Life is a stage, but the stage came later in life for Missouri Southern alumna Shelby Bates.

Time was never set aside for acting during school, according to Bates, who attended Southern from 1995-2000. After graduating, Bates began acting at Stones Throw Theater, a community theater in Carthage. Now Bates sets aside plenty of time for the theater.

“Once I start a show any spare minute I have I am reading my script or memorizing a scene,” she said. “I even record the whole play on tape and listen to it in the car. I eat, sleep, and breathe the play until it’s over.”

Corie Bratter is the character Bates is currently portraying in a dinner theater performance of Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park.”

The show began Sept. 5 and will be performed at 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday.

There is also a 2 pm performance on Sunday. Tickets for all showings are $18 for adults and $17 for seniors and youth with dinner beginning an hour before show time.

Reservations can be made by calling 417-358-9665.

Bates’s character Bratter is the crazy wife of a newlywed couple who craves constant excitement, according to Bates. Bratter’s husband, played by Eric Conrardy, is calm and starts to get worn out.

“My character is so similar to me,” Bates said. “She wants to have fun, whatever she is doing, but she never gives any others a rest.”

The play has a wide appeal, Bates said, who loves the play.

“Anyone who has been married can relate to it,” she said. “It is fast moving so you have to pay attention, but the punch lines will catch you off guard and crack you up.”

Though Bates enjoys this role, her favorite was in “Sylvia,” one of the five plays she has performed in Carthage.

“It was very challenging because I played the dog, but I acted like a person,” Bates said. “I nearly ruined my master’s marriage because he was so crazy over me, and I was so demanding. I almost didn’t take the role because I didn’t think I could do it.”

Bates partially attributes her success as the dog in “Sylvia” to her two directors, Dr. William Roehling and Betsy Fleischaker, who she says have taught her much.

“Shelby has been new to our theater group, only having been in it the last few years,” Roehling said. “It is evident, however, that she is maturing into a very fine actress.”

Acting is something Bates enjoys, but she thinks the best part of her involvement in theater is the friends she’s made. She often does things outside of the theater with her cast and crewmates.

“We’re quite the karaokers,” she laughed.

Ever since Bates made the time to try out she has found a new addition to her life.

“I plan on doing this forever,” she said. “I enjoy it so much. I could never give it up.”