Celebrating Greenbrier Valley Theatre 2022 season during Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce‘s Business After Hours in Lewisburg, WV
Greenbrier Valley Theatre played host, on Thursday, March 24, to the latest in a series of monthly “Business After Hours” Events.
These events, sponsored by the Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce, are designed to highlight area businesses, and celebrate the goings-on within the community. It was a packed house for the evening. In attendance were local business-leaders, politicians, community-educators, and was emceed by Chamber of Commerce Director Ashley Vickers.
The event was filled with good food and great conversation. Theatre House Manager Kelsey Hofe organized most of the evening’s festivities – beautifully-themed in support of the upcoming performances of “The Wizard of Oz.”
“We are serving an Emerald City lemonade – it’s glittery and wonderful. We have what we’re calling ‘Witches’ Brew,’ which is a margarita punch.”
– Kelsey Hofe, Greenbrier Valley Theatre House Manager
The Wizard of Oz is GVT’s annual “Youth Education” show. As explained on GVT’s website, the Youth Education Program includes “after-school drama classes on-site, a partnership with Rainelle Elementary, a summer drama camp, intern/apprentice opportunities for college/high school students, student productions, professional productions with student matinees, and much more.”
According to Theatre Director Matt Campbell, “Our youth program works with kids between infancy and 12th grade. The education show is for middle school and high-schoolers, and it uses all professional artists and designers. So the show is produced as a professional show, but the kids star in it.”
“Public speaking, collaboration, self-motivation – all these different things that it takes to succeed in the world – those can all be done through the arts”
– Matthew Campbell, Theatre Director
Matt went on to explain that the Youth Education show isn’t as much about “creating the future stars of America” as it is helping kids develop necessary life skills.
“Public speaking, collaboration, self-motivation – all these different things that it takes to succeed in the world – those can all be done through the arts,” Matt told us. “So we put a lot of focus on creating a space for them to succeed.”
Matt was very happy with the event’s turnout and expressed his gratitude to all of those who support the theatre.
“We want to make sure that everybody feels welcome in our space,” he said. “No matter what age you are or your experience with going to the theatre, our job is to make you feel welcome and a part of the community.”
The Wizard of Oz will begin its run on Friday, April 1st and conclude on Sunday, April 10.
The Wizard of Oz will begin its run at Greenbrier Valley Theatre on Friday, April 1, and conclude on Sunday, April 10. A “by-donation, first come/first serve” preview performance will be held on Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. Theatre-goers are encouraged to donate the amount they are comfortable with to enjoy the performance. There are limited seats remaining for all scheduled performances. Tickets range from $11 to $16. The theatre is located at 1038 Washington Street E. in Lewisburg.
For additional information about programs offered at Greenbrier Valley Theatre, or to reach the box office, dial 304-645-3838, or visit gvtheatre.org.
HashtagWV Art & Entertainment is a high-quality print and digital multimedia platform for all things West Virginia and the greater Appalachian region. The editorial focus is local music, unique shopping, the arts, events, theatre, and food and drinks. tiktok.com/@hashtagwv