Centennial Theatre History Project

Saturday (December 13th) there was a meeting held at the museum to discuss the Centennial Theatre History Project, and how Las Vegas can participate. Kay Kuhlmann, Project Consultant, met with us to explain the project and find out if we as a community are interested.

A Brief Overview -
The concept for this project is that individual communities will hire a professional playwright to write an exciting play of the history of the area, especially referencing statehood, something that led up to statehood. Members of the community will produce, direct and act in this play, bringing the history to life. Performances will be held 2010, and 2011 in the community. For the centennial, 2012, all the communities participating will bring these plays together in Ruidoso for a 1 or 2 week theatre festival, with multiple performances. The plays, showcasing each towns uniqueness, will be a wonderful marketing tool. There is already discussion as to how to bring the visitors/tourists at the festival to each individual town that participates.

Only a handful of people met on Saturday, and it was decided that there should be another meeting after the holidays, with more people, and more representatives from town organizations. We look forward to inviting folks from many groups, including: MainStreet, Las Vegas Arts Council, CCHP, Fort Union, Nat Gold Players, NMHU theatre club, NMHU theatre professors, Luna theatre students and instructors, AHUWC, and many more. I know I have left out groups we talked about on Saturday, but I'm afraid I can't remember them all. If anyone has suggestions, or can jar the old memory, please leave a comment. :)

I am very excited about Las Vegas participating in this project. I think it would be marvelous publicity, and would be great advertising for our entire community. But it will take a lot of work, and a lot of cooperation. Its a 3 1/2 year project, and I know we can do it well and with flare. There is a tremendous amount of talent in our city, and I think its time we showcase it.

Please contact me if you are interested in this program, want more information, want to become part of the project, or just to give us ideas. I hope you will also leave comments here to tell me what you think. I need to find out what dates are good for meetings, and who is interested. Everyone here at the museum is excited about the possibilities!

Happy Holidays to all.