something for everyone . We ’ re bringing the Bennington Choral Society back for a performance in December , and we will have artistic workshops from many of our featured artists , including John MacDonald and Terry Miller . We ’ re also doing a weekend of workshops dedicated to health and wellness . There will be yoga workshops , centering workshops , sound healing sessions , and an on-site massage station . We ’ re going to have wellness speakers in the theatre , as well . It ’ s going to be a great event .
Q : As you move forward with developing and growing MACC ’ s programming , what would your message be to the greater Southern Vermont community ?
A : I feel like Southern Vermont is coming into a renaissance . People who donate to Monument Arts & Cultural Center will help this center stay open to educate the next generation of local kids about the arts , and our galleries and theater will be able to stay open to provide a different kind of healing escape . Southern Vermont is well known for its beautiful scenery , and I think that our theatrical and cultural programming complements that and adds a different dimension of artistic exploration to it . It ’ s not just for people who come to see performances , but also for those who come to participate in our community theatre programs on every level . There are so many things that people can do to become involved besides donating . You can help backstage , you can help at the box office , or you can work in costuming , set design , or painting . One of my students went to college to pursue a career in acting , and he ended up deciding that he didn ’ t like auditioning . He changed paths and became the youngest person to open a Broadway show , Waitress : The Musical . I believe that learning to act in a theatrical production helps to develop communication skills and self-awareness . It ’ s a little bit like therapy . If you have an interview and you ’ re able to talk to people and listen , which is a crucial part of the creative process , you ’ re going to be able to put yourself forward in a more confident way . I think theater , painting , and anything in the arts teaches those lessons in a way that nothing else can . n
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