A Royal Flourish
The Pennyroyal Arts Council provides the region with a rich arts program

In 1977 a group of Hopkinsville residents gathered together for a simple purpose – to acquire the Alhambra Theatre for use as a performing arts facility. Twenty-five years later that dream has become a reality. But the reality of the Pennyroyal Arts Council is much more than theater management and the audience they serve is much larger than the Alhambra’s seating capacity.

Events at the Alhambra include six performances of the “Live at the Alhambra” series and three Sunday afternoon shows with A.C.T.S. (Alhambra Children’s Theatre Series). In addition, other annual events offered by the Pennyroyal Arts Council include smARTS (students meeting the ARTS) school day performances that annually reach 20,000 students, “Picnic With the Pops,” “Picnic With the Tots,” three art exhibits and a residency with Missoula Children’s Theatre.

“Our presentations, special events and programs serve 40,000 people each year,” says Jennifer Steiner Maddux, executive director of the Pennyroyal Arts Council. “Membership is obtained through an annual financial contribution and we have approximately 275 members. We partner and work with many smaller local arts organizations including the Hopkinsville Art Guild, Madrigal Singers, SKIT (Southern Kentucky Independent Theatre), The Alhambra Chamber Orchestra, Turnout (a local youth ballet company), and Hopkinsville Films.”

The Pennyroyal Arts Council has also broadened its original purpose to include far more than theater performances.

“The mission of the Pennyroyal Arts Council is to encourage, develop and promote the appreciation of the arts through education, support, service and presentation,” Maddux explains.

The Council accomplishes this mission by promoting arts education through performances and hands-on activities, presenting performances in all disciplines, providing assistance to local artists and art organizations and providing a performing arts facility for the community.

All the world’s a stage
“I think we accomplish quite a bit for small organization on a very limited budget,” says Maddux. “We receive great support from our community that enables us to serve more than 40,000 people annually. We have a dedicated board of directors and staff. Our programs are growing in numbers and variety, which is exciting and challenging at the same time.”

Workshops and classes include visual art classes, drama, dance, professional development and grant workshops for teachers and artists and a summer art and history camp co-sponsored with a local museum.

The Council also participates in annual festivals, such as the Family Reading Celebration, the local Blues and Jazz Festival and Madrigal Feast.

The “Live at the Alhambra Series” presentations at the theater provide for a variety of interests with performers such as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Samford Trio, Fisk Jubilee Singers, The Second City Comedy Troupe and The Louisville Ballet.

A.C.T.S. (Alhambra Children’s Theatre Series) presentations at the Alhambra Theatre will include “Cinderella” by Theatre IV, “Amelia Bedelia” by Story Salad, and “Rapunzel” by Madcap Puppet Theatre.

Professional School Arts Programs have featured “Huck and Tom and the Mighty Mississippi,” “The Velveteen Rabbit,” “Beatrix Potter Christmas Classic,” “The House at Pooh Corner,” “Young King Arthur,” “Romeo & Juliet,” “Twelfth Night,” Madcap Puppets, Wired for Sound, the Louisville Ballet and Art Barking Dog Dance Company.

In addition, services include awarding $4,000 annually in local arts grants to non-profit organizations implementing arts activities in the service area; providing administrative support, public relations, and ticket sales for local arts organizations; acting as an arts resource and advocate; and promoting arts in education by providing grant information and workshops for teachers and students in public, private, and home schools throughout four counties.

Despite the weight of its accomplishments and its successful past, the Pennyroyal Arts Council has worries and plans for the future, especially regarding its original purpose.

“Our biggest concern and priority is the renovation of the Alhambra Theatre. Built in 1928, the Alhambra desperately needs major renovations and repairs for both aesthetic and safety reasons,” she says. “The building is such a treasure in our community and a downtown landmark that has served four generations. We must seek funding to ensure the continued operation of the theatre for future generations.”

For more information, a season brochure, or monthly newsletter contact: Pennyroyal Arts Council, L&N Depot Train Station, Hopkinsville. Phone (270) 887-4295, Fax (270) 887-4027, e-mail paci@bellsouth.net.

 

Deanna Mascle is a staff writer for The Lane Report.
editorial@lanereport.com

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