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December 2023
Millwald: Bales returns home From Page 7
wald is exceptional and something he wants to do more of. “I want to create opportunities to support the performing arts in our community in addition to purchasing a ticket.” The secret to success, Bales said, is summed up in one word. “Engagement.” He wants the Millwald to be a cultural hub, providing access to the arts and offering programming for all audiences. “I think the fundamental role of the Millwald is to be a cultural gathering place of entertainment, education, and civic dialogue,” Bales said. Coming from the Blumenthal, Bales said he learned about being pro-
active on programming, educational offerings and overall patron experience. “Blumenthal has also had a balanced focus on local artists and national talent and that is definitely my vision for the Millwald.” Before re-locating to Charlotte, Bales owned his own business and worked at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. Solid community connections came from his time at the theater. “For example, I worked with Shane Terry who is now at Visit Wytheville and already a great partner to the Millwald.” Running his own business, Bales said, taught him to wear different hats and learn on the fly
about the importance of marketing, finance, community partnerships and content. All of those will be essential in his new role, he said. “In working with the county and IDA, I quickly learned how supportive everyone is and wants every business to succeed.” In particular, Bales said, the arts drive tourism and revenue, generating more than $166 billion in economic activity annually. Attendees, he said, spend an average of $31 per person on tickets, meals, parking and lodging. It’s a lot of money on the table, in a bigger city like Charlotte and in a small town like Wytheville.
“I’ve always joked that Charlotte is a city with small town vibes so there are a lot more similarities than one would think,” he said. “I’ve been overjoyed by the community reaction to my hiring and the comments I’ve heard from everyone wanting success not only for the Millwald but for everything in Wytheville.” Bales has a vision for the future and has a knowledge of the town, the county and its past. Here are a few more facts to get to know him a little better.
Who is on your Spotify list of most streamed? The Rolling Stones – I’ve always been a fan of rock with blues influences. The Stones still
put on the best concert I’ve ever been to and still sound just as great as they were in their prime. The Band – There is such an honest and real sound to The Band that I’ve always loved. Robbie Robertson’s guitar licks and Levon Helm’s voice are one of the best pairings in rock history. The Punch Brothers – Having grown up in the area, I’m partial to anything with a mandolin. I love this band and their music because they explore the intersection between classical and traditional bluegrass.
What is your favorite play? True West by Sam Shepard. I was lucky enough to see a pro-
duction at Roundabout Theatre Company with Ethan Hawke and Paul Dano that was a masterclass in acting and an experience I’ll never forget.
Favorite movie? It’s a bit like picking your favorite children but you cannot go wrong with Raiders of the Lost Ark. Raiders is still a rollercoaster that in my opinion hasn’t been matched by even todays’ blockbusters. It’s clear that Spielberg’s movement of the camera and storytelling come from influences such as John Ford and Akira Kurosawa; but it’s how he took those inspirations and made it his own is what makes his films so special.
WCC brings 'A Christmas Carol' to the stage by Greg Oliver Bodine. This is a one-man show, featur-
ing Roger Dean Grubb and is directed by Robert Bur-
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