The 35-year-old discovered acting relatively recently. But from her first production in 2001 she knew she had discovered not merely a way to help beat shyness and anxiety, but also an avocation she could feel passionate about.
Her acting appearances have been a little “sporadic,” to use her own term, but she's back on the stage in the New Experience Theater Works production of the John Patrick comedy “The Curious Savage” that's being staged at the Grafton Municipal Center in Grafton.
“I have a terrible problem with anxiety. Choosing to act — people say ‘what are you doing?' But it's something I've chosen to do to overcome this,” Anderson said.
She is a client/resident of Abby's House in Worcester, an agency that provides emergency and long-term, affordable housing and advocacy and support services to homeless, battered and low-income women with or without children.
Anderson's problem was spiraling debt. She has lived in a room at an Abby's House building for low-income residents near downtown Worcester for the past three years. Her goal is to be debt free.
At Anderson's suggestion, Abby's House will be rewarded with a benefit performance of “The Curious Savage” by N.E.T. Works at 8 p.m. April 27 in the Grafton Municipal Center.
“She (Anderson) brought us to Abby's House, and we're just thrilled to be doing that,” said Holly Dion, founder of the N.E.T. Works theater company, which includes fundraising for charities and related organizations as part of its mission.
“The Curious Savage” has been described as a warm-hearted story about a slightly eccentric wealthy widow, Ethel Savage, whose stepchildren have not-so-subtle designs on her money.
When Savage sets up a fund to help other people realize their hopes, the stepchildren are able to have her committed to a “sanatorium.” Her fellow residents may initially seem like misfits, but “in their own mysterious way have a lot of offer her. They're intelligent people,” said Anderson, who plays a resident named Florence who befriends Savage.
Anderson was born in Dorchester, adopted, and grew up in Worcester. Later on she lived in the Framingham/Natick area and Hopedale before returning to Worcester. “I was living with my roommate in Hopedale. She moved out. I built up so much financial baggage I was about to be evicted,” Anderson said.
The average stay in the building she lives in with about 70 other clients is about two years. Anderson's three-plus years and counting is indicative of “a lot of financial baggage,” she said.
In addition to providing her with a room, Abby's House has also assigned Anderson her own case worker and has set up a plan to help her pay off her debts.
She once worked in customer service at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and is employed at a software company in Watertown that specializes in medical billing.
In 2001 while living in Hopedale she saw a notice for auditions for a production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by the Washington Street Players in Holliston.
It was here that Anderson really found her acting feet. With a history dating back to 1990, N.E.T. Works integrates professional and amateur talents in its theatrical productions.
But first things first. “The Curious Savage” began its run last weekend and will be performed again at 8 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday and April 28. Tickets are $15; students and seniors, $12. For tickets and information, call (508) 842-0867. Tickets for the Abby's House benefit performance at 8 p.m. April 27 are $20; students and seniors, $18. Call Abby's House at (508) 756-5486.
Founded in 1976 as an emergency shelter, Abby's House is one of the most respected multi-service agencies in Worcester and in the state. Abby's House receives no federal or state funds; its more than $1 million annual operating budget comes from grants, donations from the Worcester community and operating fees.
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