The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center keeps on giving. Aside from hosting a slew of major musical, dance, opera, theatrical and television productions, as well as awards programs, pageants, conventions and meetings, the center also offers some reasonably priced and sometimes free classes and workshops. That's not all.
Just when you think the mountain of generosity can't get any higher, the Education and Humanities Department's Community Arts Ensemble emerges, and presents an original production in several performances that are free and open to the public. This year, the shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, and 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, July 29.
Each Community Arts Ensemble production has a theme, a positive message that sets the overall tone for the show. Fred Johnson, the center's vice president of education and humanities and an accomplished jazz artist, writes a new and imaginative play for each group. This summer's production is titled Nail Down the Wind.
According to Johnson, Nail Down the Wind tells a story that encourages the need for people to stay in touch with the natural flow of life. He says that individuals cannot "nail down the wind," so they need to watch for signs on when to follow the wind and when to take cover. Additionally, in celebration of the imminent completion of the Dr. Pallavi Patel Performing Arts Conservatory (to open in the fall), the production also features an underlying theme regarding the importance of the arts.
Participation in the Community Arts Ensemble is open to anyone interested in performing — prior theatrical experience is not required. People of all ages and backgrounds are represented and families are encouraged to take part. The cast meets at the center for two months to learn acting techniques, music and dance routines, and to rehearse the new production. The completed effort is the fully staged performances, all of which are presented at no charge. For more information about the Ensemble, contact Maria Soriano at 813.222.1066, or maria.soriano@tbpac.org.
This article appears in Jul 22-28, 2004.