Performing Arts
The River Heritage Region is fortunate to be the home of premier performing arts companies that filled with incredibly talented artists and performers. The area is also home to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, perhaps the single most important performing arts even in the entire South. Alabama Dance TheatreThe goal of Alabama Dance Theatre is to train and educate students in the many styles of dance. The Theatre offers classes to people of all ages, maintaining small class sizes to provide instruction that is more personal. In addition, the Education Outreach Program hosts many educational activities in the community, building an appreciation for the art form and a generation of future dancers. The Theatre presents several dance performances to the public each season. Montgomery BalletThe Montgomery Ballet is a professional dance company that presents a classic repertoire that can accommodate both large and small performance spaces. Not only is the Montgomery Ballet one of the city's favorite arts organizations, it has received attention across the state through its touring program. The ballet also includes a school with classes taught by experienced professional dancers who are committed to developing the finest classical ballet artists. The ballet also offers Education Outreach Programs to at-risk children in Montgomery; helping them develop self-esteem, self-worth, and self-control. SouthEast Alabama Community TheatreStarted from a group of spirited, community-minded individuals with $200, the Southeast Alabama Community Theatre held auditions and rehearsals in churches and barns in 1974. In the years since, the SEACT has acquired hundreds of subscribers and sponsors, and produces 3-4 major shows annually. Most performances are held in the Dothan Opera House or in the Cultural Arts Center Theatre in downtown Dothan. Alabama Shakespeare FestivalOnce a small summer theatre festival held in an un-air-conditioned high school auditorium, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival has grown to become the sixth largest Shakespeare Festival in the world. ASF now operates year-round, producing 14 world-class performances each year before more than 300,000 visitors. The festival brings in some of today's best most talented performers. Visitors can purchase travel packages that include theater tickets, meals and accommodations. Faulkner Dinner TheatreThe Faulkner Dinner Theatre, held on the campus of Faulkner University, produces shows during the months of February, April June, August, October and December. Auditions for the theatre are open to students, faculty and staff members as well members of the community. The Faulkner Dinner Theatre offers audiences the chance to take in great drama and delicious food all at the same time. |