
confidence he needed to portray the difficult part.
“Kim really has been like a mother, coaching me how to do
things better, not just as a performer, but as a person,” Lawrence said.
Ostler shared many emotional examples of the difference
theater can make in teenage lives. She
recalls one young man who experienced a stressful home life, due largely to the
separation of his parents. After years
of being in Riverton’s plays, he came to Ostler and said, “Thank you, Kim, for
being the only light in my otherwise dark childhood.”
Ostler remembers another youth who suffered depression following
his father’s death. For months, the boy
contemplated suicide, and eventually set a date to take his life.
At that time, the Riverton Arts Council opened its
children’s theater. Not knowing the
teen’s situation, Ostler gave him a lead role in their first youth
production. He enjoyed the show and
returned to perform in several more.
Years passed before Ostler knew about the young man’s
depression. Later he related his
experience to her and told Ostler that because of the theater, he became so
involved, had so much fun, and gained so many friends, that suicide never again
crossed his mind.
“It’s in those
moments that you know that what you do matters in people’s lives,” Ostler said.
Despite her influence on youth, Ostler insists she is also a
student.
“I learn more from them than they learn from me. I watch these kids live their lives with such
grace and in sometimes really difficult circumstances,” Ostler said.
Her students have also proven that people rise to their
expectations.
“If your expectation of people is low, then that’s what
you’ll get. But if your expectation of
people is high, then that’s what you’ll get from them too, especially with
kids,” Ostler said.
Ostler is happy she decided seventeen years ago to paint
those scenic backdrops. She feels that
decision has led not merely to a hobby, but to the very purpose for her life.
“I really found my passion in life. I know this is my calling. The reason I was sent here is to do
this.”
Ostler will continue the Arts Council’s focus on theater for
youth. Three shows are currently planned
for production through 2013.