Arts Alive - February 2016

Hancock High's New Performing Arts Center Debuts

A new $8 million dollar, 24,000 square foot facility sets the stage for entertainment and education in Hancock County.
 - by Stacey Cato

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The grand opening ceremony for the new Hancock Performing Arts Center will take place Saturday, February 20th, 2016, 10am. 7140 Stennis Airport Drive. See more details at the end of this story!

The grand opening ceremony for the new Hancock Performing Arts Center will take place Saturday, February 20th, 2016, 10am. 7140 Stennis Airport Drive. See more details at the end of this story!

The arts hold a unique place in the hearts of the people of Hancock County. Talented people pursue their dreams here and want to inspire others to take a creative approach to life through music, theatrical performances, and more. Now, Hancock County artists have a new 24,620-square-foot center to call home and to enjoy some of the most highly anticipated social events on the coast.
 
“The Performing Arts Center will be committed to promoting the arts to the children and citizens of Hancock County and will showcase local and visiting artists. We are excited to offer this magnificent facility to the Gulf Coast area,” said Director of the Hancock County Performing Arts Center Catherine Tibbs. 

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The $8.2 million state-of-the-art stage is now set in Kiln, Mississippi. It’s a new, one-of-a-kind performing arts center that will bring new opportunities to area youth. Tibbs says the center will provide varied offerings, so there will be something for everyone.
 
The facility houses a 500-foot orchestra pit, over 2,000 square feet of lobby area complete with gallery-style hanging system, and a spacious backstage make-up and dressing room. The center also has a catering kitchen fully equipped to accommodate guests in final preparations for that big fun-filled family event or special day.  
 
All are invited to the ceremonial ribbon cutting on February 20th, where there will be food, multiple performances, and other live entertainment. Crews have been working around the clock to make this opening an event you don’t want to miss! 
 
Tibbs says the center’s goal is to benefit the entire community and its visitors. "We've never had anything like this in Hancock County! We want to bring in big Broadway plays and other programs that the community will enjoy. The center is not just for Hancock County. We welcome all performing artists to use the facility. It's a place where you can bring the whole family to enjoy concerts, dance recitals, and other aspects of the arts. We want it to be an all inclusive facility."
 
The center will be available for rent upon reservation. Stage productions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Little Shop of Horrors” have already been booked for the coming months. For more information on upcoming performances and rental dates contact the center at 228-255-6247.

Grand Opening Ceremony  Schedule:
Saturday February 20, 2016
10:00 a.m.
7140 Stennis Airport Drive

10:00- 10:15- Ribbon cutting ceremony and greetings from Mr. Dedeaux
10:15-West Hancock Elementary School
10:20-10:40-Hancock North Central Elementary School
10:45-11:10-South Hancock Elementary School  
11:15-11:35-Hancock Middle School
 
11:35- 12:30- Intermission
 
12:30-12:50-Hancock Middle School’s Performing Arts Club
12:55-1:05-Hancock High School’s Talon Dance Team
1:10-1:30-Hancock High School’ Drama 
1:35-1:40-Hancock High School’s Talon Dance Team
 
1:40--2:00- Intermission
 
2:00- 2:20-- Hancock High School Drama
2:25- 3:00- Hancock High School Symphonic Band