Gypsy Road Trip

Versatile Volunteer best describes Dee Carter’s role at the Living Word Outdoor Drama in Cambridge. Located at 6010 College Hill Road, this is Ohio’s only Outdoor Passion Play. Dee has a passion for the message and helps in any way she can to promote the drama.

Mrs. Carter taught science at the middle school in Rolling Hills School District and has lived in the area for most of her life. She also has enjoyed acting in several plays at CPAC, including their opening production Gypsy in 1978.

One day in 1986, she met Cal Rice, the Associate Director of the Living Word, at the local YMCA, where both of them had children taking swimming lessons. Cal suggested she might like to come out to the new Living Word Amphitheater as an extra. That was 37 years ago and she has been part of the drama ever since.

The Amphitheater was researched and designed by founder Frank Roughton Harvey. The 400-foot panoramic set is an authentic replica of Old Jerusalem. More than a thousand people can have an excellent view of the drama.

Over the years, Dee has discovered it is often necessary for cast members to do multiple things. While often participating in crowd scenes, she also portrayed Sarah, the Samaritan Woman, and Mother Mary.

Each night before the drama, she gives a front stage tour giving background knowledge that will help people understand the story better. She describes a couple of major scenes that will be viewed – The Sermon on the Mount and The Garden of Gethsemane – then tells a little history of how Living Word all began.

Some evenings she might do multiple roles and has done everything from putting on a beard and being a priest or disciple to being the angel on the hill who announces his resurrection. “I might do seven or eight different roles in one night.”

Throughout the year, Dee can be found speaking at various churches and groups either as Mother Mary or the Samaritan Woman. She is best known for her role of Mother Mary, which she began doing in 2006, although there are actually four women who portray Mother Mary during the season. At this time she is also preparing a program about Martha, the sister of Mary.

It’s no surprise that she is a long-time Living Word Board member where she presently serves as secretary. Dee and Annette Ellwood co-chair their annual dinner/auction, which provides most of the funds for improvements and operation at the facility. The community has always been very helpful at providing funds for needed projects. They desire to keep the Living Word performances going with an active cast involved.

While there are many area people who help form that cast year after year, it is vitally important that they have participation from area church groups and families that are visiting. The extras really experience the passion of the drama.

Dee also helps with projects at the Living Word. When community helpers come to paint or rake leaves, you will find her in their midst. Other times she is in the office typing up minutes or reports. She is very versatile and humble.

When Dee is not busy at Living Word, she enjoys her granddaughter and participates in activities at Pike School, where her granddaughter attends. Dressing up as Mrs. Frizzle from “The Magic School Bus” series, she performs science experiments and even sets up an archeological dig. Students enjoy her visits. She also is an active member of the Board of Elections.

Tourism Day on the Ohio Statehouse’s front lawn was a great opportunity to promote The Living Word. She greeted visitors dressed as Mother Mary, explained the drama, and gave them information to take home with them. Tourism Day gives Ohio’s venues the perfect place to spread the word about their event. More than 200 million tourists come to Ohio during the year.

She often speaks to bus tours that come to town as well as at dinners of local organizations. Many churches have her come to tell either the story of Mother Mary or the Samaritan Woman. Her talks are always well received.

Perhaps you would enjoy visiting The Living Word Outdoor Drama this summer. Performances are every Friday evening at 7:30. If you would like to participate in the drama, please arrive early. Dee will most likely be there to thank you after the show.

The Living Word Amphitheater is celebrating 49 years of faith. Because He Lives!