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The Actors’ Bond
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2015/03 - March
While we might have fond memories of middle and high school, it’s doubtful many of us would choose to go back and relive those times. It’s both exciting and frightening, filled with the unknown and unexpected.
But imagine being around kids who share your passion. It’s like finding your long-lost tribe and can be life-changing. According to one local student, the PAC Youth Theater does exactly that.
In a letter written about her experiences with PAC Youth Theater, this student says, “…The biggest reason I love the theater so much is because it has become my home away from home. I wasn’t the most popular kid. And although I had friends, I felt alone and unaccepted. As soon as I joined the theater, that changed. I was accepted, not because I was popular and not because I had the coolest new electronic device. I was accepted for just being me. The theater takes people of every variety who have almost nothing in common except for the love of performing and brings them together. It’s like a gaining an extended family overnight.”
Not everyone has the talent or desire to be a star athlete and in today’s financial climate, it may not be possible to offer fine arts classes in schools.
That’s where Dr. Ronnie Spilton comes in.
She saw a need for teaching the theater arts in Highlands. In 1999 she retired from a 31 year career as an educator, teaching high school English, Drama, Public Speaking and Latin. She combined her lifelong love of theater and her vast teaching accomplishments and offered her expertise to local students.
Since 2006 the program has expanded to include students from Highlands School, Blue Ridge School, Summit Charter School, and homeschooled students — all at no charge. They learn all aspects of putting on a production and for months hone their craft and newly learned skills. This year, the curtain will rise on their production the last weekend of April. No Broadway production could be more anticipated.
This vital program is supported by grant money, donations and gifts managed by PAC, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information on how you might help fund this vital work, contact Mary Adair Leslie, Executive Director of PAC, (828) 526-9047.
