College News

SANFORD – Central Carolina Community College and Temple Theatre have forged a partnership to both educate and bring the excitement of live theater to the public.

Thomas Dalton, educational director for Temple Theatre, will teach two classes for the college’s Continuing Education Department during the spring semester: Theater Appreciation and Introduction to Theater. For spring 2011, the college and theater are planning a New York trip to see Broadway shows.

Temple Theatre has been staging quality theater productions in Sanford for 26 years. It is recognized as a major player in the Lee County cultural scene for creating community theater, bringing major shows to the area, and training youth in theater arts. 

The theater and college see their partnership as a way to bring live theater to more people, increase appreciation for what Temple offers, and respond to the desire of many for more information about and understanding of theater as a creative art.

“As someone who has taught theater on the college and university level for many years, I look forward to working with the college in promoting the study of the theater arts,” Dalton said. “The study of theater involves so much more than getting on stage and reciting lines for an audience. At its core, theater promotes critical thinking, problem solving, effective communication, understanding others and self-expression, to name a few.”  

The first class, Theater Appreciation, is an introduction to the art, business and history of theater. Class members will take part in monologues and scenes to help them understand and appreciate the work of creating theater. The class will be held 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 10-March 31, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

The Introduction to Theater class is for anyone who wants to improve his ability to speak or make presentations. The course explores the interconnectedness of characters, relationships, and story. It will take place 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Wednesdays, April 7-May 26, at the Temple Theatre.

The spring 2011 trip will be five days and four nights in New York, including attendance at three Broadway shows. 

“Central Carolina Community College's partnership with Temple Theatre is one example of how the college strives to work closely with local businesses and organizations for the betterment of the community as a whole,” said Cindy Ramsey, the college’s Lee County director of continuing education.  “In the case of this partnership with Temple Theatre, that means designing a package of opportunities that can enrich the lives of Lee County citizens. 

For more information or to register, call the college at (919) 775-2122, ext. 7793. Registration in person can be done at the college’s Lifelong Learning Center at W.B. Wicker, 900 S. Vance St., Sanford.