I remember the first time I was inspired by the magic of a stage production. I was a small child and my father took me to see a ballet. When the performance was over, he showed me that the orchestra was in the “pit.” The musicians waved to me and I was awestruck that the music was being created by people hidden under thestage. The realization that there were many different elements backstage and onstage coming together to create another world before my eyes stuck with me the rest of my life.The closing of the Hayes Center, a magnificent performing arts space in our own backyard, deeply saddens me. I'm a stay-at-home mother of two small daughters and I had hoped to eventually take them to Blowing Rock to see a production there. I am also an actor. I performed throughout Pittsburgh and Tampa before moving with my husband to the high country. I worried about making the transition to a small mountain town, but I trusted that I'd find an artistic outlet. Sure enough, I found Ensemble Stage.Ensemble Stage formed shortly after the Hayes Center closed the first time. Resident actors and stage technicians previously employed by the Blowing Rock Stage Company were abruptly left unemployed, but pulled resources together to ensure that performing arts would continue here. Since October 2009, most of the original founders of the new theater group were forced to relocate to pursue more secure employment. However, Gary Smith and Lisa Lamont have remained in Blowing Rock working tirelessly to produce quality theatrical productions, while working to enrich our community. Their efforts have obviously paid off if you look at a few of their achievements. Ensemble Stage won the 2010 Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Award for Cultural Enrichment, they were a finalist for the 2011 Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Award for Business of the Year, and they have donated countless hours to help other organizations such as the Blowing Rock School PTO, Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S. and the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. Also, their theater camps have provided opportunities for our local youth to create theatrical productions and see their work come to fruition on stage.I am so grateful to have a year-round professional theater company in the area that is being led by people who truly care about the town, its residents and visitors. Whether it's just going to see a show, donating money, or volunteering your time, I encourage you to support Ensemble Stage and help keep the performing arts alive in our community.
Maureen Klinedinst Deep Gap