Written by: Morgan Yeatts For two years now, the Academy Center of the Arts has partnered with Alpha Phi Alpha, the first African American greek fraternity, to present The Best of Us, an awards ceremony dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the Black community, organizations, and individuals who have made contributions in the Lynchburg area. This year, over 330 people attended the ceremony, which was held on Saturday, February 2, 2019, in the Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre. The numerous awards included Best Businesswoman, Best Businessman, Best Barbershop, and three Lifetime Achievement awards. “There are a lot of people in our community who are honored, but don’t get recognition,” says Evan Smith, Director of Community Outreach here at the Academy. “I think it’s important to be able to recognize people who have made great contributions to our community.” Members of the community who were awarded include Ethel Reeves, who received the Mary Kinkle Award for Best Educator, musician Lew Taylor, winner of the Entertainer of the Year award, and Lynchburg Police Officer, Tereika Grooms, who won the Millenial of the Year award. The recipients of the Lifetime Achievement awards were Fletcher Hubbard, Mary Payne, and Willie […]
Archives for February 2019
Academy to Hold Auditions for Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Follies’
Contact: Brittany Griffith Director of Communications and Marketing (434) 528-3256 x131 bgriffith@academycenter.org For Immediate Release: 1/29/2019 ACADEMY TO HOLD AUDITIONS FOR STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S FOLLIES The Academy Center of the Arts is excited to announce that the first Community Through Theatre production in its recently opened Historic Academy Theatre will be Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical, Follies. Scheduled to be performed in 2019 on May 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19, the rarely-produced play is considered to be one of Sondheim’s greatest shows. The Academy has assembled an experienced creative team to lead this project. Former EC Glass Theatre teacher Jim Ackley will direct the show. Randall Speer, Music Department chair at Randolph College, will be Music Director. Stephen Sondheim’s Follies will be choreographed by Rena Lindevaldsen, and Tyler Herron, the Technical Director for the Academy, will be the Scenic and Lighting Designer. Auditions for Stephen Sondheim’s Follies will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2019 from 2:00pm – 6:00pm and Tuesday, February 19, 2019, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm in the Academy’s Warehouse Theatre, 519 Commerce St. Auditions will include singing, reading, and a dance combination. Auditions will be open to all actors of varying ages […]
