This weekend Stacy Howell and I attended the joint MTA and MS Arts Commission Town Hall Meeting. We were very pleased to have representative from Picayune On Stage, Pearl River Community College, Poplarville Entertainers, Pearl River Central High school, Picayune High School and Poplarville High School. Diane Williiams represented the Ms Arts Commission.

We were very pleased to have so many different organizations represented. Stacy and I talked about MTA and what we do as an organization. We highlighted the festivals, workshops and opportunities for all types of organizations. We highlighted the playwriting competitions and the scholarship opportunities. Diane talked abouthe grant opportunities available from MAC and other organizations. She talked about the variety of services and types of grants they offer.

After our talks we got into discussions aboutthe challenges facing these theatres. It seems that they all face the same challange….needing a home. As we all know having a home makes all the difference in the world in our personal world but it is eqully important to the survival of a theatre.

PRCC lost their facility in Katrina and continue to operate out of trailers. Performances are in a cafeteia. Picayune doesn’t have a facility and neither does Poplarville.

Despite their lack of a home these groups are committed to going forward. I was very impressed by the group of young men and women under 21 that call themselves the Poplarville Entertainers. They are trying to revive the community theater in Poplarville. They are very enthusiastic about it and want to make it happen. I commend them and encourage them to keep up the fight.

It seems that some of the groups in the area are already working together.  Pearl River High and Picayune High performed their evening of one-acts together at Picayune, the only group with a facility.  We encouraged the group to see if they could do more sharing. 

Diane encouraged them to review the grant guidelines and to consider applying for grants in the future.  She encourged them to start early and to contact her if they need assistance with the writing. As long as they call early (prior to February 1) she should be able to assist them.

Stephen

MTA and the Mississippi Arts Commission will co-sponsor a Town Hall Meeting on June 6 in Carriere at the McNeil Auditorium on the campus of  Pearl River Central Upper Elementary in Carriere.  The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. 

All arts and theatre organizations and individuals are encouraged to attend the Town Hall Meeting. The meetings provide both organizations with an opportunity to learn more about the challenges that face arts organizations in our state. Participants will also hear about new initiatives and opportunities available through these organizations.  For more information contact Stephen Cunetto.