Lexington, KY - Yes, in this age of electronic entertainment, it is still possible to mesmerize young minds with live theatre. Especially when the kids in question are underserved and far less likely to be inundated by digital gadgetry. And in particular, when they are given the opportunity to see for themselves the inner-workings of a functioning professional theatre.
Broadway
That's the aim of the new charitable arts and education program
Buddies
, the brainchild of Lexington Opera House Program Director Luanne Franklin that got underway on Monday evening in the historic theatre and will culminate with the Sunday evening performance of
Shrek The Musical,
the latest national touring production of the Opera House Broadway Live series.
Broadway
Buddies
is an initiative to introduce young audiences who otherwise might not have the opportunity, to experience the art and magic of professional live theater. "Bringing youth to the Opera House helps to fulfill a long-term goal of Broadway Live," according to
Franklin, who drew on her experience as a former classroom teacher to lead the program.
Things got underway on Monday evening with a backstage tour of the Opera House and a class for the kids in theatre etiquette.
"One of our primary goals is teaching young people that being an audience member carries with it a responsibility to be fully engaged in the performance," Franklin said.
Opera House technical staff demonstrated a variety of stage techniques - the mechanics of theatrical "magic" - to the kids. "Just seeing their faces when (Opera House Technical Coordinator) Michael Lavin gave that demonstration was worth the time," said Franklin.
Franklin made an effort to impress upon the children that people in their community truly care about offering them a helping
hand and that they should, in turn, appreciate and acknowledge the gesture.
There were more than 300 applicants for the scholarship, which includes a $75 ticket to the Sunday evening performance, but only enough donations to accommodate 66. Franklin said the aim is to grow the program's donor base in order to offer the opportunity to a larger group of children during one production in each season of the Broadway Live series.
Donations for next season are being accepted now and new applications for scholarships can be submitted starting July 31, 2012. For more information email lfranklin@lexingtoncenter.com.
2012 Broadway Buddies
Individuals and companies who donated tickets:
Debra Bahr, Larry Blair, Bluegrass Airport, Bunch & Brock Attorneys At Law,Harry Burchett, Linda Carey, Janet Cartmell, Rose Childers, Clark Distributing, Jim Musgove, Jeanne Codell, Anne Combs, Dermatology Associates Of Kentucky, Anir & Nathalie Dhir, Rebecca Goodman, W. David Hager, M.D., Hall Media - Larry Hall, Henry Hinkle,Theresa Holmes, Carol Hood, Elizabeth Jennings, Carol Mcleod, William Mitchell, Richard Monohan, Jackie Nicholson, Dale Packer, Gerald & Polly Psimer, Mary M. Reid, Doris Rosenbaum, Dr. James F. Sautter, Elise Scully, Jo Shoop, Southeast Banking Systems, Elizabeth Wright, Anonymous (2)
Beneficiary organizations:
Chrysalis House,
Placing Leaders,
Among Youth,
East 7th Street Center,
Race for Education,
Leestown Middle,
Sunrise Children's Services,
4Kids,
Morton Middle School