shops, properties storage and rehearsal halls are more ample than most professional theatres anywhere in America can boast. NCShakes raised $3 million in its first-ever capital campaign to renovate the buildings and upfit the shops. In 2012, NCShakes transformed Spirit Center’s William Shakespeare Hall into an intimate performing venue, with a small stage and a new lighting grid that allows for more flexible lighting design. The space, which is available for rental, is ideal for themed parties and events, and is the site of NCShakes annual education fundraiser, the High Tea and Fashion Show. “In addition to the festival’s world-class theatre productions and educational programming, we want to lead the way in offering other activities for people in High Point to enjoy,” said NCShakes President and CEO Wil Elder, who joined the festival in 2011. “We’re constantly looking for new and different types of events that we think would have appeal in High Point – particularly to the young professionals who are looking for things to do closer to home.” One of those new offerings is Final Friday, a monthly entertainment series that NCShakes launched in April 2012. On the last Friday of each month, NCShakes offers low-cost entertainment at Spirit Center, bringing new and diverse audiences to this area of downtown High Point. Another annual event, Community Day, welcomed the wider community to an open house tour of Spirit Center, free games, ice cream and music. The last year also saw the beginning of a new partnership with Duke University to present a performance of “Such
Sweet Thunder” by the John Brown Big Band. Brown, head of the jazz program at Duke, approached NCShakes about presenting the music suite composed by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn and inspired by Shakespeare sonnets and plays. Another Duke professor, George Gopen, provided background for each piece. Both lovers of jazz music and classical theatre were introduced to new art forms at the performances, which encored in Charlotte and Durham. NCShakes and John Brown plan to tour “Such Sweet Thunder” in the future. NCShakes recently partnered with High Point native Heather Richardson, a member of the U.S. Speedskating team who will act as NCShakes World Ambassador, helping promote the festival and High Point as she competes around the world. “Heather’s been a huge asset in helping NCShakes engage with younger people, who may not consider themselves part of a traditional theatre audience,” Elder says. As NCShakes works both to deepen its core mission and to reach new and more diverse audiences, its wide variety of programs enhance the city’s quality of life and promote a distinctive economic base. In its 35th year and going forward, NCShakes continues to make its mark as a key player in High Point’s future as a vibrant, successful city.
Want to Know More? Visit The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival @ www.ncshakes.org
Since 1977, professional production of the world’s great plays and outreach to 500,000 N.C. students. www.ncshakes.org High point magazine • 2013
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