Jan 12, 2025 | News, Regional Arts Events, Theater
January 9, 2025 Williamsport, PA – The Community Arts Center is pleased to announce it is the recipient of $5000 from the PPL Foundation through the Energizing Education grant. The contribution will be used to support the Educational Series programming at the theatre.
“This series of educational programs, offered by the Community Arts Center, will improve and enhance educational opportunities for thousands of regional students. PPL is pleased to partner with the CAC as they continue to provide unique experiences for the communities we serve,” shared Jonah Howe, PPL Electric Utilities Regional Affairs Director.
The Community Arts Center has presented the Educational Series program since 2007, bringing thousands of K-12 students into the historic 2,100-seat theatre annually. In addition to fostering a love of the arts and exposure to theater, the programming also provides instructors with supporting resources and lesson plans that encourage artifact building by their students, enhancing the classroom curriculum of nine school districts across a multi-county geographic reach in north central Pennsylvania.
Jim Dougherty, Executive Director of the CAC said, “We’re very grateful for the meaningful support that we’ve received from the Energizing Education grant. PPL’s generosity contributes significantly to our annual Educational Series programming, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to continue offering unique experiences to local students.”
In addition to grant support, funding for the educational programs is derived from various sources, including EITC funds, individual donations, and corporate sponsorships.
“It’s only through investments in community like this that we’re able to continue to do our part to provide quality performances for our youth,” said Ana Gonzalez-White, College Relations Officer for CAC Development. “I want to thank the PPL Foundation for participating in that commitment, and for trusting us to be good stewards of their philanthropy.”
For more information about giving opportunities at the CAC, contact Gonzalez-White at 570-327-7657 or email [email protected].
The Community Arts Center is owned and operated by Pennsylvania College of Technology, a national leader in applied technology education. For more information on the college, visit www.pct.edu.
Jan 5, 2025 | News, Regional Arts Events, Theater
Williamsport, PA – January 10-12, 2025 The Community Theatre League invites you on a breathtaking musical journey with Songs for a New World, Jason Robert Brown’s revolutionary song cycle that explores the moments that define our lives. With performances scheduled for January 10, 11, and 12, this limited engagement promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and soaring music. Tickets are only $20, making this an unmissable event for music and theater lovers alike.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Songs for a New World is not your typical musical. Instead of a single narrative, it’s a series of powerful vignettes connected by the universal theme of “the moment of decision.” Featuring a vibrant mix of pop, jazz, gospel, and modern musical theater, the show takes audiences through a tapestry of stories about love, loss, hope, and the transformative power of choice.
While the show is often performed minimally, sometimes as a concert, the Community Theatre League’s production is a fully realized artistic endeavor, complete with intricate staging and thoughtful design, offering audiences a rich and immersive experience.
Director Nancy Butts describes the production as “a collection of heartbreaking yet hopeful musical moments that everyone can relate to, through various stages of life.” With iconic numbers like Stars and the Moon, I’m Not Afraid of Anything, and Hear My Song, the music is as moving as it is memorable.
Executive Artistic Director Seth Sponhouse adds, “Songs for a New World is the perfect way to begin the year. Its themes of hope and renewal remind us that every moment offers a chance to start anew.”
MEET THE CAST
The show features a talented ensemble cast including Hannah McBride, Brandy Aguirre, Tyler Boyles, Theo Lentz, and Jenn Shibata, who is the understudy for Woman. Each performer brings their own unique artistry to the production, making this a truly collaborative celebration of storytelling through song.
Here’s what our cast has to say:
Hannah McBride: “This music pushes me in the best way and reminds me of how powerful musical storytelling can be.”
Brandy Aguirre: “I love how this show’s music reflects the richness of life’s emotions. It’s an incredible journey.”
Tyler Boyles: “The raw emotion in each song is incredibly powerful. This show is a reminder that music can bring us together.”
Theo Lentz: “There’s a moment in this show for everyone to say, ‘I’ve been there.’ It’s a deeply human experience.”
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
Whether you’re a longtime fan of musical theater or new to the genre, Songs for a New World offers something for everyone. The show’s universal themes and evocative music will leave you inspired and uplifted. Audience members can expect to laugh, cry, and walk away reflecting on the choices that shape their lives.
EVENT DETAILS
• Performances: January 10, 11, and 12, 2025
• Location: Community Theatre League, 100 West Third Street, Williamsport, PA
• Tickets: Only $20! Available now at https://ctlshows.com/season-48/#songsforanewworld
• Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical event! Reserve your seats today and join us for an evening of music, story-
telling, and community.
LEGAL ATTRIBUTION:
SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JASON ROBERT BROWN
ORIGINALLY PRODUCED BY THE WPA THEATRE, NEW YORK CITY, 1995
(KYLE RENICK, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR)
ORIGINAL ORCHESTRATION BY BRIAN BESTERMAN AND JASON ROBERT BROWN
SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
IS PRESENTED THROUGH SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI).
ALL AUTHORIZED PERFORMANCE MATERIALS ARE ALSO SUPPLIED BY MTI.
WWW.MTISHOWS.COM
ABOUT COMMUNITY THEATRE LEAGUE: The Community Theatre League is dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of the Williamsport area through live performance and education in the theatre arts. Now in its 48th season, CTL continues to provide high-quality productions that entertain, educate, and inspire.
Jan 5, 2025 | Bloomsburg, News, Theater
A Stephen King Classic Comes to Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble
January 23 – February 9, 2025
BLOOMSBURG, PA – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 – This whole (play)house is going to be full of romance and terror when the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble brings Misery by William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King to the stage from January 23rd through February 9th.
Rescued from a wintery car crash, acclaimed author Paul Sheldon finds himself incapacitated in the secluded home of his “number one fan,” nurse Annie Wilkes. Annie seems to be kindhearted, but events take a nightmarish turn. Paul realizes the unhinged Annie has no intention of letting him leave.
American horror icon Stephen King unleashed his novel Misery in 1987, which became an Academy Award-winning movie in 1990. In this
adaptation, playwright William Goldman traps audiences in the room with Paul as he must outsmart Annie if he hopes to escape.
Nora Gair directs BTE resident actors Aaron White as Paul and Amy Rene Byrne as Annie. Gair returns to Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, after
directing Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B in 2024. She has directed at theater companies such as the Id Circo Theatre Group, One House
Productions, Shakespeare in the Woods, and Theatre on the Verge.
“It is a special treat when we get to put a cult-classic onstage,” said Byrne. Performances are 7:30 PM, Thursday through Saturday, and 3:00 PM on
Sundays. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, $25 for young adults, $15 for students, and $10 for Bloomsburg University students.
Theatergoers can purchase tickets at bte.org, by calling 570-784-8181, or visiting the BTE Box Office.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble will also host two Pay-What-You-Decide Preview Performances on January 23rd and 24th at 7:30 PM. Patrons will
decide the price of their ticket. These preview performances are a chance for the cast and crew to fine-tune the show based on audience feedback. It’s the full production, presented to learn how it resonates with viewers.
Misery is suitable for Mature audiences as it contains material that might not be appropriate for all ages.
Since 1978, BTE has been sharing professional theater with central and eastern Pennsylvania communities. For more information and more upcoming shows, visit bte.org.
Dec 22, 2024 | News, Regional Arts Events, Theater
December 19, 2024 Williamsport, PA – The Community Arts Center is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a generous $5,000 donation from Woodlands Bank through the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC). The funding will support the CAC’s approved programs, which include the Student Summer Stock, Educational Series, and The Nutcracker production.
“Woodlands Bank continues to be a proud supporter of the Community Arts Center. The CAC is a cultural jewel, one that provides both adults and children in the region an opportunity to enjoy some of the most sought-after arts and entertainment experiences that are usually reserved for only those in larger metropolitan areas. Exposure to the arts is a critical aspect in producing the type of well-rounded and thoughtful citizens who will serve as the business and industry leaders of tomorrow, and for that reason the CAC is certainly a critical piece in ensuring the continued prosperity of this region,” shared Jon Conklin, President & CEO, Woodlands Bank.
The historic 2,100-seat venue has been designated as an Educational Improvement Organization under the EITC program through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for providing high quality innovative educational programs.
Jim Dougherty, Executive Director of the CAC said, “The EITC funding support provided by Woodlands Bank is instrumental in allowing us to continue creating opportunities for children and youth to experience arts and culture in North Central Pennsylvania. We’re very grateful for their generous contribution.”
In addition to EITC support, funding for the educational programs is derived from various sources, including individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants.
“Annually since 2007, the Community Arts Center has been able to provide thousands of students access to exceptional arts programming,” said Ana Gonzalez-White, College Relations Officer for CAC Development. “As the largest cultural facility in northcentral Pennsylvania, we feel a certain responsibility to inspire young people and we can’t do it without community support. We are very grateful to Woodlands Bank.”
By contributing to the CAC through the EITC program, area businesses can receive tax credits while making a positive impact. For more information about giving opportunities at the CAC, contact Gonzalez-White at 570-327-7657 or email [email protected].
The Community Arts Center is owned and operated by Pennsylvania College of Technology, a national leader in applied technology education. For more information on the college, visit www.pct.edu.
Dec 15, 2024 | News, Regional Arts Events, Theater
December 12, 2024 Williamsport, PA – The Community Arts Center is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a generous donation from Journey Bank through the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC).
The Community Arts Center has been designated as an Educational Improvement Organization under the EITC program through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for providing high quality innovative educational programs. The funding from Journey Bank will directly support CAC’s acclaimed programs, including the Student Summer Stock, Educational Series, and The Nutcracker production.
Jeff Arnold, Senior Executive Vice President of Journey Bank, shared, “As a community bank, Journey Bank is deeply committed to supporting our local communities, with a special focus on our area’s young people. Through our ongoing involvement in the Pennsylvania EITC program, we redirect a portion of our corporate tax dollars each year to fund local educational initiatives. The programs at the Community Arts Center align with our mission to support youth development, provide unique educational experiences, and advocate for the importance of music and the arts in our schools and communities. We are proud to help deliver these meaningful programs.”
Jim Dougherty, Executive Director of the CAC said, “We’re very grateful for Journey Bank’s generosity, which allows us to bring the magic of live performance to young people throughout our community. EITC funding is essential in developing the arts throughout our region, and we’re pleased to partner with Journey Bank in supporting this endeavor.”
In addition to EITC support, funding for the educational programs is derived from various sources, including individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants.
“Our educational programs are vitally important to the CAC’s outreach into the community,” said Ana Gonzalez-White, College Relations Officer for CAC development. “Many of our youth do not have the opportunity to experience the arts, making this programming an essential part of their education beyond the classroom.”
The historic 2,100-seat venue is the largest cultural facility in northcentral Pennsylvania. These partnerships help to secure the Community Art Center’s long-term sustainability and ability to carry out its mission to enhance the quality of life for the community by providing exceptional arts and entertainment events and participatory activities, appropriate to the diverse needs and interests of our region while ensuring accessibility to all.
By contributing to the CAC through the EITC program, area businesses can receive tax credits while making a positive impact. For more information about giving opportunities at the CAC, contact Gonzalez-White at 570-327-7657 or email [email protected].
The Community Arts Center is owned and operated by Pennsylvania College of Technology, a national leader in applied technology education. For more information on the college, visit www.pct.edu.
About Journey Bank
For over 125 years, Journey Bank has stood as a beacon of financial trust and expertise in local communities throughout Central PA. Journey Bank represents the combined legacies and strengths of two local community banks – First Columbia Bank and Muncy Bank. The combined bank, together with its 300 dedicated employees, brings a shared commitment to delivering banking excellence to customers with convenient access to 22 community offices across a five-county area that includes Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland and Clinton counties. With more than $1.6 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024, Journey Bank offers a full complement of banking, trust, and financial services to more than 50,000 individuals, families, businesses, and municipalities. For more information, visit www.journeybank.com.
Pictured from left to right: Jim Dougherty, Executive Director, Community Arts Center; Ana Gonzalez-White, College Relations Officer for CAC Development, Community Arts Center; Kevin Weinhoffer, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, Journey Bank; Jeffrey Arnold, Senior Executive Vice President of Finance and Risk Management, Journey Bank; Joe O’Neill, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Journey Bank.
Dec 8, 2024 | News, Theater
December 5, 2024 Williamsport, PA – The Community Arts Center is pleased to announce it is the recipient of $5000 from PPL Electric Utilities through the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC). The contribution will be used to support the timeless classic, The Nutcracker Ballet presented in collaboration with Lycoming College, Saint John’s School of the Arts, and the Williamsport Youth Choir.
“Like PPL, the Community Arts Center gives back to the community in powerful ways. We’re excited to continue our support of The Nutcracker performance, an engaging series of educational and arts activities, which take place during a special season for everyone,” said Jonah Howe, PPL Electric Utilities Regional Affairs Director.
The Community Arts Center has been designated as an Educational Improvement Organization under the EITC program for providing high quality innovative educational programs. By contributing to the CAC through the EITC program, organizations can receive tax credits while making a positive impact.
Jim Dougherty, Executive Director of the CAC said, “The generous contribution from PPL Electric Utilities is instrumental in supporting local productions like The Nutcracker, and we’re incredibly thankful for their investment in the community.”
In addition to EITC support, funding for the educational programs is derived from various sources, including individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants.
“It’s no small task to present The Nutcracker Ballet each holiday season,” said Ana Gonzalez-White, College Relations Officer for CAC development. “This production will feature over 200 talented local musicians and dancers of all ages and we are thankful to PPL Electric Utilities for their continued partnership.”
For more information about giving opportunities at the CAC, contact Gonzalez-White at 570-327-7657 or email [email protected].
The Community Arts Center is owned and operated by Pennsylvania College of Technology, a national leader in applied technology education. For more information on the college, visit www.pct.edu.
