<![CDATA[Foothills Performing Arts - In the News]]>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:30:32 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Black Lives Matter.]]>Thu, 04 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMThttp://fpatheatre.org/in-the-news/black-lives-matterGreat art, in all its forms, uplifts and inspires the community. It breaks down barriers, holds up a mirror to society and reflects its own image back at it, and gives voice to those who are silenced time and again. Theatre is the art of human connection--its very soul and breathe is devoted to creating a shared sense of journey between the audience and the performers and the story.

But right now, we are disconnected. We at Foothills Performing Arts recognize that at this critical moment in our shared human history, to be silent speaks volumes to the people fighting to be heard. So we would like to use our platform in the fight for justice. Because, as Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Foothills Performing Arts stands against racism, police brutality, and with our fellow human beings who are taking to the streets and exercising their right to protest. We hear you. We see you. We’re with you. All lives will not matter until black, and people of color, lives matter.
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If you are wondering what you can do to get involved and take an active stance, consider donating to one of the following organizations.

The George Floyd Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
Black Lives Matter: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019
Black Visions Collective: https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/
Reclaim the Block: https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home
NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/
American Civil Liberties Union: https://action.aclu.org/give/now
National Bail Fund Network: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory

If you are not able to donate, there are other ways to get involved. You can attend one of the numerous peaceful protests in the local area. You can watch this video by Zoe Amira without skipping the ads [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCgLa25fDHM] where all ad revenue is donated to the BLM movement. You can sign one of the numerous petitions online for George Floyd [https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-georg…], Breonna Taylor [https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-t…], Ahmaud Arbery [https://www.change.org/p/district-attorney-tom-durden-justi…], and many more. You can use your platform to raise the voices of people of color. You can buy from black-owned businesses and shops. You can educate yourself on what is happening in the world, and why. You can reach out your hand to your fellow human beings who are suffering.
Remember YOU can make a difference. So why don’t we all work toward creating a better tomorrow.
]]><![CDATA[Check out our show lineup for Season 45]]>Wed, 03 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMThttp://fpatheatre.org/in-the-news/check-out-our-show-lineup-for-season-45
FPA is proud to announce our Sapphire Season show lineup:
  1. Blithe Spirit
  2. A Holiday Double Feature: A Charlie Brown Christmas & Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells: Batman Smells!
  3. Slow Food
  4. The Shawshank Redemption
]]><![CDATA[Mark Woodard named FPA's Artistic Director]]>Wed, 20 May 2020 04:00:00 GMThttp://fpatheatre.org/in-the-news/mark-woodard-named-fpas-artistic-directorFoothills Performing Arts has more exciting news! Mark Woodard has been named as its first ever Artistic Director! Mark Woodard joins after serving FPA as its Production Manager for four years.
Mark commented, “I first became involved with Foothills in 1993 when I was recruited to play a small role in a production The Savage Dilemma. I’ve always been attracted to the ethos of FPA to provide intimate theatrical productions that both entertain and challenge the audience as well as the artists involved. My goal as Artistic Director will be to work with all of our wonderful volunteers to create an environment where powerful and joyful art can flourish. I want to make sure that FPA is a source of pride for the citizens of Lenoir and Caldwell County for years to come.”
Mark brings with him 28 years of experience in a variety of theatrical areas, most notably in his acting and directing. He recently helmed the production of "American Buffalo" at Hickory Community Theatre. Mark has also worked professionally with companies such as Ensemble Stage in Banner Elk, The North Carolina Stage Company in Asheville, The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, and many more.
His directing credits include dozens of productions over the years locally with Foothills Performing Arts, Hickory Community Theatre, and Old Colony Players. He has also directed regionally for Ensemble Stage and The Gilbert Theatre in Fayetteville.
Mark's experience will be great for FPA as we move into our new venue.
]]><![CDATA[Foothills Performing Arts announces a new venue for its 45th season]]>Wed, 13 May 2020 04:00:00 GMThttp://fpatheatre.org/in-the-news/foothills-performing-arts-announces-a-new-venue-for-its-45th-season
Foothills Performing Arts has announced for its 2020-2021 season a change of venue. Formerly the theatre-in-residence at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Foothills Performing Arts will now be housed in the Lenoir High School Auditorium. The 2019-2020 season for Foothills Performing Arts was cut short, but it marked 15 mainstage shows and four seasons with the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center. While the space and the staff at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center will be missed, Production Manager Mark Woodard is envisioning a bright future for Foothills Performing Arts.
“For me, this move is as much about honoring Foothills Performing Arts’ long history as it is about looking forward,” Mark Woodard commented. “The new space is the perfect compromise between the intimate space that we performed in at CCC&TI and the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, which afforded us the ability to do larger shows and accommodate larger audiences. The Lenoir High Auditorium is the best of both worlds.”

The Lenoir High School closed down in 1977 when it merged with Gamewell-Collettsville High School to form West Caldwell High School. Since 1989, the building has operated as a senior housing facility, with the Gymnasium, Auditorium, and Mack Cook Stadium available as rental facilities led by the City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation. The City of Lenoir is just as thrilled as Foothills Performing Arts to see Lenoir High School be put back into frequent use. Director of Parks and Recreation Kenny Story and his staff have been very supportive of Foothills Performing Arts in preparing for the move.

"I am extremely excited and proud that Foothills Performing Arts will have a new home at the historic Lenoir High School Auditorium," Mayor Joe Gibbons of the City of Lenoir said. "How wonderful it will be to have this special group become a part of our downtown community. You will not want to miss these great performances and the excitement of being able to enjoy them in this historic setting."
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When asked about her thoughts, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Foothills Performing Arts, Heather Hendrix said, “The Lenoir High School Auditorium has that personal feel that Foothills Performing Arts has been known for and accommodates the ability to do multiple weekend runs like we have done in the past. We are incredibly excited about the opportunities available to us here and can't wait to reveal more details about our upcoming season."
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