BUILDING COMMUNITY the arts THROUGH

STORY BY JULIANN ANGERT

Theirs is a collaboration built on a shared love of theatre, the arts, and community. Susan Usry is the Executive Director and Vickie Spivey is the Director of Programming and Productions at The Plaza Arts Center, while Lora Garcia-Carreras is the owner and director of the Arts Barn in Eatonton.

They began working together during the pandemic, and they’ve become a true force for good. As I walk in to the interview, Vickie is at the sound and light board, and Lora is on stage painting sets with her daughter. They have graciously invited me to discuss their student-led Coffee House and Summer Intensive programs that focus on the talents of young adults and high-schoolers, but can also include community members of all ages; for example, one Coffee House showcases the grandfather of one of the students reciting a piece from a book he authored. Students and other interested community members can learn about the Coffee House projects through word-of-mouth, emails to schools and teachers in surrounding counties, and various social media platforms.

Susan Usry tells me that the mission and vision of the Plaza Arts Center is to “Create, Cultivate, and Celebrate” all that the arts and artists have to offer, while Lora and Vickie emphasize the inclusivity and “strong, safe space” offered by the collaboration of the Arts Barn and the Plaza Arts Center to students, young adults, and aspiring performers in the community. There is so much talent in the area, says Lora, that she realized a need for an outlet and a safe, comfortable place where students could learn and cultivate their artistic abilities; thus, the Coffee House project was conceived.

The first Coffee House performance took place in February of 2022, the day Russia invaded

Ukraine. The somber occasion was not lost on the Coffee House team; they chose to go on and present a heart-warming production that consisted of songs, monologues, dancing, and live music such as piano, drums, and more.

According to Vickie, it was packed and the audience was thrilled with the show. As a result, productions have been scheduled monthly, from February through May, for the past two years. In addition, under the Coffee House umbrella, the project has grown to include the Cocoa House, a program for middle-schoolers, and the Mocha House, an inter-generational program. The intent behind this undertaking is to provide an avenue for kids to connect with those who share a passion for the theatre – they gain confidence, form tight-knit connections, and celebrate each other-all while bringing the community together.

Lora understands that “confidence is key” when young thespians are learning to put themselves in the spotlight. Vickie adds that “Iron sharpens iron,” a proverb meaning that people can lift each other up and become better through communication, mentoring, learning, and leading. This is what occurs in the student-centered Coffee House environment: young people form relationships that evolve into a like-minded, inclusive, welcoming family.

The Coffee House project presents a unique opportunity to those who want to hone and share their art, because Lora, Vickie, and Susan have created a welcoming, supportive, safe place for theatre kids to express themselves. And Lora adds, “Yes, there is coffee here!”

Another exciting component of this arts collaboration is the Summer Intensive Program, which offers multiple opportunities for community members aged 15-25 years old to participate in a Broadway-type production. Sometimes teachers from nearby schools choose to participate, and some act as mentors to newer cast and crew members. The intensive part translates into 13 days of hard work and rehearsals to prepare. The days are long, lasting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but no one involved complains, and everyone, according to Lora, “comes together to celebrate each other.”

Henry Scott, a veteran Broadway actor/director, runs the show, mentoring and working with performers, set-builders and crew to create a play, a musical, or some one-act performances meant to entertain all audiences. Lora, Vickie, Susan and Taylor Surman, the Plaza Arts Center Marketing Director, work together to advertise, mentor, program, and produce the show. This summer’s Broadway Intensive offering will be “Seussical,” a joyful musical sure to delight and uplift the spirits of everyone in the community. Show dates are July 6-9, and 13-16 at the Plaza Arts Center.

In the works at the Arts Center, in addition to “Seussical,” are more educational projects and a possible after-school theatre program for 2024, designed to allow students more experience and time to practice theatre crafts. Susan Usry emphasizes that “Everything we do on stage for adults is done to fund educational projects – we are a non-profit organization.”

The most difficult aspect of the Arts Center/Arts Barn collaboration is the need for funding to support the projects. The most rewarding part? The positive feedback from the audience and community is extremely valuable, and Vickie and Lora agree that it is also the results: the happiness exuded by the participants is priceless.

Both Vickie and Lora are proud of the fact that “kids take ownership; they push through obstacles with a strong drive and work ethic.” As I wrap up the interview, I walk away impressed by the passion and love this team continues to pour into their collaboration.