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The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre at Ferrum College will suspend operations
in 2005 owing to major construction activity on campus. The Executive
Director, Jody D. Brown, noted, “While we hate to disappoint loyal patrons,
the Ferrum College Cabinet believes that theatre on campus will not
be feasible for this coming summer.”
Artistic Director, R. Rex Stephenson, immediately
added, “The BRDT will continue to serve its patrons in 2006 in improved
facilities because of this new construction. Furthermore, we are exploring
ways we may have an abbreviated season off campus this summer.”
Ferrum College is undergoing a $14 million dollar
construction project that will include new residence halls and refurbishing
existing buildings. One of the projects that will support the BRDT in
2006 will be new dining facilities as part of the Franklin Hall expansion.
Ferrum College President Jennifer Braaten stated,
“The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre is an integral part of Ferrum’s commitment
to the community. Our hope is that people will recognize these extenuating
circumstances and will anxiously await the 2006 season as much as I
do.”
While the BRDT will be dark in 2005, the core staff
of Brown, Stephenson, and music director, Emily Tucker, will continue
fund raising, searching for excellent plays, scouting talented actors,
as they plan for an expanded 2006 season. As always, the BRDT will continue
its commitment to affordable, family entertainment with excellent meals
and quality productions.
The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre has been performing
on the campus of Ferrum College for twenty-five years. Combined with
their touring children’s show, The Jack Tales, the company performs
to 16,000 people annually.
The company has been comprised of seasoned professionals,
Ferrum College students, and emerging actors. Its performers have come
from California, Texas, New York, North Dakota, Massachusetts, and throughout
the southeast.
Ferrum College is a four-year,
private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United
Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s
degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private
colleges. For more information on Ferrum, visit www.ferrum.edu. |
