Set on a theatrical stage with a lack of traditional set pieces, “Our Town” brings its audience into a story told by Eugene Lee, program faculty, as Texas State students portray the scene around him.

Lee has over 50 years of experience in acting, appearing on and off Broadway three times and working in multiple regional theaters in the U.S. He said he acts in or directs a play at Texas State every other year, but his last acting role was his return to “A Soldier’s Play” last year with the Center Theatre Group at Ahmanson Theatre.

With “Our Town,” Lee could enjoy not only learning the processes of a new play but also teaching by example as an actor instead of a director.

“I’m told that just watching me work in rehearsal is a lesson,” Lee said. “I teach at heart. I figure everything out there I can learn. It’s my responsibility as an artist to pass it forward to the next generation.”

Lee met the cast and creative team on the second week of rehearsals and said working with them was a learning process for everyone involved. Ronisha Reneus, acting junior and Mrs. Gibbs in “Our Town,” learned Lee would be the Stage Manager during callbacks along with the rest of the cast. She said it was inspiring watching Lee’s professionalism and his insight into each character.