Longtime Playmakers Actress Makes Directorial Debut with Local Playwright's Comedy

Margaret Helbing directs "Just Words" by Ron Hill at Playmakers Civic Theatre in Port Clinton, Ohio.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Longtime Playmakers Civic Theatre actress Margaret Helbing is making her directorial debut with "Just Words", a comedy written by local playwright Ron Hill. Helbing, who first joined the Playmakers cast as a high school senior in 1975, has starred in several productions and is now taking on the role of director for the first time. The play is inspired by Hill's own experiences and centers around a man who decides to write his own play after walking out of a performance with excessive profanity and a lack of plot.

Why it matters

Helbing's directorial debut marks an exciting milestone for the local theater community, as she transitions from being a longtime performer to taking on a leadership role behind the scenes. The play itself also provides commentary on the state of modern theater, with Hill drawing inspiration from his own frustrations with overly profane and plotless productions.

The details

"Just Words" follows a man who, after walking out of a performance at a local college due to excessive language and a poor premise, decides to write his own play. As he writes, the characters appear on stage, creating a mix of realism and imagination. Helbing, who has worked backstage on many Playmakers productions since 2007, is drawing on her extensive experience to helm her first directing project. She has worked closely with assistant director Doug Braun, who was also part of the Playmakers cast in 1975 when Helbing first joined.

  • Helbing first joined the Playmakers Civic Theatre cast as a high school senior in 1975.
  • "Just Words" runs from March 6 to 8 and March 13 to 15, 2026 at Playmakers Civic Theatre in Port Clinton, Ohio.

The players

Margaret Helbing

A longtime actress with Playmakers Civic Theatre, Helbing is making her directorial debut with the production of "Just Words".

Ron Hill

The local playwright who wrote "Just Words", which is inspired by his own experiences walking out of a performance with excessive profanity and a lack of plot.

Doug Braun

Helbing's assistant director, who was also part of the Playmakers cast in 1975 when Helbing first joined the theater group.

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What they’re saying

“I know Ron. I've done his shows. I wanted to be a part of this, and after I read it, I wanted to direct it.”

— Margaret Helbing, Director (thebeacon.net)

“I don't consider myself a prude, but the language in it was so filthy, and the premise was stupid. It's the only play I've ever been to where I left after the first act.”

— Ron Hill, Playwright (thebeacon.net)

What’s next

Tickets for "Just Words" are available for purchase on the Playmakers Civic Theatre website, with shows running from March 6-8 and March 13-15, 2026.

The takeaway

Helbing's directorial debut with a play written by a local playwright highlights the vibrant theater community in Port Clinton, Ohio, and showcases how longtime performers can transition into leadership roles behind the scenes to bring fresh perspectives to local productions.