Oak Ridge Today





Enjoy the ‘Kindred Spirits’ Halloween show at Roane State’s main campus on Saturday

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Members of the cast of last year’s version of “Kindred Spirits” perform before a large audience. This year’s performances are at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in the O’Brien Theatre on Roane State’s main campus in Harriman. (Photo by Roane State)

Members of the cast of last year’s version of “Kindred Spirits” perform before a large audience. This year’s performances are at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in the O’Brien Theatre on Roane State’s main campus in Harriman. (Photo by Roane State)

 

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

It’s a seasonal extravaganza that promises something for everyone.

It’s the 2017 edition of “Kindred Spirits,” with performances at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, in the O’Brien Theatre on Roane State’s main campus in Harriman.

There’s drama, dancing, costume parades for all ages, and Halloween trick-or-treating, all rolled up in one fast-paced hour of entertainment, Roane State music professor Brenda Luggie said.

“Kindred Spirits” is a collaboration between the college’s music department, Cumberland County High School’s Jet Theatrix Drama Club, and the Arts in Motion Dance Studios, with locations in Midtown and Rockwood. [Read more…]

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Local talent leads Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse Summer Camp

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Adra Cooper, camp director

Adra Cooper, camp director

This summer, youth will have the opportunity to be inspired by local talent to explore their creativity and surround themselves with fellow thespians. Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse is pleased to connect the theater community by offering this experience to learn in a workshop setting with its summer theater camp for youth from rising third grade through rising 12th.

Adra Cooper, camp director, said her experience with theater with young people has led her to value its positive effects.

“I have seen introverted students, who barely speak or look you in the eye, become talkative and confident young adults after finding confidence on stage,” Cooper said, adding that she thoroughly enjoyed the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse theater camp last year. “I especially enjoyed watching the kids grow in their confidence.”

Cooper brings a wealth of experience from working with youth as a drama teacher, director, and past camp director, a press release said. Campers will also benefit from the creative talent and love of theater from camp assistants Adam Moreno and Josh Farner. Both young men grew up doing theater in Oak Ridge and Knoxville and are excited to share their enthusiasm with the Playhouse campers, the press release said.

Adam Moreno, assistant camp instructor, performing at Middle Tennessee State University in 2014.

Adam Moreno, assistant camp instructor, performing at Middle Tennessee State University in 2014.

Moreno, assistant camp instructor, was very involved in Oak Ridge High School’s drama group, the Masquers. Adam continued his education and graduated with a degree in theater (specializing in acting) in 2016 from Middle Tennessee State University.

“Theater gives you a number of skills you can’t get in any other one platform,” Moreno said. “It teaches you to work with others (even if you don’t get along), to speak in front of a crowd, to listen to others, to take constructive criticism, and much more.”

Farner, also an assistant camp instructor, was a frequent participant at the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse growing up both as an actor and as a crew member. Warner currently attends the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and he is majoring in producing, directing, and playwriting. Farner attended the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse summer camps himself, so he’s especially excited to return as an instructor. [Read more…]

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Oak Ridge Civic Ballet to present ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘The Firebird’ on Saturday

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The Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association will present “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Firebird” on Saturday, April 8, at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center. (Photo by ORCBA)

The Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association will present “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Firebird” on Saturday, April 8, at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center. (Photo by ORCBA)

 

The Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association will present “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Firebird” on Saturday.

You will also have a chance to meet “Belle” and her royal friends at the Princess Tea Party on Saturday.

Both events are at Oak Ridge High School. The Princess Tea Party is Saturday morning, April 8, and the shows are Saturday afternoon and evening.

“Beauty and the Beast,” is the classic tale of an arrogant prince who is turned into a hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return, a press release said. Directed and choreographed by Sharon Nicklow-Cousins and Sarah Jett, the talented dancers of the Civic Ballet bring to life Belle, the Beast, and their castle servants.

“The whole family will enjoy the ballet as our gifted dancers enter the world of ‘Beauty and the Beast,’” said Christy Rickman, ORCBA president. [Read more…]

Roane State Playmakers to perform production of Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver!’ April 21-23

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During a rehearsal, Sophie King of Arts in Motion teaches the children who play orphans the choreography for "Food Glorious Food." (Photo by Roane State)

During a rehearsal, Sophie King of Arts in Motion teaches the children who play orphans the choreography for “Food Glorious Food.” (Photo by Roane State)

 

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

The musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous novel, “Oliver Twist,” comes to Roane State’s O’Brien Theater for only three performances in a rare collaboration of the college’s Music and Theatre Arts departments.

The curtain goes up on Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!” at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 23.

It’s the story of a 9-year-old orphan and his misadventures, from being half-starved in a workhouse and famously asking for more gruel, to learning how to be a pickpocket on the gritty streets of 19th century London.

Memorable songs abound, from “Where Is Love?” to “Food Glorious Food” and “It’s a Fine Life.”

“It’s one of my favorite shows and a classic musical from the 1960s that’s been updated to add new songs,” said director Clarissa Feldt. “It’s a really fantastic big production.” [Read more…]

ORHS Masquers performs ‘The Wizard of Oz’ this weekend

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Pictured above for the March 2017 performance of "The Wizard of Oz" by Oak Ridge High School Masquers are Lion: Tre Jackson; Scarecrow: Bronson Burdick, Dorothy: Lauren McCoig, and Tin Man: Dillon Nowhatchik. (Submitted photo)

Pictured above for the performances of “The Wizard of Oz” by Oak Ridge High School Masquers from March 3-5, 2017, are Lion: Tre Jackson; Scarecrow: Bronson Burdick; Dorothy: Lauren McCoig; and Tin Man: Dillon Nowhatchik. (Submitted photo)

 

Oak Ridge High School Masquers, the school’s drama program, will present “The Wizard of Oz,” the classic musical, for four performances in March.

The performances are scheduled for Friday, March 3, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 4, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m. All performances are in the Oak Ridge Performing Arts Center. Advanced tickets are $8 and are available at the ORHS office and The Ferrell Shop. At the door, tickets will be $10.

Under the direction of Dana Wham, who has directed, choreographed, or acted in numerous adult and children productions throughout the region, this year’s “The Wizard of Oz” continues the ORHS Masquers tradition of bringing excellent performances, impressive sets, amazing orchestration, and technical panache to the stage, a press release said. “The Wizard of Oz” combines an ambitious theatrical experience with the classic story for Frank L. Baum, the press release said. [Read more…]

Audition for Roane State’s spring production of Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver!’

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The Roane State Community College music and theatre arts departments are holding auditions for parts in Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!”

Auditions are scheduled at the college’s Oak Ridge and Roane County campuses: [Read more…]

Reminder: ORHS Masquers present a comedy, ‘Dearly Beloved,’ this weekend

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Dearly Beloved

Oak Ridge High School Masquers, the school’s drama program, will present Jones, Hope, and Wooten’s Texas-sized comedy “Dearly Beloved” for three performances in November. Pictured above are the Futrelle Sisters, from left to right, Twink (Sarah Hepler), Frankie (Mary Kemp), and Honey Raye (Arianna Walker). (Submitted photo)

 

By Ben Fowler

Oak Ridge High School Masquers, the school’s drama program, will present Jones, Hope, and Wooten’s Texas-sized comedy “Dearly Beloved” for three performances in November.

The performances are scheduled for Thursday, November 10, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 12 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, November 13, at 2 p.m., at the Oak Ridge Performing Arts Center, or ORPAC, at Oak Ridge High School.

“Dearly Beloved” is the story of the Frankie, Honey Rae, and Twink as they prepare to throw a wedding for Frankie’s daughter. The Futrelle Sisters try to stay ahead of the Fayro, Texas, rumor mill, but with Frankie’s repeated conversations with her dead mother, Honey Rae’s many trips to the marriage chapel, and Twink’s desperate attempts to get her long-time boyfriend down the aisle for the first time, the odds are against them. Add in their personal tensions of who broke up the Futrelle Sisters’ gospel group, The Sermonettes, and laughter ensues. This southern comedy, filled with crazy family, odd ball love interests, and a nosy neighbor or two, is sure to delight. [Read more…]

ORHS Masquers present a comedy, ‘Dearly Beloved,’ this week

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Dearly Beloved

Oak Ridge High School Masquers, the school’s drama program, will present Jones, Hope, and Wooten’s Texas-sized comedy “Dearly Beloved” for three performances in November. Pictured above are the Futrelle Sisters, from left to right, Twink (Sarah Hepler), Frankie (Mary Kemp), and Honey Raye (Arianna Walker). (Submitted photo)

 

By Ben Fowler

Oak Ridge High School Masquers, the school’s drama program, will present Jones, Hope, and Wooten’s Texas-sized comedy “Dearly Beloved” for three performances in November.

The performances are scheduled for Thursday, November 10, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 12 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, November 13, at 2 p.m., at the Oak Ridge Performing Arts Center, or ORPAC, at Oak Ridge High School.

“Dearly Beloved” is the story of the Frankie, Honey Rae, and Twink as they prepare to throw a wedding for Frankie’s daughter. The Futrelle Sisters try to stay ahead of the Fayro, Texas, rumor mill, but with Frankie’s repeated conversations with her dead mother, Honey Rae’s many trips to the marriage chapel, and Twink’s desperate attempts to get her long-time boyfriend down the aisle for the first time, the odds are against them. Add in their personal tensions of who broke up the Futrelle Sisters’ gospel group, The Sermonettes, and laughter ensues. This southern comedy, filled with crazy family, odd ball love interests, and a nosy neighbor or two, is sure to delight. [Read more…]

IIa, ORAU sponsor Employee Night at Oak Ridge Playhouse

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Bonnie Carroll and Andy Page at Fiddler on the Roof

Bonnie Carroll, founder and CEO of IIa, and Andy Page, president and CEO of ORAU, welcome their employees to Oak Ridge Playhouse’s recent production of Fiddler on the Roof. (Submitted photo)

Arts Council celebrating 60 years, asks for your support in United Arts Fund Drive

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Arts Council of Oak Ridge 200x200

The Arts Council of Oak Ridge is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and the organization is asking for your support in its United Arts Fund Drive.

“Our annual United Arts Fund Drive is a way for you or your business to help keep the arts alive and thriving in Oak Ridge,” a letter to supporters said.

The eight members of the Arts Council of Oak Ridge are Oak Ridge Art Center, Oak Ridge Civic Music Association, Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association, Tennessee Mountain Writers, Oak Ridge Playhouse/Junior Playhouse, Oak Ridge Community Orchestra, Oak Ridge Community Band, and Music Arts School.

The Arts Council promotes the organizations and their events, raises funds, and provides a network to help them grow, the letter to supporters said.

Pledges to the United Arts Fund Drive must be received by July 31 to be included in programs and publications. [Read more…]

Area lawmakers announce $72,190 in arts grants in Anderson County

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Tennessee lawmakers announced this month that six arts grants worth a total of $73,010 have been awarded to five organizations in Anderson County.

The grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission include two awards with a combined total of $18,600 for the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge in the categories of Arts Education-Community Learning and Partnership Support.

Other grants include $23,110 to the Oak Ridge Community Playhouse in the category of Partnership Support, $16,900 to the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association in the category of Partnership Support, $11,620 to the Oak Ridge Community Art Center in the category of Partnership Support, and $2,780 to the Tennessee Mountain Writers in the category of Art Project Support. [Read more…]

Artists, arts supporters to be recognized during Tribute to the Arts on Tuesday

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Tribute-To-The-Arts-March-29-2016

Arts agencies will showcase their talents during a Tribute to the Arts in Oak Ridge on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, and local artists and arts supporters will be recognized. (Submitted image)

 

Arts agencies will showcase their talents during a Tribute to the Arts in Oak Ridge on Tuesday, and local artists and arts supporters will be recognized.

This is the second time that the Arts Council of Oak Ridge has offered this unique gala giving members of the community a chance to recognize local artists and arts supporters for their wonderful work promoting the arts in Anderson County, a press release said.

Tribute to the Arts is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, at the Saint Mary’s Family Life Center in Oak Ridge.

“Each of the arts agencies will be showcasing their talents, so it’s the perfect time to sample an appetizer of arts in our community,” the press release said.

The event is being co-promoted by Arts Council of Oak Ridge and the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge Sunset, with proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction benefiting both organizations and their philanthropies. Tickets may be purchased by contacting the Arts Council of Oak office at (865) 482-4432 or contacting any representative from the eight member organizations. Those groups are Oak Ridge Art Center, Oak Ridge Civic Music Association, Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association, Tennessee Mountain Writers, Oak Ridge Playhouse, Oak Ridge Community Orchestra, Oak Ridge Community Band, and the Music Arts School. [Read more…]

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