Local Group Links Community Artists Together to Fill Beloved Old Landmark Performance Spaces

One local group of performers has made itself into a key link amongst a growing network of individual artists, performers, and dancers who live for the thrill of performing in classic theatrical stage venues. While a small group of performers themselves may not have the mass necessary to pull off a performance at mid-size venues like the Rochester Opera House and similar classic theaters, the ARTSFEST Performing Arts Company has found that they can build the necessary mass by drawing on talented people in the surrounding community where they are performing. A classic example of this leveraging strategy is their upcoming 2010 Showcase performance at the Rochester Opera House on May 8th.

Creative Director of ARTSFEST Dance Company Erin Lovett Sherman has used her networking skills to bring together talented performers from the Lakes and Seacoast Regions of New Hampshire to create the dream opportunity for community artists to perform in the landmark historic theaters in the state. Some of the acts in the upcoming Rochester Opera House performance include a relatively new Barbershop Quartet, Lake City Sound. Other performers include Relevation, a Reggae Jam band, Xtreme Dance Productions (Broadway dance numbers) and several comedic sketches and song and dance numbers from the outrageous Tabula Rasa/ARTSFEST joint production of “A Good Ole Burlesque Show” which recently sold out performance space at the Historic Franklin Opera House to rave reviews.

Also featured in the upcoming May 8th ARTSFEST 2010 Showcase will be SHARP Dance Company of Philadelphia, PA. By bring in a national touring group like SHARP, ARTSFEST has reached beyond the borders of the Granite State to invite professional dancers from SHARP to perform some of their signature original thematic dance pieces. Adding SHARP Dance Company to the playbill for the evening really is the icing on the cake for the show, adding something so special even the ARTSFEST performers can’t wait to see and experience it.

The beauty of this sort of collaboration is that everyone involve ends up benefiting. The historic venues like the Rochester and Franklin Opera Houses get to host the types and kinds of acts they were originally designed for. The national/traveling artists are able to travel light, relying on the local acts to provide and handle the space, production, and much of the technical aspects of putting on a show. Similarly, the local artists such as ARTSFEST have the opportunity to showcase their own unique talents while finding joy and inspiration in seeing the creative talents of others. Finally the community has the opportunity to share the performance experience with a great deal of civic pride in their own unique and special historic theater.

Providing the opportunity for young and talented community artists never gets old. Seeing local performers develop and expand their skills while also enjoying the wonder and creative inspirations of others makes ARTSFEST’s Showcase performances a great source of pride and enjoyment for the Granite State.

Community members are welcome to come to the May 8th ARTSFEST Showcase at the lovely Rochester Opera House. Show time is at 7pm, tickets are $16-18 and available at 603-335-1992 or online at www.rochersteroperahouse.com