Happy January everyone,
This month we all look back at the year past and ask ourselves, how can I build this year? As I was pondering this topic myself, my mind wandered to the local Rutherford County theatres that are independently owned and operated and how much they have all grown. Some over many years and some still newly blossoming! I wanted to dedicate this month's blog to a handful of these very theatres, and shed some light on their history and mission statements.
Bravo Boro was founded in 2021 and started as nothing more than an idea by a group of friends sitting at a table reminiscing together. These friends had worked together on numerous shows at numerous theaters and had all met up for dinner to catch up, when someone declared “We should have our own group and put on our own shows.” and with that statement, they decided to hit the ground running by founding a community theater. They strive to put on the most unique of shows and find people who have never acted or been a part of a theatre before to bring them into the fold. Bravo Boro strives to do all this for the community and more!
Radical Arts is an artistic endeavor promoting acceptance and equality that will further promote the enjoyment of and participation in the arts, primarily focusing on theatrical plays and musicals. It is their primary mission to bring the arts to the community in a positive, enlightening, and educational way. They will soon even be developing a youth program targeting the underprivileged and those who lack access to art programs and education. From puppet theatre to educational opportunities, be sure to keep your eye on Radical Arts, as they take the arts to the youth!
Murfreesboro Little Theatre is the oldest continuing community theatre in Middle TN, founded in 1962. MLT strives to provide an eclectic array of shows to entice and entertain all in the community. They also actively support and participate in The Penguin Project, which is an organization that helps host modified kids productions of popular Broadway Musicals. These productions are unique, however, because all the roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. Learn more about The Penguin Project through their website.
Ghost Light Studio is a performing arts studio founded by two fellow performers with the same dream in a First Watch booth in 2021. Their mission statement highlights that they are dedicated to building a safe, fun, and immersive experience for all performers. Where they can be taught new things, train their current skills or simply have a place to be themselves without fear of judgment! They encourage performing artists of all ages to find their light through their productions, courses, and clubs. Ther upcoming season announcement and more will be starting up in 2023!
Consider This Theatre is an organization dedicated to spreading appreciation for the performing arts and providing the opportunity for local aspiring actors to audition and participate in a wide variety of dramas and comedies performed for local families and neighbors. Their productions consist of a mixture of high quality performances including comedy, drama, murder mystery, musicals and talent showcases. They invite everyone to not only come check out their performances, but to also try out for acting or support positions for future productions!
These are just a few of the many amazing performing arts theatres in Middle TN. I am proud to say there is truly no lack of passion, talent, dedication, or heart in the local Theatrical community. Make it a point to get out and support your local theatres this year, as this is a person to person arts that we hope will never be forgotten.
Until next month,
Poem
"We must all do theatre, to find out who we are, and to determine who we could become."
-Augusto Boal
To keep up to date on any and all artistic happenings of Middle TN, follow the Rutherford Arts Alliance on Facebook: rucoartstn OR visit our website: Rutherford Arts Alliance.
Banner image credit: unsplash.com/@kyleunderscorehead
