Some individuals are comfortable when acting a role, while others are adept at playing their instrument at a concert or musical production. Few are equally “at home” whether performing up on a stage or playing a score down in the pit. But then, few can duplicate the talents of Diane Scott.

Scott was born in Lewisburg, and raised on a horse farm. Her father was a teacher, and her mother headed up the food services at Evangelical Hospital.

She remembers being in only 8h grade when she was recruited to play the piano for a Lewisburg Area High School musical.

Featured in the musicals “Hello Dolly” and “Little Mary Sunshine,” Scott was a member of her high school’s chorus and marching band, and was awarded the Chopin Piano Award during her graduation in 1976.

After attending Mercyhurst College, Scott obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1980 and a Masters of Arts in 1982, with her major being Voice Performance.

She performed in the musicals “Guys and Dolls,” “A Little Night Music,” “Postcard From Morocco,” and choreographed IUP’s production of “Pal Joey.”

Scott has fond memories of her employment with Walt Disney World while living in Florida in her 20s and 30s, menionting that she had “countless opportunities to perform and work backstage with big stars.”

She also performed for the Osceola Playhouse in Kissimmee, directing its production of “Side By Side By Sondheim,” and was Music Director for Osecola’s musical “Cabaret.” She also co-founded the Winter Garden Playhouse, and directed its offerings “Godspell” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Since her return to Pennsylvania, Scott has been active with community theaters in the area. In the last couple of years, Scott has performed for RiverStage and Christ Wesleyan Theatre Productions. She also directed productions for for Susquehanna University, RiverStage, and countless Broadway revues.

Her most recent experience was playing the keyboard for the Community Theatre League’s “Sweeney Todd.”

“As a pit musician, I really enjoy my experience playing while Brett Hosterman is conductor,” Scott said. “It’ so good to have live musicians play. It’s very different than with a track. As a pit musician, I care about the actors and what I can do to help them, having been on stage too.

“Only in the last five years have I dusted off the acting skill and had the opportunity to perform on stage! I am grateful that there are theatre groups locally that provide these opportunities,” Scott added. “Community theatre allows intergenerational ensemble. I love when the cast includes all ages. It’s imperative that we continue to learn and support each other while creating thru the arts!”

Scott also has been a production pianist/vocal coach with the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, and recorded five CD’s under the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra label.

A member of the adjunct piano faculty of Susquehanna University, Scott is also in the American Guild of Organists.

She is currently Director of Music for the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mifflinburg, and maintains a private piano studio, with emphasis on the Suzuki method.

In her rare leisure time, Scott enjoys puzzles, hosting game nights and an occasional “jaunty jog around the neighborhood.”