AWC kicks off performing arts series

Don't be surprised if you come across a Polynesian dancer or Irish singer out at Arizona Western College.

AWC recently kicked off its annual performing arts series, which promises to bring a great cultural mix of singers, dancers and dinner theater to the Yuma stage.

"We're trying to bring performers from different corners of the world to Yuma," said Shara Roberts, event organizer. "These are really great performers, too. We really only bring the most professional performers to town. They are all just out of this world and really excited about what they are doing."

The AWC Performing Arts Series began last week with a performance by a popular hypnotist.

The next show will be a Missoula Children's Theatre production, which will be performed at a local school (see accompanying calendar). The next show on the AWC campus will be Mariachi Corazon de Phoenix, which will perform Wednesday.

Tickets are $3 for ages 6-18; $4 for AWC/NAU faculty and students; $5 for military; and $6 for the general public. Prices for dinner theater performances are $25 for ages 6-18; $27 for AWC/NAU faculty and students; $27 for military; and $32 for the general public.

Full-season tickets and those just covering the winter-month events are also available. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door, but Roberts cautioned that dinner theater events typically sell out quickly.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 344-7576 or by visiting the Campus Life office in the AWC 3C Building.

The performing arts series began 33 years at AWC. Roberts stressed her pride in the series' longevity, especially in rough economic times.

"To me it's very impressive, especially since during the economic crunch it seems the performing arts is usually the first area where people cut their budget. We've been fighting hard to keep this program alive and AWC has done a wonderful job doing just that."

In addition to giving shows at AWC, performers in the series will share their talents at schools throughout Yuma County. In many cases, performers will provide both shows and workshops.

"The mission is to provide culture and diversity for our kids," Roberts said. "We try to provide as many workshops as we can."

She added that the arts series is always a big hit and says this year's will certainly see the same success.

"We're really excited for this season and hope to have many more seasons to come for our community. The more support we get, the easier it is to keep this program going. So if you are sitting at home and you think this is something Yuma County should be proud of, help out by coming out and giving your support."

ARTS SERIES SCHEDULE
• Saturday, Sept. 19: Missoula Children's Theatre, 7 p.m. at Post Auditorium
• Wednesday, Sept. 23: Mariachi Corazon de Phoenix, 7 p.m. at AWC 3C Building
• Wednesday, Oct. 3: Missoula Children's Theatre, 7 p.m. at San Luis Elementary
• Wednesday, Oct. 15: Axe Capoeria, 7 p.m. at AWC 3C Building
• Wednesday, Nov. 18: Brian Hammil (dinner theater), 6 p.m. at AWC 3C Building
• Thursday, Dec. 3: Caribbean Zone (dinner theater), 6 p.m. at AWC 3C Building
• Wednesday, Jan. 27: Epik Dance, 7 p.m. at AWC 3C Building
• Wednesday, Feb. 17: Keith Johnson (dinner theater), 6 p.m. at AWC 3C Building
• Thursday, March 11: Pat McCrossen (dinner theater), 6 p.m. at AWC 3C Building
• Saturday, March 27: Missoula Children's Theatre, 7 p.m. Dateland Elementary
• Wednesday, April 14: Kilalis Polynesian Revue, 7 p.m. AWC 3C Building
• Saturday, April 24: Missoula Children's Theatre, 7 p.m. at AWC 3C Building