
Averitt Center Gets an A+
Do you realize how lucky Statesboro is to have a thriving arts community? The Averitt Center for the Arts is integral to the development of art, theatre, and culture in the region. The mission of the Statesboro Arts Council, operating under the name David H. Averitt Center for the Arts, is to provide quality arts opportunities for our community and to serve as a centerpiece for a vibrant, historic downtown. We think the Averitt Center is outstanding and gets an A+!
The facilities are a testimony in downtown development. Housed in two historic landmarks, the old Bank of Statesboro building (circa 1911) and The Georgia Theater (circa 1936), we now know these as the David H. Averitt Center for the Arts and the Emma Kelly Theater. The addition of the Center for Performing Arts/ Whitaker Black Box Theater on W. Main Street has expanded the artistic capabilities.
If you are traveling to Statesboro, be sure to check the Averitt Center’s calendar to see if you can catch a performance or participate in a program or event. Under the capable leadership of Tim Chapman, the twenty-two member staff does an outstanding job of organizing and careing for the facilities in order to reach thousands of citizens.
The galleries in the Averitt Center house ongoing art shows throughout the year. Currently, The Raven: Prints from Larry Vienneau, has a public exhibition through November 14th. Next, Statesboro Regional Arts Association Annual Juried Exhibition will be available for public viewing from November 20th through December 19th.
The 2015-16 Main Stage Performance Season in the Emma Kelly Theater will next feature The Rocky Horror Picture Show, October 30th, Calendar Girls, November 6th, and an annual favorite, The Nutcracker, November 20 – 22nd. Season tickets are available for a variety of productions including dramatic, musical produced nationally and locally.
The Averitt Center is intricately involved with downtown Statesboro community events, such as the Main Street Farmers Market, First Friday Events with the Downtown Development Authority, and seasonal events like Scare in the Square. They also sponsor events like pre-performance dinners.
Local productions involve community stars that audition, act and dance their way into patrons’ hearts. This thriving aspect of the Averitt Center allows talented citizens, of all ages, to shine on stage to the adoration of the community. South Pacific auditions will take place November 14th at the Center for the Performing Arts, Black Box Theater.
Learning the arts has no age barriers at the Averitt Center. Youth benefit from the Averitt Center with theater, ballet classes, chorale, strings and visual arts classes. Adults also can take continuing education classes in drawing, painting, acting and even ballroom dancing.
Yes, the Averitt Center receives an A+ for their commitment to excellence and quality arts experiences for their patrons. Operated by the Statesboro Arts Council, the Center receives funding from grants through various sources that include the City of Statesboro, Georgia Council for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts and Southern Arts Federation.