The Arts Center's community theatre has been a part of the Rocky Mount community for more than 40 years. The Theatre offers a wide variety of productions, including comedies, dramas, musicals, and children’s theatre. The Theatre’s mainstage offers 3 or 4 large productions and an annual Christmas Chorus.
Rocky Mount Community Theatre
All performances take place in the Theatre at the Imperial Centre. For information, please call 972-1441.
Into the Woods, by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine
Auditions January 9 & 10, 2008, 7pm
Performing March 7, 8, 14 & 15 at 8pm; March 16 at 2pm
When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk). What begins as a lively irreverent fantasy in the style of "The Princess Bride" becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.
Talley's Folly, by Lanford Wilson
Performing May 9, 10, 16 & 17 at 8pm; May 18 at 2pm
Winner of the 1980 Pulitzer Prize & the New York Drama Critics Circle Award as best play of the season.
The scene is a deserted boathouse on the Talley place in Lebanon, Missouri; the time 1944. Matt Friedman, an accountant from St. Louis, has arrived to plead his love to Sally Talley, the susceptible, but uncertain daughter of the family. Matt refuses to accept Sally's rebuffs and her fears that her family would never approve of their marriage. He gradually overcomes her defenses, telling his innermost secrets to his loved one and, in return, learning hers as well.
The Art of Dining, by Tina Howe
Performing September 19, 20, 26 & 27 at 8pm; May 28 at 2pm
Cal and Ellen are the owners and sole staff of a small, elegant gourmet restaurant. Cal's main preoccupation is paying back the $75,000 it cost to start it up, and that means packing in the customers. Chef Ellen is preoccupied with the food's quality and stopping Cal from sampling the ingredients. The diners act out their own private dramas over dinner and their conversations are unintentionally hilarious and a delicious example of how not to act and what not to talk about while dining.
Schoolhouse Rock Live! Book by George Keating, Kyle Hall and Scott Ferguson;
Music & lyrics by Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, George Newall, Kathy Mandry, Lynn Ahrens and Tom Yohe
Performing November 7, 8, 14 & 15 at 8pm; November 16 at 2pm
A pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage! The Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs is instructing a whole new generation to "Unpack Your Adjectives" and "Do The Circulations."
Tom, a nerve-wracked school teacher nervous about his first day of teaching, tries to relax by watching TV when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music, through such beloved "Schoolhouse Rock" songs as "Just A Bill," "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly" and "Conjunction Junction."
The 40th Annual Christmas Chorus
December 11 & 12 at 8pm; December 14 at 2pm
Join us for our special anniversary celebration of ringing in the season! The Christmas Chorus celebrates 40 years of music and good wishes with their favorite seasonal music. A family tradition that is sure to be a family memory!
Join the Theatre staff and cast of Honk! for an opening night post production reception celebrating the Arts Center's 50th Anniversary. Ticket holders for the March 9 performance are invited to participate in this season opening event. The event features champagne, deserts and live music.
Subscribe now to our 50th anniversary season-a celebration of family and community. Season tickets for the 2007 Community Theatre Season are available through March 18th, 2007, and include admission to the following productions: Honk!, A Raisin in the Sun, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Our Town, and the 39th Annual Christmas Chorus. Season tickets are $34 for adults or $30 for Senior Citizens and Children under 12. Subscribers to the season enjoy many benefits, including discount pricing, opportunities to make reservations before tickets are available to the general public, and postcard reminders of productions and special events. Purchase your season ticket now, and be part of the next 50 years at the Arts Center!
Act Up!
May 21 - June2; Performs June 2
Act Up! is a two week program for senior citizens to develop and express the unique qualities of mind, body, and spirit that contribute to the art and craft of storytelling. We use and explore our vast imagination, depth and power of emotions, and our ability to tell stories and perform reader's theatre.
Young Actor's Theatre
June 11 - June 29; Performs June 29 & June 30
YAT is a three week program designed for young people between the ages of 13 and 18 who are interested in exploring the creation of a theatrical production. Emphasis is placed on acting technique and production style, including exploration of the choices that define the production.
PlayShop
July 9 - July 27; performs July 27 & July 28
Playshop teaches young people ages 8 - 12 aspects of theatre through a series of workshops while mounting a full-length production.
Fairy Tale Theatre
August 6 - August 10
This week long program allows participants ages 5-7 the opportunity to express their creativity through popular fairy tales.
The Performing Arts Series includes all styles of performers and performances. The 2007 Series will be presented in the Theatre at the Imperial Centre for Arts and Sciences. Performances begin at 7pm, and tickets are $6 per person. All tickets are general admission and may be purchased at the door.
Black History Month
Date TBA
An annual event celebrating the history, culture and contributions of African Americans.
Presented by the Rocky Mount Arts Center and AKA.
Signature Dance
March 30 & 31
The resident dance company of the Imperial Center, Signature is an emerging ensemble of young professional dancers. The ensemble works daily under the direction of Cindy Mancini to develop a contemporary repertoire which will allow them to integrate genres such as ballet, modern and jazz.
Dotoratos & Hammond, in Concert
Dates TBA
Featuring Julliard graduates Ray Dotoratos on violin and Gary Hammond at the piano, this duo brings to life such selections as Mozart's Allegretto, Chopin's Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op 53 "Heroic", and Cole Porter's Night and Day. Recognized by the White House for their excellent outreach programs, Dotoratos and Hammond will be sharing music which has previously been presented at Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and the White House. Music selections are carefully chosen to appeal to both the youngest and most mature audience members.
North Carolina Central University Theatre Production
Dates TBA
The Sounds of Gold
July 19
The Sounds of Gold is an a cappella ensemble of 35 select voices performing primarily the "popular classics" of both sacred and secular choral literature. Founded by Jesse Shearin in 1995, the Sounds of Gold is based in Rocky Mount, although the singers come from Greenville, Tarboro, Wilson, Nashville, Pinetops, Roanoke Rapids, Littleton, Scotland Neck, Zebulon, and Belhaven. Recent performance venues include historic Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in New York City, Canterbury Cathedral, and Christ Church in Dublin, Ireland.
Auditions for community Theatre productions take place throughout the year, approximately 6 to 8 weeks before performance dates. Audition information may be obtained by calling the theatre office at 972-1441.
Perusal scripts for all shows are available at the Theatre Box Office. Scripts may be checked out for 48 hours. There is a $5 deposit for non-musicals, and a $10 deposit for musicals.
Volunteer opportunities
The community Theatre relies on volunteers to continue its tradition of success. Volunteers are needed for all aspects of production including acting, set construction and painting, sewing and altering of costumes, props acquisition, stage management, and technical operations. Ushers, house managers, and concessionaires are needed for every performance throughout the year. For information on how you can be part of the community theatre please call 972-1441.
Call or come by between noon and 4:30, Monday through Friday. The box office is located at the Imperial Centre, 270 Gay Street. Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Box Office: 252-972-1266
Season Tickets are $34 for adults, $30 for Seniors & Students
Musicals, $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $6 for students and children
Plays, $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for students and children
For more information, email maureen.daly@rockymountnc.gov
