By Steve Oldfield
Special to NKyTribune
Some Northern Kentucky theater stars are joining other local actors, producers and athletes outside the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament. Their costume: a fluorescent vest. Their role: helping all of the tournament visitors and vendors to park. The attendants are volunteering their time for a good cause – earning money for their theater organizations and other non-profits in a fundraising program that’s been giving back to the community for more than 20 years.
The tournament provides free parking to ticket holders and vendors, and also sells premium spots closer to the Lindner Tennis Center in Mason. Volunteer parking attendants are stationed at all of those areas and on the roads leading into the facility.
Mark Culp and his wife Jane and son Parker have been volunteering for three years. The Cold Spring family members have worked as actors, producers and directors in theater productions across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.
Culp says the parking project actually brings his family together because they often work on different theater projects at the same time.
“This is a great opportunity for us to spend some time together before we begin our next shows which might split us up once again,” said Culp. “I just performed in ‘1776’ with the Mason Community Players; Parker performed in ‘Godspell’ with The Story Collective and my wife, Jane, produced ‘Firebringer’ with CenterStage.
Culp said the experience also gives them a chance to connect with theater friends from all over the area and that makes it worthwhile – even during some challenging issues, like the weather. He says the show must go on.
“It can be very hot (or rainy) but the time passes quickly since you’re doing this with your theatre colleagues,” Culp said. “The entire theatre community is so close-knit that it’s actually like hanging out with your friends so it always makes the time fly by.”
Culp played number-one singles for Bellevue High School’s tennis team in the late 1970s. But he admits he doesn’t get to spend much time attending matches at the tournament. He’s too busy helping other fans find a parking spot and visiting with his fellow volunteers.
“Most tournament attendees seem very appreciative that we can provide them the assistance,” Culp said.
Depending on the number of volunteers and hours worked, the non-profits can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
“For us non-profits, every dollar helps,” Culp said.
The tournament attracts more than 200,000 fans during its run every August, going now through Sunday, August 23rd.