Lance Petersen: In Which We Say Goodbye
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, Lance Petersen, our beloved founder, left his earthly body behind and passed into the great beyond. He was at home, with Barb and Sascha by his side.
Lance and his wife Barbara began Pier One Theatre fifty years ago in 1973. During his 44 years as Executive/Artistic Director, Lance directed more than one hundred shows, Acted in nearly as many, advocated for theatrical arts across the state, created a space for wild artistic exploration, and fostered a love of theatre in young and old alike. There are words being written, by better historians than me, about Lance's professional accomplishments - so I won't try to tackle that here. Instead I will say that Lance was a leader, a mentor, and a friend. He built a world of true community, with stories as the DNA, and with space for us each to grow however we needed. We already miss Lance dreadfully.
I offer up this small exchange between Lance's characters GREG and MAGGIE, created for the short play "Free State in Rehearsal," which captures something of his omnipotent presence at Pier One Theatre:
"GREG Can you see him? Look for the glare of light from his yellow pad. I can't see him. Do you think he left?
MAGGIE. He wouldn't do that. He might be hiding out there, crouched down behind a chair, but he's taking notes on all this. I know it."
Our door is open for anyone who wishes to come and share stories of Lance. We will let you know when plans have been made for a collective celebration of his life.
Love to you all,
Jennifer Norton
You can listen and read more about Lance and his legacy:
In the Homer News: ‘He built a world of true community’ Lance Petersen, Homer theater pioneer, dead at 81 by Emilie Springer
