“I don’t know what I did before this theatre began – but I do know what I did wasn’t as good as I now know I can be.”, Shirley Bee, ensemble member of Artist Collaborative Theatre, states.
Artists Collaborative Theatre, Inc., an umbrella program of Pike Arts, Inc., a UK Cooperative Extension Program (Pike County Extension Program for Fine Arts) has built a theatre company in Elkhorn City, KY. Elkhorn City is a small, quaint town (population 1060) in Pike County. The primary economy is the welfare system and the prevailing social challenges are lethargy and prescription drug use.
Theatre Arts is a positive artistic outlet allowing citizens to explore life choices through the expression of onstage characters. A “better quality of life” for all Pike County citizens comes via participation as actor, technical crew, director, and/or audience member. By introducing basic theatre skills and reachable goals the volunteers of ACT developed a foundation on which to build. The next step was to provide advanced skills through advanced scripts and class work. Guest directors and a variety of resources and exposure to performance skills were introduced. Throughout the skill development, demanding high quality, dedication and leading by example for the level of professionalism and demands required were necessary. TThese volunteers were also given audience exposure to showcase hard work and development and high, honest praise when their work reached the goals.
The results are evident in the improved life changes of the 130 ensemble members, their immediate and extended familes and even into the community. Shirley Bee exemplifies these dramatic changes as she has taken steps to improve the living conditions of her home, is now committed to a part time job, successfully fights a sleeping disorder and depression, she has set boundaries of family demands and budgets her money to insure ongoing life flexibility and options. She is now becoming aware that city council decisions affect her quality of life and is now confident in her ability to affect these changes.