Ty Parker, director of bands and head of the performing arts department at West Point High School, is joining forces with Fairview High School’s Mark Dobbs to stage a countywide production of “Camp Rock” this April. Auditions, open to all students in the Cullman County Schools system, are Feb. 10. / Tribune file photo
Combining the talents and strengths from across the county will provide a competitive performance opportunity for our students. This unity will hopefully spread across the county through academics, athletics and other extracurricular activities. Cullman County students are very intelligent and talented. Together we can accomplish anything as a school system and compete statewide in any category.”West Point’s Ty Parker
CULLMAN COUNTY – West Point High School and Fairview High School, the two county system schools with in-house theater departments, are busy with spring productions, but Ty Parker and Mark Dobbs hope that their experiences and resources might open the world of theater to students all over Cullman County.
Parke, who is in charge of West Point’s music and performing arts programs, shared with The Tribune: “For the first time ever, Cullman County schools are combining for a countywide production."
“Camp Rock”
“This semester, we will be performing Disney’s ‘Camp Rock’ Apr. 26, 27, 28 and 29. The students are very excited about this project. Mark Dobbs, Fairview’s theater teacher, is also helping with the project. Fairview and West Point High Schools are the only high schools in the county system that offer theater classes for students.”
“Mark and I would love to provide an opportunity for every student in Cullman County. The auditions for this project will take place on Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Fairview High School. Fairview has an incredible performance venue that most don’t know about. Their sound system, lighting system and stage space are amazing! I look forward to organizing a production with these resources!
Parker credits Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette for supporting the schools’ efforts.
“I’m very thankful for Shane Barnette’s support. He has been an amazing superintendent to work for,” said Parker. “Combining the talents and strengths from across the county will provide a competitive performance opportunity for our students. This unity will hopefully spread across the county through academics, athletics and other extracurricular activities. Cullman County students are very intelligent and talented. Together we can accomplish anything as a school system and compete statewide in any category.”
In-house school productions
West Point Theatre will perform Disney’s well-known and beloved “Beauty and the Beast” on Mar. 9-11. More than 60 students are involved in the developing production, more than double the number who participated in Disney’s “High School Musical” last year.
On Thursday, Apr. 12, Fairview Theater Works will perform Lauren Gunderson’s “I and You,” an extended one-act play about two classmates who meet just one day before their joint school project is due. Strangers to each other, each has a complicated personal story, and their meeting has twists and turns guaranteed to catch the audience off guard.
At a glance
“Camp Rock”
Countywide production sponsored by West Point Theatre and Fairview Theater Works
Apr. 26-29, 2018
Auditions open to all Cullman County Schools students Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to noon at Fairview High School, 841 Welcome Road, Fairview
“Beauty and the Beast”
West Point Theatre exclusive
Mar. 9-11, 2018
West Point High School, 4314 County Road 1141, West Point
“I and You”
Fairview Theater Works exclusive
Apr. 12, 2018
Fairview High School, 841 Welcome Road, Fairview
For more information about productions or auditions:
Contact Ty Parker by email at tparker@ccboe.org or call West Point High School at 256-734-5375.
Contact Mark Dobbs by email at MDobbs@ccboe.org or call Fairview High School at 256-796-5106.
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