Penny Reeves - Supporter
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
Introduction
Longtime Austinites will know the name Penny Reeves from her radio days on KVET, and the local radio scene was made brighter by her presence on the air and in the community. Many will also remember her spunky self as the co-owner of 3 aerobic studios, which later morphed into a full health club called Body Business.
She later moved to Dripping Springs and started a horse boarding/training facility named Grammar Farm after the most important people in her life, children Grayson and Margaret Madison. Graymar is still a very active horse community and Penny says she is inspired daily in her work with horses and the humans who love them.
In her “spare time” Penny is the coordinator for the Dripping Springs Ranch Park Riding Series Shows, which number 15 annually, as well as being the Fitness & Program Director at the Springs Family YMCA where she is an instructor and personal trainer helping her fellow senior citizens improve their health and mobility.
Oh, and she’s also a proud participant with the Downtown Dripping Democracy Defenders, where you might see her standing strong on Saturday mornings on the corner of US Hwy 290 and RR 12 holding handmade signs that support democracy and warn of autocracy.
From Penny
Right now, financially supporting the arts is critical - both by attending performances and donating to provide ongoing financial support.
To say I’m a big fan of David Jarrott is an understatement. Jarrott and I go way back to the 70’s, and 80’s in Austin radio when we both worked as DJs. I was “a little bit country and he was a little bit rock ‘n roll” (apologies to Donnie and Marie). While we were competitors in the ratings war for advertisers and listeners, I was secretly an admirer of David and his shows. His comedic genius and his ability to engage listeners were next level. When David produced “Freud’s Last Session” and then launched Jarrott Productions in 2015, my level of respect grew immensely. Instead of retiring from decades of radio to develop hobbies like gardening or bird watching, Dave dove into the theatrical arts community headfirst. The sheer initiative, not to mention the guts, to pursue his goal of creating this theatre company was and is a beautiful example of passion-pursuing.
This commitment of aligning his energy with his interests reignited my love of live theatre and I’ve been an audience member and a fan of Jarrott Productions ever since. Not sure why I stopped going to the theatre for several decades, maybe it was work or the busyness of raising children, but for some reason I just stopped. Gotta give credit to Jarrott Productions for getting my butt back in the audience! Their productions are superb, the theatrical talent is brilliant, and my butt, brain and heart are forever thankful.
There is a unique magic that happens with live performances that I don’t get from a screen. While technology has made accessing “entertainment” easier, it’s also created a detachment to human connection. As soon as I enter a theatre, I’m aware of the wonderful detail that goes into the set and lighting design. The background music or sounds further enhance the atmosphere. Everything combines to immediately transport me into the story that’s about to unfold. When the actors take the stage, I am already connected. And what a gift to join with friends sharing the performance - to laugh, cry, experience joy, heartbreak, fear, and top it off with a standing ovation. Live theatre enriches my soul.
Right now, financially supporting the arts is critical - both by attending performances and donating to provide ongoing financial support. Our current political climate has created funding vacuums for many arts organizations; they are being defunded and even attacked. For me, it was a now or never moment to support an art group specific to my passion. Becoming a Jarrott Productions donor was a loud YES! As a vintage feminist, I am thankful for the vision and inclusivity of Jarrott Productions. From the stories they select each season, to the behind-the-scenes and on-stage creative individuals who breathe life into each performance, my obsession with live theatre found a home. I’m proud to add that my charitable dollars also found a home!
Community Spotlight highlights the artists, collaborators, supporters, and audience members who make the Jarrott Productions community possible.
