Here’s what is ahead for Macon, Middle Georgia community theaters in 2024
The American Association of Community Theatre claims community theaters involve more participants, present more performances of more productions and play to more people than any other performing art in the U.S.
There are good reasons for such a claim.
One is the fact AACT is made up of around 7,000 such theater groups and that’s by no means all that exist.
Another reason is to look at the long-term success such groups enjoy locally and their steady audiences through the years. There’s also their growing rosters of amateur performers and – to validate AACT’s claim about presenting more performances of more productions – the growing number of plays and musicals each group puts on each year. The bulk are from their mainstage shows but there are also new experimental presentations, special shows and more children’s workshops and productions.
We owe a lot to the community theater companies in Macon and Middle Georgia just as we do to all the arts groups and art-inclined individuals who provide quality entertainment and the benefits of a certain cultural gravitas they bring. I reached out to several involved in Macon-Bibb and Houston counties and asked about their past year’s highlights, what’s ahead and their thoughts about their theater group.
Macon Little Theatre
“One highlight I think of is a bit general, but I’m proud of the number of new actors I had the opportunity to work with this year in their first shows at MLT,” said JP Haynie, the theater’s artistic director. “Another highlight I’m proud of, though it may not have been a commercial success, is our production of the ‘The Wolves.’ Our actors presented some of the most poignant performances I’ve seen at any level of theater.”
Haynie said for the coming year he’s looking forward to the successful completion of their expanded MLT Family’s season. He said this new wing of MLT has provided many young actors the opportunity to thrive on stage and that patrons love seeing the next generation of actors growing up right in front of them.
As to MLT itself, Haynie said, “I’m incredibly proud of the work that MLT is doing to provide increasingly varied and diverse projects to reach a broader audience in Middle Georgia. From young actors taking their first bow to edgy shows shocking our audience into laughter to big classic Broadway musicals and sharing the sheer joy of live theater, I’m glad MLT is a place everyone can call home.”
The MLT Family production of “Annie Jr.” is this weekend. Information is at www.maconlittletheatre.org.
Theatre Macon
Richard Frazier-Sostillio is the artistic director at Theatre Macon. He too took a broad view of his theater’s work over the past year as a highlight among many highlights with one collaborative venture as a case in point.
“Creating art by providing thought-provoking, quality theater experiences is always a highlight and was certainly true this year,” he said. “Successful community events we were able to be involved in like re-forming the cast of our successful run of ‘The Color Purple’ and presenting it in concert alongside the Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra was absolutely another highlight that took us out of our theater into the community to work with other artists.”
In the coming year, Frazier-Sostillio said a major activity will be solidifying the long-term health of Theatre Macon following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, he said this and offered an invitation: “Theatre Macon is a community of individuals who appreciate creating professional quality art and telling stories that reflect our community. We’d love to have you join us.”
Theatre Macon just wrapped its production of “The 1940s Radio Hour” and will open “The Prom” on Jan. 19. Find them at www.theatremacon.com.
Warner Robins Little Theatre
“From ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ in January to ‘The Odd Couple: The Female Version’ in December, 2023 has been a year filled with laughter at Warner Robins Little Theatre,” said Monica Nix about WRLT’s highlights.
Nix is a WRLT director and governing board member.
“In the year ahead, we’ll share musical theater, serious drama and delightful farce for all to enjoy,” she said. “It’s WRLT’s desire to provide the community theater audience with a variety of entertainment – something to remember.”
WRLT’s “The Odd Couple: The Female Version” concludes with shows this weekend and show the special presentation of “The Magic of Evan Dupree: Believe – The Meaning of Christmas” Dec. 21-22. WRLT information is at www.wrlittletheatre.com.
Perry Players
Chris Kemp is the Perry Players’ new president who enlisted the help of his daughter, actress Hannah Kemp, for collaborative answers. She’s been involved with community theater since she was a youngster and, to her father’s stated amazement, got him and the majority of their family involved in the theater world. An electrician by trade, he’s starred in numerous productions since.
“One highlight was our ’Run for Your Wife’ comedy tribute in memory of the late Perry Players founding member, Carol Strandburg,” Kemp said. “Another highlight had to be our first ever Princess Extravaganza in partnership with Dream a Little Wish Entertainment.”
Dream a Little Wish is a local group of character-costumed actors who are available for parties and other occasions.
As to the coming year, Kemp chose to clothe that in drama.
“One thing we’re looking forward to next year is the announcement of our summer musical which is coming soon. Want a hint? There are roles for all ages with a particularly large cast of children. Or should we say ‘maggots.’”
Kemp said Perry Players has undergone major behind-the-scenes operational changes as it adapts to obstacles, meaning they’ll be reaching out to their community in more ways more often.
The Perry Players’ production of “A Christmas Carol” runs through Saturday. Information is at www.perryplayers.org.
And finally, a news note: it was announced days ago that The Otis Redding Foundation has gained yet another honor this year, this one a Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities.
The award was given by Governor and First Lady Jack Kemp to 10 members of the state’s arts and humanities communities and announced in partnership with Georgia Humanities and the Georgia Council for the Arts – a branch of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
According to a release, the award recognizes a diverse group of individuals and organizations that contribute to and support the growth of Georgia’s creative industries through community involvement, pioneering programs and long-term financial commitments.
Officials recognized the role of The Otis Redding Foundation and others in helping create a thriving economy and their contributions to education, community building and Georgia’s quality of life. Such contributions were called vital to preserving what is special about Georgia.
Karla Redding-Andrews, daughter of Otis Redding and vice president-executive director of the Otis Redding Foundation, said the honor was a recognition of the group’s commitment to young people, the community and its mission to empower, enrich and motivate all young people through programs involving music and arts education.
“Receiving the Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities is a profound honor for the Otis Redding Foundation,” she said. “We’re deeply grateful to the Governor and First Lady Kemp, the Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities for recognizing our unwavering commitment to music education since 2007. Reflecting on our significant contributions to Georgia’s arts community, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of our team, community support and the enduring legacy of Otis Redding. Collaborating with the Georgia Council for the Arts has been instrumental in our growth, reinforcing our dedication to fostering music education in Georgia.”
Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.
