Land of Spirit

The time finally arrived last night when the cast for “The Last Hard Times” held their first read through of the folk life play!  What an exciting and moving time - especially for Genny & I (Judy) who have worked for over three years to help make this dream a reality!  I must confess I did shed a few tears last night when the cast formed their first circle and had prayer together.  It was a chilling moment and one that felt so good and special.   

Silently, I thanked God for the privilege of living in such a wonderful community;  filled with people of varying economic status, different races, and different aspirations, and from different parts of Franklin County - but,  who all came together to join hands,  pray for the play and our community.    And, who  created a “team” atmosphere even on the first night of rehearsals.  It was wonderful!

As they read scene by scene, folks who didn’t even know each other would jump right in and give each other support on their lines - and, when one would mess up - they all laughted “with” the person instead of “at” the person!  You could just tell from listing and watching that it’s going to be one special group of people by the time opening night rolls around.  I am so honored to be a part of this group, even if I am not an actor. 

And, the Artistic Director - You could tell he was professional and one did not have to wonder why he is known as “the best in the business.”  In a matter of only two hours, he had people taking ownership in the entire play.  And, what words each actor had to read.  Jules Corriere has written a marvelous play.  One minute you’re laughing, the next you are crying.  She brings the “spirit” of our people to life through beautiful, moving words.

And, then there is Heather McClusky’s music!  She has written 5 original songs for the play, including the Land of Spirit theme song.  And just like Jules’s play writing ability - with Heather’s songs she has you laughing one minute and crying the other.  They are foot stomping and moving tunes that are just perfect for the play.   Dr. Deborah Stark from Emmanuel College is the Music Director for “The Last Hard Times,” and she was busy last night trying to figure ways to add a lot more musical rehearsal time to the schedule - no way will she accept anything but perfection on the musical part of the performances.

Vivian Young , of the Stage Manager Team, was down on the floor flipping through pages and pages of the play, rushing around trying to identify all 60+ actors, taking notes, and pulling her hair out- doing all the things a stage manager does on first rehearsal night.  And, did I say she was loving every minute of it?

As usual, I was seeing most of the action last night through the lens of a camera.  I’ve had the privilege of taking photos from the time we first walked into the old National Guard Armory in 2004 until now - as it has been transformed into a Community Theatre.  Last night, seeing actors sitting around on Main and Center Stage - and audience risers was another thrill.  Volunteer Support in this county, along with Lavonia City officials and employees, has created a state - of - the - art theatre for Land of Spirit productions.  Or, I should say “is creating” because there are still risers to be installed and more things to paint and make ready for the first audience - but just wait - in June when the play opens it will make you proud if you live in Franklin County.  And if you don’t live in Franklin County it’s going to make you feel mighty good that you came to see “The Last Hard Times.”  I bet you find yourself shedding a few tears just like I did last night!

Opening Night to the general public is Thursday, June 5.  Genny Cole and I thank all those in the community who have ”caught the spirit” and joined the Land of Spirit Team - no matter how small or large the task you may have performed for LOS - they are all important to the success of this project.  Oh yes, there is always room for more if you want to join us - give Vivian a call at 706-356-8202 - we welcome new Spirit Team members!

 See you at the show, Judy Hulsey

 

You might have been reading reports of the transformation of the former National Guard Armory into a state – of- the- art Community Theatre, but you have not been reading about all that takes place behind the scenes to make a successful play!  Today’s LOS report will share with you some of what has been taking place in support of Franklin County’s new folk life play which opens June 5, 2008! 

These two ladies are representative of all other volunteers who are and/or will be spending untold number of hours behind the scenes of LOS.  However, without their work and dedication to the play it would not take place.  Or, if it did it would be rather boring.  For this first production, “The Last Hard Times” Kathy & her team are not only locating props, but are making many of them.  Their biggest challenge thus far is deciding how to produce “mule heads” for this first production.  Oh yes, there is a tree stump, a gigantic American Flag, and a moonshine still that had to be obtained, too!   When you come see the play, be sure and notice all the wonderful and entertaining props used in the play and remember Kathy Faust and her team have produced or obtained these items!  

Likewise, with “The Last Hard Times” set in the depression era Debbie Harbin has been researching the type clothing worn by children, teens, women and men.  Then, she and her team have been borrowing or accepting donations of various items.  For this production, they has been searching for fedora hats, news boy hats, suspenders, high top shoes, overalls, aprons, bonnets, and calico or feed sack dresses.  Other volunteers, like Linda Lot, have been busy sewing bonnets and providing items one might not find in a local thrift store. 

Behind the scenes can be just as exciting as being on stage, just ask Debbie and Kathy!

See you at “The Last Hard Times” in June!

On Monday, April 28, 2008 Community Performance Inc. (CPI) will hold their first cast meeting.  It will begin at 6:30 PM, with children cast members being dismissed by 8:30 and adults by 9:30.  There will be an Orientation, Cast will meet their scene partners, and have a first read thorugh of the edited play.  Rehearsal schedules for the first two weeks of May will be distributed.      

If you have not previously auditioned and would still like to be a cast member, call Vivian Young at 706-356-8202 and plan to come to this meeting.  There are limited parts available, but CPI will work you into the play.  There is a need for White MALE teenagers and mid-age white males for parts that have not yet been cast.  If you know of someone interested in being on the Spirit Team, please give them a call. 

It’s so exciting to see an old National Guard Armory transformed into a state-of-the-art Community Theater - as home for Land of Spirit, Franklin County’s NEW Folk Life Play.  With the armory located in Lavonia, City Officials have stepped forward to renovate this facility for the convenience of patrons attending the play.  

The armory was constructed in 1962, some 46 years ago.  At that time 3 phase power was was not a need, so the first step in renovation was to upgrade the power supply.  Cary Bennett from Georgia Power Company assisted with installation of three phase power and Floyd Electrical Company was employed by the city to assist Georgia Power.

Next, came installation of a new heating system and the installation of air conditioning which was new for the facility - in the previous 46 years there had been no air conditioning.  Rather than just put in any type system, City officials turned to an experienced firm for installing a “sock” system to cut down on noise and one which is  suitable for theater performances.   

Brackley Fryer, Lighting Designer for Community Performance Inc. (CPI) was called upon to consult with City Manager Gary Fesperman and another local company for providing a theater lighting system.  Brackley, a Lighting Design Professor at the University of Las Vegas , has over 15 years experience of working with CPI.   While Brackley was in Franklin County during the early part of March he met with Stephen from Floyd Electric for an onsite review of electrical installation, and Logan Dixon who will be head Lighting Technician for Land of Spirit.  Logan is a student at Franklin County High and works with the Spot Light Players and the FC Community Players in providing lighting for their shows.  LOS is fortunate to have someone of Logan’s abilities right here at home!

Realizing that many patrons may be seniors and hard of hearing, Lavonia City officials turned to a professional sound company for designing a theater sound system.  Oh, what a difference it will make for those of us hard of hearing! 

Joe Varga, Set Designer for CPI, was in Franklin County at the beginning of the project, and has designed a fantastic stage.  It’s the first known Community Theater to have handicap access to both main stage and secondary stages.  Plus, the stage incorporates the ramps into a curved, visual appearance that makes the handicap access unnoticeable to the viewer.  It’s a complicated, but beautiful design.

Louie Moon, of Moon Construction, accepted the challenge of making Joe’s dream stage come to life.  He, along with Bob O’Barr and Chris Lewis, spend 5 days constructing the main part of the stage.  Donations of building materials came from Harbin Lumber Co., Lavonia Home Center, and Yoder’s of Fair Play, SC.  Construction on the secondary stage will begin the first week of April.  Accepting this challenge is Lionel Michaud and Bo Cole.

Next, comes repair and renovation work on a Ladies Restroom.  When the armory was constructed in 1962 there were no women in the Guard, so only a male restroom was included in the original structure.  City workers are currently removing  urinals and adding mirrors and new sinks and counter tops for conversion to a ladies restroom.  Future plans call for adding both women’s and men’s restroom facilities to meet ADA rquirements and to better serve the number of patron attending LOS performances.  Until that time, portable units will supplement those currently in the facility.

City Workers assumed the task of installing a sound and lighting booth.  It’s an iron platform suspended from the ceiling for hold lighting and sound boards.  Technicans are installing professional equipment.  

On top of the main stage is a “home” which is being constructed by Harold Harbin and Ronnie Sanders, and Trippy Young has stepped forward to assist with constructing steps; Bo Cole continues to paint base coats on main and center stage;  Genny Cole and Judy Hulsey are adding faux painting to main and center stages.  Linda Lott and Hank Tye have joined the team of painters, as well.  As it get closer and closer to time for rehearsals to begin, painting and volunteers work harder and harder to meet the deadlines. 

Almost forgot, the Green Room for cast has been established, as well as, a Costume Closet.  The Snack Center has taken on a new look with oil cloth covered tables and counters set up for self serving.  For first season,  snacks available for purchase will include Nehi Orange, Nehi Grape and RC Cola’s - Moom Pies, crackers, peanuts and candy.  And, you just might want to add those peanuts to the bottled drinks like we did when we were younger or “in the good old days.”  Land of Spirit tee shirts and hats will be available for purchase, too! 

Can’t wait for you to come see the results! 

It was a grand occasion at the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce monthly Lunch & Learn last week when Genny Cole accepted a large contribution on behalf of Land of Spirit.

 When Genny approached Senior VP Amdy Dove of First Citizens Bank about becoming a $1,000 Charter Supporter for Land of Spirit, Andy responded with “You know, I think we can do better than that - First Citizen has a grant program and Land of Spirit just might be eligible for one of the larger grants.  Let me see what I can do.”

Well, it was obvious what Andy could do.  First Citizens in Lavonia wrote a grant for $3,000 and submitted it to the Corporate Office.  After a few weeks time, Andy was notified his grant had been approved.  So, at the March Chamber luncheon Andy presented a $3,000 check to Genny Cole.  For a Greater Lavonia Community, Inc. is a 501 C3 organization which supports Land of Spirit and other programs for the betterment of our community.  This is another of the many ways that local citizens and businesses have stepped forward to support this new Franklin County Folk Life Play.  Others interested in becoming a charter supporter are asked to give Genny a call at 706-356-1926.  The play opens to the public on June 5, 2008.