After its first full season, the new Stageworks Theatre of Holly Springs will join forces with the Town of Fuquay-Varina, as well. Starting this September, with its season two Opener, “Drop Dead,” Stageworks productions will be presented in both communities; in Holly Springs at the Cultural Center and in Fuquay-Varina at the brand new Arts Center that will soon open.
According to Daniel Barth, President of the Stageworks Board of Directors, an alliance with Fuquay-Varina has been under discussion since before the company was formally organized in Holly Springs. Including the neighboring community was a “natural fit” for the arts group, the president said.
“Under some different names, we have done productions in both communities since 2014,” said Mr. Barth. “First, in Fuquay-Varina, actually, at the old Stars Theatre and then in Holly Springs.” The fledgling company got a toe hold in Holly Springs when the town decided to support the group with rehearsal space, scheduled dates for multiple productions, and a modest budget. But many of the company’s volunteers, including actors and crew, have performed with variations of the group in both towns over a few years. Barth added; “Moving forward, we will simply be Stageworks Theatre.”
Both communities appear excited about the partnership. Kathleen Hebert, Holly Springs Cultural Center Manager, who has been instrumental in getting the Stageworks program established in the town, had this to say: “I look forward to working with the Arts Center staff and all the Fuquay-Varina residents who will join Stageworks in the coming seasons. Knowing the talent in both communities, I expect lots of exciting creative energy behind these productions.”
Maureen Daly, Fuquay-Varina Cultural Arts Director and Director of the new Arts Center in Fuquay-Varina seems equally pleased about the new alliance. “By joining forces with our Holly Springs neighbors we are able to provide a better opportunity to build a strong, creative community theatre program for southern Wake County.
We are excited to work with the staff at the Holly Springs Cultural Center and Stageworks Theatre to grow artists and audiences for our area,” Ms. Daly said.
Patrons of the Theatre will be able to view the productions in whichever venue they prefer. In the 2018-19 season, the shows will open in Holly Springs for four performances on one weekend, and then move to the new Fuquay-Varina Arts Center stage for three additional shows the following week. Performers and audiences are expected to benefit from the expanded schedule.
Stageworks Theatre has previously announced their upcoming season which includes “Drop Dead,” a slapstick comedy poking fun at the murder mystery genre in September, followed by “Girls of the Garden Club,” another comedy, in January, 2019; “Deathtrap,” a provocative murder mystery by Ira Levin, in March, 2019; and “Harold and Maude,” a dark comedy, to be presented in June of 2019.
Those interested in more information, or tickets for any Stageworks productions for this season, should contact the Holly Springs Cultural Center at 919-567-4000 or send an email to:
Kathleen.hebert@hollyspringsnc.us
mdaly@fuquay-varina.org
Stageworkstheatrenc@gmail.com
