We entertain. We educate. We change lives.
That may sound like a big promise, but for the 27-year history of the Henderson County Performing Arts Center, it has proven true.
With HCPAC alums in roles from Hollywood to Broadway, it is easy to see that the theater tucked away on the south side of Athens is making a long-term impact that has spread beyond East Texas.
“Some people in our area never go to Dallas or New York to see a major production,” said HCPAC Board Secretary Sue Oates. “But we put a lot of effort into it here, and that comes through to audiences. We really want to promote that.”
With about eight productions per year, the theater stays busy. Children are featured in two special events each year—a summer musical and a Christmas production.
“The Little Mermaid Jr.” will feature a cast of more than 50 area youngsters with performances August 3-12.
Along with the theater productions, HCPAC also supports arts education through summer acting camps and after-school programs during the school year.
“Children learn respect, honesty, responsibility and just a lot of things,” Oates said. “When a production has gone all the way through and you come to opening night and they are just on cue and saying their lines with confidence … you know you have really got somewhere.”
For more information or tickets, visit hcpac.org.
Other recipients of TVEC Charitable Foundation Grants in June were:
Kaufman County Storm: $500
Wills Point Ladies Club: $1,000
