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SPOTLIGHT
ON THE ARTS - July 2004 by Deanna Mascle Summer Theater Under the Stars
“MTL is one of only two theatrically producing organizations that present outdoors in Metro Louisville,” explains Steven Jones, executive director of Music Theatre Louisville. “The recent renovations have made the Iroquois Amphitheater the largest and most technologically equipped amphitheater in the state and have increased tourism, artistic activities, and economic development for the entire region.” MTL produces a summer season at Iroquois Amphitheater during the months of June, July and August. The season typically consists of two musicals from the Broadway cannon. Under the new leadership of Jones, MTL will expand its 2004 season to include three productions: Peter Pan, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Crazy for You. “We are proud to have entertained the community for the past 23 years with quality, affordable, family shows,” Jones says. “We know that many people have fond memories of visiting the amphitheater and watching one of our shows under the stars. Some of the finest entertainers in Louisville got their start in one of MTL’s productions at the amphitheater. “This summer, we are proud to be back at the amphitheater for our first full season since 2000. A major, $9.2 million, two-year renovation of the amphitheater was completed in 2003, thanks to the support of The Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Metro Parks, state and local government, and many other businesses and citizens,” notes Jones. “New state-of-the art sound and lighting systems, additional seating, improved accessibility and a roof shelter – which protects performances from rainouts while still giving the audience an open-air experience - are among the many improvements made.” As the resident musical theatre company at Iroquois Amphitheater, Music Theatre Louisville will always continue to offer its primary programming during the summer months; however, the organization is beginning to consider the other three seasons and additional opportunities to bring affordable, diverse and quality entertainment to the residents of Metro Louisville and the surrounding areas. Beginning in the spring of 2005, MTL will offer matinee performances for local and regional school groups at Iroquois Amphitheater. “The show selections for this matinee programming will be different than the traditional season selections,” explains Jones. “This programming will be reflective of MTL’s desire to present musical theatre pieces that contain stronger ties to Kentucky Department of Education core content and are in keeping with the curricular objectives of Kentuckiana teachers. Teacher resource guides will be distributed to all teachers who bring their students to see the matinee performances. These resource guides will contain pre- and post-show activities designed to expand the educational experience and value for the students.” However, MTL’s attention to the youth population does not end there. MTL has launched a new program this summer called “Rising Stars,” which is a partnership program that showcases an area high school’s theatre program during the summer season. The cast and production crews from the local high school company work with the MTL production staff to present their production in the amphitheater. “MTL is committed to providing youth with access for performance and participation,” Jones emphasizes. “As a presenting company that works in the heart of the metropolitan area, MTL strives to provide young people with a sense of ownership of their local theatre group and performance venue as an outlet for creative collaboration, self-revelation, skills building and fun.”
Deanna Mascle is a
staff writer for The Lane Report. |
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Copyright 1996-2004, by Kentucky Business Online. All rights reserved. Editorial content is copyright 2004,
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The 2004 Season will be an exciting one for Music Theatre Louisville. MTL has returned to the newly-renovated Iroquois Theatre for its first full season since 2000, the season has expanded to include three productions and it will launch the new “Rising Stars” program designed to showcase local high school theater programs.
In addition to its summer production season, MTL has in recent years begun to strengthen its educational mission through its ArtScope programming. MTL’s largest educational endeavor is its musical theatre camps for young people between the ages of 6-17, which involve intensive and personal musical theatre skills training for approximately 200 children each year.