Perhaps you’re new to the north state and looking for ways to connect with the area’s arts community. Or maybe you’ve been here awhile, but you’re finally ready to turn off the TV and start creating something of your own.
Here are a few places where you can plug in:
• 2nd Saturday Art Hop
Information on this outstanding event (which really transcends more than one day a month) can be found right here on this site. The event features more than 20 Redding businesses hosting art exhibits, receptions, concerts, children’s events and more every second Saturday of the month.
Coordinated by Adam Mankoski and Troy Hawkins of Hawkman Studios, the event has been extremely popular in Redding and has vastly increased awareness of the arts. It’s also been a boost for area businesses during a down economy and given residents a great event (dozens of events, actually) each month.
• The Riverfront Playhouse
The community theater has been producing shows for a staggering 29 years. Six productions a year are staged at the theater at 1620 East Cypress Ave. in Redding, though the playhouse is currently raising money to build a new theater downtown.
For more information, visit Riverfront’s website or call 221-1028.
• The Westside Performing Art Society
The company started last year and it’s directed by the very talented singer and vocal coach Trish Spinner, who has a degree in vocal performance from the HARTT School in Music in Hartford, Conn. The company is preparing to begin a new series of classes on vocal performance, acting, screenwriting, dance, music theory and more on Sept. 1.
Weekly classes and sign ups are happening through August at 1666 E. Cypress Ave. or by calling Spinner at 515-7151. The company also produces shows and is available for hire to perform at special events, business or organizational functions, and schools. Click here for more information.
• Redding City Musical Theater Company
The company, which focuses on producing musical theater at the Cascade Theatre, has been in operation since 2005. The company’s artistic director is Diana Christensen, who for years helped with the Shasta High Musical, which became a major annual event under Ken Putnam.
For more information call 515-3262 or visit the company’s website.
• James Santos’ Dance Project
The company, the Cascade Theatre’s only in-house production company, has been in operation since 2000 and annual produces the popular “A Cascade Christmas” holiday show, as well as a big spring dance recital.
Santos, who danced with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in New York City, performs, choreographs and directs the company. Call 226-6700.
• The Root Theatre Company
The brand new company has already produced shows in Chico and plans events for across the north state and Southern Oregon. Dean Williams, a top actor in Redding and Root member, described it to me this way: “We don’t have a theater of our own, but that’s OK, we’ll find venues where we can perform.” The company is made up of actors, directors, musicians and artists.
Call 241-8775 or click here for more information.
• North Valley Art League
Perfect for all levels of physical artists, the league is a non-profit group that’s centered at the Carter House Gallery in Caldwell Park. Founded in 1979 by eight local artists, the league now has a membership of more than 200. The league hosts monthly members’ exhibits, featured artist shows, and three annual juried shows. Call 243-1023.
• Shasta County Arts Council
The arts council, directed by artist Gini Holmes, was established in 1981 and is a liaison between local artists, arts organizations, government agencies and the community. It also coordinates an ever-changing series of exhibits at the Old City Hall Arts Center (1313 Market St.) in Redding. The upstairs at Old City Hall is an excellent performing arts venue, which has hosts concerts (I’ve seen killer shows there), the Redding Improv, dance classes, yoga classes and much more.
Call 241-7320 or click here.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This was just a list to get the ideas flowing. Please list other arts organizations (and their contact information) below in the comments. I’d love this blog to be a nice reference for people wanting to get more deeply involved in the arts in Redding.
