News

By Kattie Parsons
 

For the past three years, Lee University has been granted the
opportunity to support guest performing artists through the
Tennessee Arts Commission. This year Lee was pleased to welcome the
Bright Star Children’s Theater to the Dixon Center stage to perform
their play “The Lady of Bullyburg” on Sept. 20 and 21.

“The Lady of Bullyburg” is designed to give young audiences the
tools they need to cope with bullying. Lee was able to host 2,300
schoolchildren throughout the five daytime performances from seven
elementary schools in addition to locally homeschooled children
including: Oak Grove Elementary, Charleston Elementary, Lee
University Early Learning Center, Stuart Elementary, EL Ross
Elementary, Yates Primary, Mayfield Elementary, Tennessee Christian
Preparatory School, and Bradley County Homeschool Group.

“I used the study guide to talk about bullying, and then to see
bullying in action on stage was wonderful,” said a teacher in
attendance. “I loved the way the actors took time to discuss ideas
to stop bullying. After the performance, we were able to discuss as
a small group as well.”

Lee’s opportunity to host such performers as Bright Star is due,
in part, to the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC), funded under an
agreement with the State of Tennessee.

Created in 1967, The TAC stimulates and encourages the
presentation of performing, visual and literary arts throughout the
state and encourages public interest in the cultural heritage of
Tennessee. The Commission has encouraged excellence in artistic
expression through the state’s artists and arts organizations. That
commitment has grown through the years to ensure that the citizens
of Tennessee have access to, and the opportunity to participate in,
the arts.

The Arts in Education Committee of the Allied Arts Council also
helped support this event. “They provided financial support for
several of the schools by covering costs for transportation and
tickets,” said Dr. Christine Williams, assistant professor of
theatre.  “The event would not have been as successful without
their support.”

For more information you may call 423-614-8343, email [email protected],
or visit www.leeuniversity.edu/theatre.
Fans can also join the Facebook page “Lee University Theatre.”

For more information on “The Lady of Bullyburg” or Bright Star,
please visit http://brightstartheatre.com or
contact Bright Star Touring Theatre: (336) 558-7360.

PHOTO: Karl, Mikaela, and Gwenevere Ashton pose with
Bright Star Touring Theatre actors Ramon Perez and Katherine Yacko.