The Arts as Community Threads

They come with smiles and sighs.

Many have had tough days; a run-in on the playground, a past due book report or a late night spent with mom at work. They aren't aware of the closing of Mill Mountain Theatre or the education woes taking place in the City. All they know is that for the next 90 minutes, they will participate in something referred to "Minds in Motion" or "theatre classes" led by really animated and high energy individuals that speak a different language than what they hear during school.

Two weeks ago, our Artist Services and Arts Education Director, Rhonda Hale, was frantic with last minute planning for an upcoming exhibition with local artists. Her challenge? She also needed to attend a rehearsal for TEAM XL at Fishburn Elementary. I was longing for a break from grant proposals and said, "I'll go!" TEAM XL, part of Richmond Ballet's Minds in Motion program, consists of about 35 students who have shown an aptitude and special interest in the high-energy dance program. These 4th graders meet each week with Pedro Szalay, Artistic Director of Southwest Virginia and the only credentialed Minds in Motion instructor in our region, while learning self-discipline, self-confidence, coordination and collaboration. Yes, all of these very important life skills, while learning really fun choreography with Mr. Pedro.

My job? I took roll and made sure they had their name tags. Their job? Rehearsing last week's dance steps, getting their friends up to speed if they'd missed last week's rehearsal, re-working steps and learning the new steps; all in preparation for the performance in April. I was struck by the seamless nature of their learning (and what amazing dancers they'd become in five months with no previous experience), their focused attentions (there were hardly any discipline issues) and support for one another. As soon as they came, they were gone and off to their families, baby sitters or possibly other activities.

The arts are alive in our communities each and every day. I bet that at any given moment, there is someone creating something that will cause us to stop, reflect, learn about ourselves and connect with one another. For these 4th grade students, these creative exercises might be the only "smiles" they receive and/or give during the course of their day.

Ginger Poole, Education Director for Mill Mountain Theatre, greets different students each day outside our office, which parallels the lobby area for Waldron Stage. Their excitement as they wait for her to usher them into the theatre reverberates off the windows and into our offices. They practice their dance steps, rehearse their lines and eagerly await her direction. I envy their innocence about the economic challenges that face us every day, but am so glad that our community is blessed with dedicated artists who share their love of creative expression and joy for life. As I listen to them learn songs from George M! and You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, I am so glad that the arts are alive and well in our community. Sure, donations are down, ticket sales might not be what they should be and the news about lay-offs and firings abound, but there is hope and they come in the smiling, and sighing, faces, hearts and minds in our young people.

On their behave, thank you Mr. Pedro and Ms. Poole and the countless others who offer their talents, passion and diversions to a better time and place that awaits us all.

Mill Mountain Theatre - Why Professional Theatre is Important to the Roanoke Valley

I have a confession to make. I should love all the arts equally, but theatre is my first love. It all started with The Music Man at Downey Civic Light Opera in Southern California. When Harold Hill came down the center aisle with the Downey High School Marching Band on his heels, I was hooked. When they held auditions for OKLAHOMA!, my mother drove me to the theatre where I sang 16 bars of “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” and demonstrated my ability to perform several box steps in succession. Amazingly enough, I was cast in the chorus and from there, would begin my love affair with theatre, which continues today with my current status as a season ticket holder to Mill Mountain Theatre (MMT) and the Broadway in Roanoke series.

When I heard the news about MMT, it hit me really hard. I had watched as our community welcomed new and exciting theatre offerings including Studio Roanoke and Roanoke Children’s Theatre, while also marveling at the rich and varied community and college theatre scene. As I read and listen to the community’s dialogue about MMT and professional theatre, I would like to add my thoughts as a relative newcomer to Roanoke, but someone who has walked in all kinds of theatre “shoes”. That is, as an actor, as a current member of Actor’s Equity, as a director and participant in community and college productions and as a consumer.

Is there a place for professional theatre in Roanoke? I certainly hope so. I know MMT is examining this question and others as they determine next steps. I also know that a community task force has been assembled to ask pointed questions about the causes related to MMT’s current situation and what their future role might be within the community. Evaluation/assessment from within (by both the Board and staff) and community/audience feedback/input are extremely worthwhile endeavors. I hope that MMT (and all arts/cultural organizations for that matter) realize the importance of evaluation and assessment in all programmatic areas. Our funders ask for this in grant applications, but more importantly, how else do we know if what we are doing is relevant and aligned with our mission and goals? (I must confess that when I attended MMT productions, I wondered why there were no exit surveys or volunteers conducting one-on-one interviews before the show or at intermission. As I worked past 5:00 p.m. in our offices, which line the lobby area for the Waldron Stage, and saw audiences wait for Driving Miss Daisy, I wondered what made them come to this final show and help it achieve its “Sold Out” status? Was it just because the theatre was possibly closing? Or was this show a sign of what audiences wanted to see? Why were they there and what might cause them to come back?)

Instead of asking if there’s a place for professional theatre in Roanoke, the question should be, how does professional theatre support community theatre, college/University theatre, experimental theatre, children’s theatre, area playwrights, audiences, area businesses and other cultural organizations? As I began my theatrical career, I was surrounded by individuals with different goals and aspirations. Some wanted to pursue a career in professional theatre, while others participated in community theatre as a creative and social outlet. Community theatre was my training ground, helped me gain experience (and credits on my resume) and started my professional career. Should all theatres be non-professional? I don’t think it’s an “either or” scenario. I am the biggest proponent and supporter of community theatre, but we must not forget what professional theatre provides with paying jobs for actors, directors, playwrights, and set-designers who in turn live, work and invest in our communities. In addition, theatre audiences vary in their viewing expectations, just as concert goers and art collectors will support and enjoy both the novice and professional musician and visual artist. MMT is an important part of what the market will support. Let’s give them a chance to reconnect to their market, which will not compete with, but support and even strengthen other theatre groups, cultural organizations and area businesses.

As our region's cultural offerings grow, including Studio Roanoke, Roanoke Children’s Theatre and Virginia Tech’s new experimental theatre project and Arts Initiative, MMT with its professional theatre status, instead of hiring out-of-state actors, should provide a vehicle for Equity Actors to live, work and invest in the Roanoke Valley. The current situation may not support this ideal, but envisioning where we might be in the next 5-10 years is crucial in our current dialogues. The presence of professional theatre also challenges all participants to strive for the best they can offer. It is the terminus degree in the process. As we expand our offerings for area children and teens, University students and opportunities for the community to experience and support a wide range of theatre experiences, MMT could be intrinsically linked to each and every effort; while ensuring our region’s cultural Mecca status includes professional theatre. In addition, MMT is and should remain part of our region’s cultural claim to fame, which includes the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke, Center in the Square and the Taubman Museum of Art. Yes, there are many others, but these really are the Fab Five, as it were for Roanoke Valley’s arts and cultural organizations.

I’m rooting for MMT; as an actor, as an audience member and as Executive Director of The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, of which MMT is a member. However, I am also rooting for MMT as an important part of what makes the Roanoke Valley such a unique and amazing place to live. We need you, MMT, and understand that you need to rethink the way you do business. As you discover your new business model and how you contribute to the arts on a professional level, remember that whatever the outcome, you must continue to reflect, support and evolve around the community you serve. Also, don’t forget to connect with all of your stakeholders, including audiences, as you chart your course today and for your future.

Please save me a seat for your next act. I can’t wait for the curtain to rise once again.