WATERLOO -- In 2000, Stephanie Ward left Waterloo for Fisk University in Nashville with hopes of becoming a neonataloglist.

But after a few months at college, the West High School grad attended a production of "Before it Hits Home" and decided to pursue a career in theater.

"I had an epiphany," said Ward, referring to her experience watching Cheryl L. West's examination of the AIDS epidemic. "I was sitting front-row center, crying. I knew it was something I needed to do."

This weekend the 26-year-old returns to the Cedar Valley. On Sunday she will serve as company and stage manager of Intramusic Theatricals' presentation of "A Year with Frog and Toad" at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

"I'm excited to be coming back," Ward said. "A lot of my friends and family have never had the opportunity to see what I do."

As company and stage manager, Ward acts as the liaison between the director, producer and cast. She also calls on-stage cues and organizes the show's special effects.

"I get to make the magic happen," she said with a laugh. "When the lights go on or off, when snow falls from the sky -- that's me."

Ward graduated from Fisk with training in English, drama, speech and dance. She received a master's degree in stage management from Columbia University in New York. Today she makes her home in Brooklyn, but spends most of her time on the road with touring productions.

"It can be a crazy life," Ward said, whose career has taken her to 37 different states. "Sometimes we hit six cities in seven days, but I'm doing what I love."

About 30 to 35 of Ward's friends and family plan to attend the Cedar Falls presentation of "A Year with Frog and Toad," said Thadine Graham, Ward's aunt.

"We are just elated that she's coming this way," she said. "This will be her first show that we've been able to see."

Graham, who also organized a welcome-back reception for her niece on Saturday, said Ward is a role model to young people in the Cedar Valley.

"Stephanie's story proves that dreams become a reality if you are willing to put the work behind it," said Wilfred "Mickye" Johnson, director of the Classic Upward Bound program at the University of Northern Iowa. "She believes in herself, and I think that is the greatest gift that anybody can have."

For her part, Ward said she enjoys sharing live theater with children.

"It takes you out of your own personal reality and transports you somewhere completely different," she said. "'Frog and Toad' is a perfect example of that. (The audience) goes through the trials and tribulations with the characters, and in the end all there is left is friendship and you go away thinking: 'Life is OK.'"

{M3Go & Do

What:{M3 "A Year with Frog and Toad"

{M3When:{M3 Sunday, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

{M3Where:{M3 Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

{M3Cost:{M3 Adults, $25 to $10; UNI students, $10 to $5; youth (18 and under), $1

{M3Call:{M3 (877) 549-7469