Meet Tony Bone, a cherished member of The Plaza Theatre family whose unwavering dedication and heartfelt contributions have enriched our community for over a decade. From coaching accents to fundraising for extraordinary events like the Houston Grand Opera’s visit, Tony’s journey with The Plaza is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and resilience. Read on to learn more about Tony’s incredible story, his memorable moments, and how volunteering at The Plaza has shaped his life.

How long have you been volunteering at the theatre and what motivated you?

I was recruited, “press ganged”, (Wink) by Debbie Cenko around the time my wife died in 2008. I was a willing recruit who was asked to fill a vacant position on the board. Being that my life had been devastated it was a great relief to focus on something that benefited the community. It was a welcome distraction. Joining the board of directors was an honor and one which I have valued for many years.

What roles/tasks do you typically undertake as volunteer?

My roles over the years have been many and varied. They have included off stage tasks such as coaching British accents and pronunciations for some of the characters. Not so often recently, perhaps I’m not quite so British any longer. (Wink)

I assisted with set building, props and set arrangements and even cleaned up the popcorn in the auditorium after the performances before we employed a full time cleaner.

I try to work on concessions on opening nights of every production mainly being the popcorn king.

I fund raise for the Plaza Theatre and in my capacity as a docent and teacher at the George Ranch and during my other Houston jobs help to promote the Plaza. I have been a host at the Plaza Galas and Character Breakfasts.

What are your most memorable experiences?

I have a couple of memorable experiences but will begin with the Houston Grand Opera. I arranged, set up and raised all the funds needed to bring the HGO’s performance of the chamber opera, Coffin in Egypt to the Plaza in April 2014. The opera starred the world-famous mezzo soprano Frederica von Stade.

Coffin in Egypt is a story written by Wharton’s Horton Foote.

The event was a huge success with standing room only and it raised much needed funds for the Plaza and brought the location to the attention of Houston.

I think its also worth mentioning the Opera to Go events that I helped arrange with the HGO for the schoolchildren of Wharton County. Again, I raised the funds to bring the HGO’s OtG program to the Plaza. If I remember most of the performances were ‘sold out’ and hundreds of children attended to see for the first time in their lives what opera was all about.

How has volunteering impacted your life?

After my wife died, I was seriously considering returning to England, a decision not to be made lightly as everything of value, including my house, had been sold before I moved here. However, so many people in Wharton and at the Plaza, stood by me and offered support. I reciprocated by throwing myself into the Plaza, which was made easier by the fact I still lived in Wharton. That meant I could immerse myself in Plaza activities and not be miserable. Candace Byrne, who was Plaza president at the time, announced she was dedicating the Christmas concert to my wife. That event was heart wrenching and I remember standing on stage expressing my gratitude and weeping. It showed me what the people of Wharton and the Plaza are capable of. SUPPORT.

Any advice to someone interested in volunteering?

Do it. We are a fun organization and there’s a certain satisfaction seeing a production take the stage. Some jobs can be boring but generally the results are rewarding.

Doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager or a senior we can always find you something to do. Those wishing to consider the world of performing arts as a career could do no better than joining the Plaza family, It’s fun, engrossing and so worthwhile.