The first half of The Plaza Arts Center’s 15th year was a big hit, and part two continues the celebration.
Since opening in 2008, The Plaza’s stage has hosted the likes of Lee Greenwood, John Berry, and The Gatlin Brothers, as well as tribute acts to classic artists like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Buffett, and Elton John. It also has provided an important platform for emerging stars like Eatonton’s own Matt Rogers, pianist Barron Ryan, and the classically trained musicians of the Take3 Trio.
One thing that has remained throughout is The Plaza’s mission of bringing the arts to the youth of our local community with its educational programming.
Proceeds from The Plaza’s live shows go directly toward what the facility provides to young people, including its free After School Art Program, free community events in the spring, at Halloween and Christmas, and the always popular Art Camp and Camp Broadway during the summer.
After all, the true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more professional artists, but to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, with curious minds, who express empathy toward others, and who lead inquisitive, productive lives.
Perhaps the most obvious example of how these funds help our youth and young adults is offered by taking a glance at The Plaza’s Broadway Intensive program, presented in conjunction with The Arts Barn.
Over the past three years, young adults aged 15 to 25 have gotten together to put on a professional-level musical performance directed by a Broadway veteran. From feeding those involved throughout the week to costumes to sets to performance expenses, this intensive program represents The Plaza’s single most expensive annual endeavor.
However, the value that comes from the program greatly exceeds any financial cost. The cast of the Broadway Intensive also was involved in the younger kids’ Camp Broadway this summer, providing even more overall value.
The Broadway Intensive cast also volunteers at community events at The Plaza and performs at various Coffee Houses throughout the year, ultimately creating a unique arts community of young people – which is exactly what The Plaza needs to keep the doors open for another 15, 50, 100 years.
Simply put, The Plaza would not exist if not for patrons coming to shows and there are so many more opportunities to visit this year.
October features the outdoors Homegrown Talent concert, with Eatonton native Matt Rogers serving as headliner and host to performers RJ Sanders, Luke Boswell, and Fall Line Rambler as they combine for a night of great music and entertainment on The Plaza lawn.
On Oct. 6 comes something special, The Plaza’s second edition of Behind the Curtain, an intimate 15th-year celebration event that starts off with a performance in the theater where patrons will later mingle with other guests and then enjoy an exquisite dinner while seated on the historic Plaza stage.
Featuring Ontario Williams, a classically trained vocalist and teacher in the Putnam County School System, the audience will enjoy hearing Williams sing hymns to Broadway hits. Tickets are $150 and include an open bar, dinner dessert, and what promises to be a memorable performance.
For several dates in November, the Plaza Alliance for the Performing Arts PAPA) will present its production of “12 Angry Jurors,” adapted from a 1954 play written by Reginald Rose.
Making it even more special, “12 Angry Jurors” at The Plaza is produced by PAPA, and its cast is made up of all local community members. PAPA previously performed this play in 2011 to great public acclaim from sold-out audiences.
Finally, on Dec. 9, Joe Gransden will wrap up The Plaza’s official entertainment schedule with his big band’s jazzy approach to Christmas classics, which promises to be a night to remember.
For arts lovers, the best way to support The Plaza and its efforts to bring the arts to everyone in the community is first and foremost, by buying tickets to shows, attending community events, and participating in programs presented there.
Upon getting a sense of what goes on at The Plaza, becoming a member is the next, best step in continuing support. Memberships start at just $150 per year and include free tickets, discounts on rentals, and more.