The arts blossom in Sussex
Posted By Admin on December 18, 2011
REHOBOTH BEACH — The arts community is blossoming in Sussex County and area residents are seeing more opportunities to enjoy live theater.
Clear Space Productions started offering a pay what you can night on the second Thursday show of each production; Coastal Concerts offers free admission to children ages 10-18; and at the Freeman Stage at Bayside, operated by the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, about 70 percent of the performances are free to the public.
All of the organizations have a common goal: To make the arts readily available.
Our mission is to promote the appreciation, the understanding and enjoyment of classical music throughout southern Delaware, said David Cristy, Coastal Concerts board president. All of the arts are part of the fabric that makes a community complete.
Although Coastal Concerts has offered discounts for years, Cristy said few take advantage of it. But the concert series isnt the only way Coastal Concerts brings awareness of classical music to the area. It sponsors scholarship competitions, donates used musical instruments and presents in-school educational concerts as well.
While Cristy never played an instrument, music was always a big part of his life. He hopes to create the same kind of memories for children in Sussex County.
Kids who study art, whether its visual arts, music or theater, develop parts of their being that … theyre going to use throughout their lives, he said. Im really more concerned with people knowing and just filling that portion of their lives.
Clear Spaces goal was to allow members of the community who may not be able to afford the regular ticket price to experience live theater, said Michael Matthias, public relations director.
While the organization strives to make ticket prices affordable for everyone, anywhere from 20 to 40 people take advantage of the pay what you can night, he said.
Theater, for me, is a community experience, he said. Its really about the communion with the fellow audience members and actors. Its a very different experience than going to the movies.
With shrinking school budgets and corporate donations, keeping the arts alive, especially in Sussex County, is very important for the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. Through The Freeman Stage, the nonprofit aims to provide quality arts education for all, said Doug Phillips, marketing manager.
The Take Two Drama Club of Sussex Central High School has started to offer a two-for-one special for middle school students to attract them to the high schools theater program, said David Warick, drama instructor and founder of the Delaware Comedy Theater.
Warick said local productions are not only top-notch, but also allow people to be aware of the arts without traveling to metropolitan areas such New York City, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia.
We want to offer a quality arts experience to anyone and everyone, Phillips said.
acunningh@dmg.gannett.com
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