For anyone who’s watched the Players of the Glen or local theater productions, the name Patricia (Pat) Clopton needs no introduction. A cherished member of our theater family, Pat has been cast in over 75 theater, TV and film productions, as well as reading for the blind at FGCU radio. She is also credited for forming the first theatre company in Herons Glen.
I caught up with her to reflect on her love of performing and memories she’s made along the way. When Pat moved to Herons Glen 30 years ago, she didn’t waste any time finding her place on the stage. After joining a tap dance group, she met another performer who shared her love of theater and together they founded the Herons Glen Players, producing and directing seven shows between 1997 and 2003. Nearly a decade later, Pat returned to directing, leading three productions under the newly renamed Players of the Glen from 2012 to 2014.
Pat recalled that her introduction to the stage began in an unexpected way, “during my senior year of high school, shy and self-conscious, a drama teacher encouraged me to lip-synch and dance to a popular song. When the audience stood up at the end, I thought they were leaving – I didn’t know about standing ovations. I was hooked.”
During her performance years Pat played a murderer, hooker, drunk, politician, showgirl, angel, janitor, and a nude in CALENDAR GIRLS.
One role always brings Pat a smile, “playing ‘Juanita’ in Sordid Lives at the Laboratory Theatre of Florida in 2017. Juanita was the town barfly with a beer bottle clutched in one hand and a cigarette hanging out of her mouth, while bellowing obscenities.”
Her favorite role was playing Ouiser (Wheezer) in Steel Magnolias at a theater on Sanibel in 2004. “I loved putting on my ratty old wig and hat to become a cranky old character, sharing laugh lines with five glamorous actresses”
Reflecting on how theatre has evolved, Pat notes the impact of modern technology. “Computerized lighting, sound, and set design have taken productions to new levels,” she explains. “I also love seeing so many local theater youth programs giving children the chance to learn their craft and build confidence.”
When asked what advice she’d offer to someone auditioning for their first show – “Read everything you can about the play and its characters. If possible, get a copy of the script and decide which part fits you best. Rehearse at home and become that character. Be uninhibited – auditions are harmless. No one ever got killed doing one!”
A professional theater director once told me, “If we’re having fun, the audience will have fun.” For 25 years I sure had a lot of “fun.”
If you see Pat at one of the performances of The Odd Couple, showing March 13 and 14, 2026 at 7 p.m., and March 15 at 4 p.m., stop by and say hello to her.
Tickets will go on sale:
• Tuesday, February 18 through March 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Main Clubhouse lobby
• Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Main Clubhouse lobby
• Bingo Nights from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Ballroom lobby
• Day of the performance in the Ballroom lobby
Our annual open night gala will be Friday, March 13 starting at 5:30 p.m.
