BY MOSS BRENNAN/MOSS. BRENNAN@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country is covered in snow as a winter storm moved through Boone.
Main stages
of the High Country BY MARISA MECKE
S
tage productions, musicals, dance recitals and more line the stages of the theaters of the High Country. Visitors to the region can indulge in performances from the next up-and-coming student performers, as well as seasoned experts who take the stage in the mountains. Theater lovers are in luck as many venues have returned to their regular season productions. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are still practicing a variety of different social distancing protocols. Patrons should contact venues to learn more about safety precautions at the different productions and events.
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY 96
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE
Students at Appalachian State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance have a wide variety of performances to share with visitors. From student-writtenand-produced shows to co-curricular performances, live performances are integral to their learning and a powerful way for the larger community to engage with students. The department will have eight productions during its 2021 to 2022 seasons, the first productions in-person after 18 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The productions range in
style and content, with some paying tribute to North Carolina art and music prominently such as Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s “Bright Star: Concert Version” and the 50th anniversary of Appalachian Echoes, a program by the Appalachian Young People’s Theater, while others are set in far flung lands. Attendees can enjoy the performances in a number of venues, including the main stage at the Valborg Theatre and the smaller L.G. Greer Studio, providing spaces for big hits as well as more intimate artistic shows. To learn more about show schedules and tickets, visit theatreanddance.ap-
pstate.edu or call (828) 262-3028.
ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE
Showcasing the finest talent from the Ashe community, the Ashe County Little Theatre is an all-volunteer community-based theatre group located in the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ACLT canceled its four-show 2020 season of live stage plays and has temporarily postponed its fall 2021 production, “Barbecue Apocalypse,” in an effort to keep all involved in the production safe and healthy. For updated information about the ACLT production schedule or to make a donation to the organization, visit www.ashecountylittletheatre.org or SEE STAGES ON PAGE 97
WINTER TIMES 2021
