It’s been a long time coming but the Arts Center Wright Auditorium is on the verge of receiving technical upgrades that will enhance every stage performance — be it theater or concert or recital — for many years to come. While there have been tweaks here and there over the years, the lighting system in the auditorium is 30 years old and repair parts are no longer available for that system. The plan is to convert to a computerized LED lighting system that will be far more energy efficient. There will also be some sound upgrades. The total cost of the project is close to $90,000 — not a small amount by any means.

The Arts Center staff is aggressively seeking matching grant funds and preparing to launch a crowd funding event, the Arts Center Foundation has agreed to assist with the cost and the Arts Center Theater is doing their part by offering a benefit performance of “A Salute to the Grand Ole Opry” and a Chair Dedication opportunity.

Let me tell you about the Grand Ole Opry Salute first. Local talent — and I do mean talent — will be rendering classic country tunes made famous by Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Hank Williams Sr., Jeanie C. Riley, Dolly Parton and George Strait. And of course, what would a salute to the Grand Ole Opry be without Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff at the helm? The backup band is also made of a collection of local talented musicians and after just two rehearsals it is obvious this show will be a sellout!

Many of you will remember Meg Bishop in our production of Always Patsy Cline from a few years back. Meg will be back to entertain us again with a few Patsy tunes. Other vocalists and entertainers include Erica York, Amber Schwartz, Mimi Bair, Bobbie Key, Mickey Key, Matt Key, Ryan Diers, Scott Graham, Scott Turner, David Hawkins, Melissa Sims and Larry Sims.

Performances will be Friday, August 11th and Saturday, August 12th at 7 PM each evening. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will benefit the upgrade project. Tickets go on sale tomorrow and you will want to get yours before they are sold out!

Now let me tell you about the Seat Dedication project. Community members will have the opportunity to “purchase” a seat in the auditorium to dedicate in honor or in memory of someone. Center seats are $100 and side seats are $50. A plate with your dedication will be placed on the back of a chair and will remain there as long as the seats are a part of the Wright Auditorium. Forms to dedicate a chair can be found on line at www.colquittcountyarts.com for you to download and mail in or you can drop by the Arts Center and fill out a form.

August will be a busy month for theater at the Arts Center with auditions for shows that reach all ages of participants and audience members. Mark these on your calendar now!

BROADWAY BOUND  by Neil Simon — part three of Neil Simon’s acclaimed autobiographical trilogy — finds Eugene and his older brother Stanley trying to break into the world of show business as professional comedy writers while coping with their parents’ break-up and eventual divorce. When their material is broadcast on the radio for the first time, the family is upset to hear a thinly-veiled portrait of themselves played for laughs.

Auditions will be held August 21st 6:30-8:30 PM and Performances will be November 10th-12th

Children’s Theater – Kindergarten-5th Graders – will present A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD with Auditions scheduled for Thursday, August 24th    5:30-7:00

Performance dates are Saturday, October 14th 7 PM and  Sunday, October 15th 2 PM

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make-believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons. Production Fee of $30 per cast member covers show T Shirt, Script Music CD, and costumes.

Our Youth Theater made up of students in 6th-12th Grades will present JUNIE B. JONES.

It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting.

Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your audience members’ hearts just as the books captivated an entire generation of students.

Auditions/Call Thursday, August 31st 6:30-8:00

School Performances Thursday, October 26th & Friday October 27th

Public Performances   Saturday, October 28th & Sunday, October 29th

Production Fee of $30 per cast member covers show T Shirt, Script Music CD, and costumes.

For more information about any of these opportunities call the Arts Center at 985-1922. Or better yet- come see us! At YOUR Colquitt County Arts Center-where creativity finds community.