News

Lee University’s theatre program has received an Arts Project Support grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) for the fifth consecutive year.

The TAC is a state agency founded in 1967 to stimulate and encourage the presentation of performing, visual, and literary arts throughout the state of Tennessee in order to enhance the quality of life for Tennessee residents.

According to the TAC, advisory panels use a series of criteria to evaluate programs which have applied for funds from the TAC. The project must demonstrate artistic, cultural, and/or educational value to the community, and the organization must understand and act as an advocate for the public value of the arts in the community, among other various requirements.

“We are very excited to receive this grant for the 5th year in a row from the Tennessee Arts Commission,” said Dr. Christine Williams, associate professor of theatre at Lee. “Through the aid of this grant, we have hosted over 7,500 children to see theatrical performances. It is truly a wonderful gift for our community.”

This year the grant funds will go toward supporting the performances of the Lexington Children’s Theatre (LCT) troupe. Founded in 1938, LCT is a fully professional, non-profit organization. It is their mission to create imaginative, compelling theatre experiences for children and families in order to enrich the lives of children, both intellectually and culturally. They are one of the oldest continuously operating theatres for children in the country and are recognized as the State Children’s Theatre of Kentucky.

The group will provide school-day performances of two plays, “The Long Road to Freedom” and “Rapunzel,” for local students. The Arts in Education Committee of the Allied Arts Council of Cleveland/Bradley County will provide support for busing and tickets so that schools can attend the shows.

A public performance of Rapunzel will take place on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Dixon Center. Tickets for all ages are $5 and will go on sale Sept. 18 at the Box Office located in the Communication Arts Building or by phone at (423) 614-8360.

Rapunzel is a play about a young girl trapped in a tower by her overprotective Nan, but Rapunzel is a rather curious young girl. As her hair grows longer, her tower grows higher, and Rapunzel becomes more dissatisfied with the safety of her entrapment. She soon decides it’s time for a bit of adventure.

The play is recommended for grades K-3, and is regarded as an opportunity to learn about fairy tales, causes and effects, and the consequences of actions.

For more information about the TAC, visit www.tn.gov/arts.

For more information about the LCT, visit www.lctonstage.org.