BART’S BLOG – MARCH 2025

Step Into the Spotlight with the Youth Theatre of Hardin County!

If you’ve ever dreamed of performing on stage but weren’t sure how to get started, the Youth Theatre of Hardin County (YTHC) has the perfect opportunity for you! On March 8, YTHC is hosting an audition workshop at the PAC to help students in 6th-12th grade prepare for their upcoming April 25-26 auditions for this summer’s electrifying production of Footloose.

What to Expect

At this workshop, students will receive all the materials they need to confidently audition for Footloose. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or taking your first steps into the world of theatre, this workshop is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to shine. YTHC is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment where students can learn, grow, and take their passion for performance to the next level.

A Legacy of Excellence

Since its founding, the Youth Theatre of Hardin County has been a launching pad for young performers, instilling in them a love for the arts and the skills to succeed both on and off the stage. I know this firsthand — my journey in theatre began with YTHC all the way back in 1979. The training and experiences I gained during my time with this organization gave me the confidence to pursue a career in the performing arts. Years later, I had the privilege of returning to direct a couple of productions, witnessing firsthand the impact YTHC continues to have on young artists.

Why You Should Audition

If you’re on the fence about auditioning, let me encourage you: stepping out of your comfort zone could be the beginning of something truly life-changing. Theatre is more than just performing — it’s about teamwork, creativity, and self-discovery. Whether you’re hoping to land a lead role, join the ensemble, or simply try something new, YTHC is where you’ll find support, friendships, and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Youth Theatre’s Audition Workshop is Saturday, March 8, from 10:00AM to 2:30PM. Their Auditions for Footloose are Friday, April 25, from 4:30PM to 9:30PM and Saturday, April 26, from 10AM to 3:30PM.

There’s no cost for the workshop; however, to join Youth Theatre and be able to audition in April for Footloose, the membership fee is $100.

Don’t miss this chance to take your first step toward an unforgettable summer with Footloose! Mark your calendar for March 8, and get ready to bring your best self to the stage.

Video Links

The links below provide a video version of this month’s blog and a link to HCECTV’s The Monthly Marquee, an interview program hosted by Bart focused on performing arts activities in our region.

Audience Survey Winners

Congratulations to Kim Adkins, Holly Craighead, Jennifer Pursell, and Franceska Risinger, each the lucky winner of a $20 PAC gift certificate for completing an audience survey in November, and thank you for helping us learn how to serve our audiences better!

Audience Survey

Share your thoughts on your recent PAC visit and get entered into the next drawing.

PAC Spotlight

The March PAC Spotlight shines on Central Hardin High School’s Sydney Manfull, who will be working on The Bully Plays with CHHS this March.

What do you want to do when you grow up?
I want to be a lawyer and own a bakery.

What have you seen at the PAC?
The Nutcracker, and Mary Poppins

What have you participated in at the PAC?
Spongebob the Musical, Ten-Minute Musicals, Carrie the Musical, Decision Height

What have been your most rewarding PAC experiences?
Getting to see a show from start to finish, there’s so much that goes into a production that most people don’t even consider!!

What did you learn from your PAC experiences?
Definitely time management and multitasking. I ran lights and stage managed Carrie the Musical.

How have you benefited from the PAC?
It’s given me a place to be myself and put on so many shows, because of the PAC, I am currently working on bringing a theater program to Sullivan University!

Why is the PAC important to you?
I have seen so many people shine on that stage, and while I am way too scared to ever go on that stage myself, I love giving people the opportunity.

Why should the PAC be important to others?
The PAC is a welcoming environment, and if you’re ever lucky enough to walk the catwalk, it will genuinely change your life.

Do you have any other comments you’d like to share?
I’m so grateful for everything the PAC has given and continues to give me and everyone I care about. My four years working with the PAC have been some of the best.