Doug is having surgery on his broken ankle (an oblique fracture through his distal fibula) on Friday, August 14, and he’ll be completely non-weight-bearing on his right ankle for approximately six weeks afterward. That means a lot of time stuck at home, and a whole lot of cabin fever. The first week after surgery will be especially important, but some extra support will be helpful throughout his recovery, and particularly during IndyFringe Festival, August 13-23. Doug is not, by nature, someone who is going to ask people for help. In fact, he would insist that he’s “fine” while slowly going stir-crazy in his house. So, with some gentle arm-twisting, a recovery crew has been assembled on his behalf. What he’ll need most is company, encouragement, and reasons to get through the day without going completely stir-crazy. A visit, a meal, a quick errand, some help with something around the house, or simply hanging out and keeping him company can all make a huge difference. And since Doug is going to be pretty bummed about missing out on much of Fringe after rehearsing to be in/assistant directing a show, there’s a particularly easy opportunity for anyone who is already heading to or from the festival: if you’re passing through or near-ish to Butler-Tarkington and have time to stop by, bring some food, hang out for a bit, or help him get something done, that would be wonderful. He would probably also enjoy hearing about whatever theatrical chaos you’ve just witnessed or are hoping to see. Of course, support is welcome before and after Fringe, too. The recovery is going to last considerably longer than the festival, and the cabin fever is likely to be very real. WAYS TO HELP 🏠 Visit: Come hang out, watch something, play a game, talk theatre, or just keep him company. 🍽️ Bring a meal: Homemade, takeout, leftovers, snacks, whatever. No culinary heroics required. 🛒 Run an errand: Pick something up while you’re already out, grab groceries, or help with a small task. 🧹 Help around the house: Anything that is difficult to manage while he’s on a scooter (his “fell beast”) or crutches and stuck on one leg. 📱 Check in: A phone call, text, video call, email, or message can go a surprisingly long way on a day when the walls are closing in. Sometimes the most useful thing is simply reminding someone that they haven’t been forgotten. 🎭 Fringe drop-in: Going to a show in Indy? If you’re coming through Butler-Tarkington on the way there or back, consider making Doug part of your Fringe itinerary. No contribution is too small, and nobody needs to commit to more than they have time or energy for. The goal is simply to make sure Doug has plenty of people in his corner while he heals, and to help make six weeks of being stuck at home feel a little less like six weeks of being stuck at home on his own far too often. Thank you for helping keep Doug encouraged and connected while he gets back on his feet!