To the dads who sat through tech rehearsals: Thank You.

by Chris Peterson

Back in May, I wrote a column for the moms. It was heartfelt, it was overdue, and it meant a lot to me. But now it’s Father’s Day, and I have just as much to say.

So today, here’s to the dads who lifted set pieces and spirits, who ran lines in the kitchen while dinner was burning, who stood up and clapped louder than anyone even when their kid only had one line. Here’s to the fathers who drove to rehearsal, waited in the parking lot, then drove back again at midnight without a single complaint. Here’s to the men who did not always understand what a “call time” was but showed up on time anyway, ready to cheer, ready to support, ready to love.

Some wore tool belts and helped build the sets. Others wore suits and helped build confidence. Some whispered “you’ve got this” before an opening night. Some helped backstage, some paced the aisles, some cried through bows. Some were loud about their support, others quiet and steady. But they were there, in ways big and small, shaping futures with their presence.

I think of my own dad. I think of his pride, his patience, his unwavering belief that theatre was not just a phase but a passion worth pursuing. He seemed to understand that while Broadway might not be the end goal, the skills I was learning—collaboration, communication, empathy, resilience—would take me far in life, wherever I ended up. He never asked for a plan. He just trusted that theatre would teach me how to show up for others, and how to show up for myself.

I also think of the dads who are no longer with us, but whose applause still echoes. Their impact is permanent. They may not have taken a bow, but their role was essential.

And now, I’m a father too. I’m learning what it means to show up with love, with presence, with the kind of quiet strength I once admired. I understand more now than I ever did how deeply a child’s passions can become your own. I get it, the way your heart swells when they’re on a stage, or chasing a dream, or just becoming more fully themselves. Being a parent is never easy, but being there, really being there, is always worth it.

Theatre kids don’t get where they’re going without a cast of behind-the-scenes heroes. And today, I want to give a standing ovation to the fathers who played their role so well. Whether you were center stage in your child’s life or cheering from the wings, your presence mattered. It made the difference.

So if you ever held a script, ironed a costume, delivered a pep talk, or sat nervously in a folding chair waiting for the curtain to rise, this one’s for you. And if you’re a dad just starting the journey, wondering if your kid’s love of the spotlight will lead to anything—trust me, it already has. You’ve helped them find their voice.

Happy Father’s Day. You helped raise artists. And now, as a dad myself, I only hope to do the same.