by Marty Trese, KnoxPages.com Managing Editor
MOUNT VERNON – The local theater group that has brought “Shrek,” “Annie,” “Beauty & the Beast,” and many other productions to the community celebrated the expansion of their warehouse on East Ohio Avenue at an Open House event Tuesday. The space is used for costume and prop storage, set and scenery construction, rehearsals, and workshops. The renovated space was made possible by Mark Ramser, Susan Ramser, Art Schad and grants from The Ariel Foundation, The Community Foundation of Mount Vernon and Knox County, the Nelson Family Fund, and The Richard I. and Arline J. Landers Foundation.
MTVarts is looking to continue collaboration with donors, volunteers and supporters as they plan for the future.
A large crowd attended the MTVarts Open House – photo by Westie Productions
MTVarts Producer Janis Stone said, “When you think of all MTVarts has to be thankful for it is astounding but we need a little bit more. We need more people and we need more money. Right now we’re firefighters. A situation flares up and we rush in to deal with it and put the fire out. And we usually do a very good job. But firefighting exhausts you and the warehouse fire is stealing our energy right now that’s needed for our shows. We need to find a way to balance it all and that requires more people and more money.”
Stone also acknowledged First Knox National Bank for their continued support.
With the community’s support the all-volunteer organization plans this year to produce “1920’s Speakeasy,” the classic “Death of a Salesman” and “Mary Poppins” this summer. Other shows are under discussion and if resources allow, they will offer more.
Auditions for Mary Poppins, with a cast of about 45, are coming up soon. For more information visit MTVarts.com.
