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Entergy Sponsors Free Performances for Children at the Bologna Center

Students from Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Clarksdale who attended The Reluctant Dragon pose with the cast of the show, Betty Wong of New Stage Theatre, Cheryl Comans of Entergy Mississippi, and Laura Howell and Whitney Cummins of the Bologna Center.

On Wednesday, April 8, more than 1,700 elementary students from over five different counties attended The Reluctant Dragon, a special free performance sponsored by Entergy Mississippi and presented by New Stage Theatre’s Arts-in-Education statewide touring program.

New Stage Theatre is a professional not-for-profit theatre based in Jackson. The Reluctant Dragon is directed by Chris Roebuck and performed by New Stage’s Professional Acting Company members Augustus Bennett, Katie Beth Jewell, Pat Moran, and Valencia Proctor.

Students traveled from as far as Coahoma, Leflore, Tunica, and Sunflower counties to experience this special theatrical performance. Children and adults alike thoroughly enjoyed this highly energetic and interactive show. Several students were selected to perform with the actors on stage to help tell the story. Students left with smiles on their faces and great things to say about the performance. In an effort to ensure that each student receive an educational experience, teachers and families who attended the performance were provided with a comprehensive study guide for use before and after the performance.

The Bologna Performing Arts Center provides several opportunities throughout each school year for school groups and families to experience professional quality theatrical performances. The 2015-2016 School-Time Matinee Series will be announced in August of 2015. Please call Whitney Cummins, BPAC Arts Education Coordinator, at 662-846-4844 to be added to the matinee series mailing list.

For more information about New Stage Theatre’s Education Program, please contact Education Director Chris Roebuck at 601-948-3533 ext. 232 or Education Assistant Betty Wong at 601-948-3533 ext. 233.