Young talent featured in first Sunday Showcase - Oct. 26

photo The Chattanooga Theatre Centre's Youth Theatre will perform during Sunday Showcase. Actors are shown in a scene from "Go Dog Go."

If You Go• What: Performing Arts League's Sunday Showcase• When: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26• Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.• Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 6-18• Phone: 423-267-8534

photo Dancer Hannah Gibb is a recipient of a scholarship funded by Performing Arts League.

The talent of more than 200 area students will be featured during the first Sunday Showcase to be held at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 26.

The show is designed to highlight local school-age talent and recognize organizations that foster and support that talent, says Linda Thompson. Thompson and Barbie Standefer are co-chairing this first production sponsored by the Performing Arts League.

PAL is a fairly new nonprofit composed of volunteers who advocate for youth arts programs. Thompson says the league believes "the viability of performing arts in a community begins with its youth being encouraged, developed and applauded."

"In many schools today, arts programs have been cut drastically or eliminated. Members of the Performing Arts League believe that the arts are an essential part of our children's education. By reinforcing and supporting young performers' goals and dreams, Sunday Showcase will contribute to their self-confidence and call attention to their incredible talent. The students will also have the opportunity to connect with students in other disciplines of art," she explains.

The showcase is made possible by a $2,500 Causeway Connectivity Grant that the league received. Allan Ledford will direct this inaugural event. Thompson says any funds raised through ticket sales will support the league's ongoing outreach and arts education programs, which include scholarships to instrumental and dance students, the league's vocal competition and co-sponsorship of CTC Youth Theatre plays.

Participating organizations on Sunday will be Ballet Tennessee, Choo Choo Kids from Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga Ballet, Chattanooga Boys Choir, Chattanooga Girls Choir and CSO Youth Orchestras.

Also, Youth Theatre of Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Civic Ballet of Chattanooga, McCallie Guitar Quartet, Howard High School Band and Isabella Vanderhoof, winner of the PAL vocal competition.

Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.

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