The acting skills of a local musician and artist will be displayed in an upcoming Tahlequah Community Playhouse After Dark event, “Mark Twain Dreaming.”
Dennis Tibbits grew up in Stilwell, and lived in Tahlequah when he attended Northeastern State University.
He moved to Arkansas while attending the University ofArkansas, and after a decade there, he returned home to Stilwell to care for his parents.
“I actually spend most of my free time in Tahlequah,” Tibbits said.
He devotes much of his time to his hobbies of painting, acting, and playing music.
Tibbits said he began drawing as a child, and participated in art classes through high school and college.
“I took art in high school. My art teacher was very supportive and built my confidence,” Tibbits said. “Since I’ve retired, my art has really blossomed.”
Tibbits said that while he does many commissioned works of locations, or animals that are important to the client, landscapes are his favorite thing to paint. He particularly enjoys painting notable spots along the Illinois River.
“It’s a special place,” Tibbits said.
Tibbits began playing guitar while he was in high school, and said he never stuck to a single genre.
“I have played a lot of things over the years,” Tibbits said.
Today, he plays jazz, and jazz fusion by jamming with other local musicians.
“It’s harder now that I’m older,” Tibbits said. “It uses a lot of energy; I do more theater these days.”
According to Tibbits, while playing a set during a festival, a friend of his wife’s suggested he should try acting, and encouraged him to audition with the TCP. He said he has been acting for 12 years now.
“I did it, and I was cast in a small role,” Tibbits said. “The next play, I was asked to audition and got the lead role.”
Some of his favorite performances include “Our Show,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“A lot of people didn’t think a small theater company could put on a production like that,” Tibbits said of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Of “Mark Twain Dreaming,” Tibbits said the play will feature several short vignettes inspired by the works of Mark Twain, featuring Tibbits as Samuel Clemens, and introducing the audience to how Clemens became the famed author, Mark Twain.
After a career as a speech language pathology professor, Tibbits said he is enjoying retirement.
“I now have time to do the things I love to do,” Tibbits said.
Tibbits’ acting chops will take the stage during “Mark Twain Dreaming,” at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tahlequah, Dec. 13-14. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation.
His paintings can also be found at Tahlequah Creates Gallery, where Tibbits volunteers every Tuesday.