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Arts academy a learning experience [UPDATED]
Published 8:18am Thursday, August 9, 2012 Updated 12:20pm Thursday, August 9, 2012The past two weeks we have been busy with one of my favorite summertime programs, the Summer Arts Academy. I am excited to be part of trying something a little different and new this year.
First, the Academy has taken place downtown, right here at the Fergus Theatre.
Second, there has been a theater or performing arts focus this year.
And third, the culminating performances (written and performed by the almost 60 students themselves) are at the Concert in the Park on Thursday, Aug. 9.
It’s pretty magical to watch the creativity of a child emerge as they participate in an arts activity. The enthusiasm and joy is contagious. I love to see kids build confidence, learn new skills, and explore their creativity together in a supportive and positive environment.
There are always surprises along the way — whether it’s a child doing something completely unexpected or learning something about yourself from the children that you’re working with.
We hope you will join us at the Concert in the Park tonight at 6:30 p.m. to see the play that the participants of Summer Arts Academy have created.
Another joy of being involved with the Academy is watching all the proud parents, friends, and relatives as they see their kids perform.
Sometimes I don’t think the parents even believe what their child is capable of. Whether you have a kid or not, we hope you’ll support the kids in this community as they learn through performing arts.
Summer Arts Academy isn’t the only thing keeping us busy here at the Center. We are now selling tickets for the concert scheduled on Sept. 7. Allen Edwards, the well-known singer from Branson, Miss., will be here for a great night of entertainment.
With a soothing voice and plenty of warmth and charisma, seeing and hearing Edwards perform is a fan-favorite experience. We hope you get your tickets soon.
We are also in the midst of planning our annual fall fundraising event, the Talk of the Town. This year’s event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Legacy Hall on the M State campus.
We are looking forward to a fun evening of good food and entertainment all for a great cause. Staff and board members will be selling tickets shortly and we hope you’ll consider supporting the Center by purchasing a ticket to this annual event.
With summer going by so quickly, we are very close to the beginning of our brand new 2012-13 season and the start of our Center Series. We have already sold 286 reserved seats for the Series.
Individual, general seating tickets for the eight shows in the Center Series will go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 28. Be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible as many of the shows look like they may sell out quickly. For more information about all of our upcoming events, be sure to visit our website at www.fergusarts.org.
Kristin Fondriest is the executive assistant at A Center for the Arts in downtown Fergus Falls.
