Eric J. Potter’s journey in live theatre began with a brave audition in junior high back in 1973—and from that moment, the stage became his lifelong passion. With decades of experience spanning community theatres, dinner theatres, and summer stages around Baltimore, Eric’s deep love for storytelling and his commitment to the craft have made him a treasured figure in the local theatre scene. Now, as the director of Peter and the Starcatcher at Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre, Eric brings not only his extensive expertise but also a heartfelt connection to this very theatre that has been his artistic home for over 45 years.
Eric J. Potter
Director for Peter and the Starcatcher
The start of my passion for live theatre started back when I was in junior high school (yes, that’s what they called it back in 1973). John Bruce Johnson wrote these original musicals for Parkville Middle School. Getting my courage up, I decided to audition. Much to my surprise, I was cast. From that moment, I knew theatre would forever be a big part of my life. Fast forward to high school, my sophomore year, the theatre department announced their fall musical (Fiddler on the Roof). Getting my confidence I decided to audition. I remember running to the call board hoping to see my name listed on the cast sheet. Several people passed me in the hallway congratulating me. Hoping to just be in the chorus, I noticed my name next to the role of Perchik. I was stunned, a sophomore receiving a featured role. I was lucky enough to be cast in the plays and musicals throughout high school. In 1979, as I was getting ready to graduate, I decided to explore other theatres in the Baltimore region. I heard of this summer theatre called Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre. I had missed their audition call, but decided to go see the shows. I remember leaving the theatre knowing I needed to work there. I was in awe of the talent and production as a whole.
Fast forward to April 1980, I saw the audition notice for Cockpit and started preparing for my audition. It was a Saturday morning, I drove to Essex Community College (that is what it was called back then). I parked and walked up to the lobby of the Humanities and Arts building. The lobby was packed with other performers just like me. I signed in and waited for my name to be called. My name was called and I was escorted to room 336. I thought about turning around and leaving, but somehow got the courage to go in the room. It was dark and there were these people sitting behind tables, Panic set in, but I knew I couldn’t turn back. Just audition and if I wasn’t cast, so be it. There was this deep (yet friendly voice) call my name and asked me to take my music to the accompanist. Well, here goes nothing! I sang my song and was asked to read. This same voice thanked me for auditioning and asked me to go to the dance audition. I later found out the voice was F. Scott Black. I went home and waited for my “Thanks, but No Thanks” phone call. The call that started my career at Cockpit finally came in and I was cast in the chorus of Anything Goes. I am honored and proud to say I have worked at Cockpit in Court for over 45 years. It’s like coming home to me. To say Scott Black has been a huge influence and mentor to me, would be an understatement. He definitely played a key role in my theatre career. I later followed Scott to his dinner theatres, where he gave me some great opportunities to expand my directorial career. I was very privileged to be one of 10 people selected to represent the US in an International Theatre conference held in Shanghi China,
You may have seen some of my work at Cockpit in Court, Vagabond Players, Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Baltimore, Dundalk Community Theatre, F. Scott Black Towsontown Dinner Theatre, Harborlights Dinner Theatre to name a few. Some of his most memorable shows have been Hello Dolly, The Will Rogers Follies, Seven Bride for Seven Brothers, La Cage Aue Follie, Sunset Boulevard, Sweet Charity, Blood Brothers, Nice Work If You Can Get It. I am so lucky to have met so many wonderful people throughout my theatrical career. The Baltimore theatre community will always hold a very special place in my heart.
See Peter and the Starcatcher July 18 – August 3 at CCBC Essex, Robert and Eleanor Romadka College Center, F. Scott Black Theatre
$22 Adult | $20 Senior (60+) | $14 Child (12 and under)
Box Office: 443-840-ARTS or www.ccbctickets.com
***PLEASE AVOID ticket scams by only purchasing through our website, not through an unknown third party.***.
Performances:
July 18, 19, 25, 26 at 8 p.m.
July 20, 27 at 3 p.m.
August 1, 2 at 8 p.m.
August 3 at 3 p.m.