Lakeland Cultural Arts Center Brings Broadway to Roanoke Valley
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For a taste of Broadway in the Roanoke Valley‚ take one of 326 seats in the Mark E. Taylor Theater of the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center in Littleton.
Nicknamed “The Busiest Community Theater in America‚” Lakeland has been entertaining crowds in the Roanoke Valley since it was founded in 1977 in what was once Littleton High School.
Once plagued by sagging floors‚ termite damage and water leaks‚ the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center is being transformed into a top-notch entertainment venue.
“We’ve made several renovations in the past six or seven years‚” says Wally Hurst‚ managing artistic director. “Recently we redid the portico in front of the building with the help of a donation from a class at Littleton High School. We have also redone the theater ceiling‚ put in a new light board‚ stage and sound system‚ and cushioned all the seats.”
In July 2005‚ the theater’s orchestra pit housed an 11-piece orchestra for Lakeland’s production of the Broadway musical 1776. It was the first time the orchestra pit had been utilized since the start of the renovations.
Revenue from ticket sales and donations funded many of the improvements.
In 2004‚ Lakeland was awarded a $25‚000 grant by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. “We used the grant mostly for production expenses‚” Hurst says. “Many people don’t realize we have to pay between $2‚000 and $4‚000 to copyright holders for each musical or show we do. We also have to pay for costumes‚ most of which we make ourselves‚ but the materials aren’t cheap.”
Despite ongoing renovations‚ Lakeland has been hosting shows and musicals since 1978.
The 2005 lineup included crowd-pleasers such as Charlotte’s Web‚ Showboat and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Lakeland also offers acting classes‚ theater workshops‚ guest artists and exhibitions. “And we’re starting a kids’ theater club this fall‚” Hurst says.
He adds that Lakeland owes its success to the 400 or so volunteers who devote their time‚ energy and talent each year. “The actors‚ people who work behind the scenes and the people who come to the shows are all very loyal and have a great deal of affection for this place. We are thankful for our volunteers who make this place what it is.”
Hurst has been working full time with the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center since 1997‚ seven years after the death of founder and visionary Mark E. Taylor.
“It’s lots of fun but very challenging‚” Hurst says. “Lakeland is a labor of love for all of us.”
For information about upcoming shows and events‚ visit www.lakelandartscenter.org.
Story by Jessica Mozo
Photo by Brian McCord
