Planting Seeds for The Secret Garden – Articulating the Vision
Last month I shared how putting together a vision board helped me focus possible design elements into a cohesive vision for our upcoming production of The Secret Garden. The next step is to convey that vision to collaborators and the public. Honestly, I often find putting my ideas into words difficult. So, as an experiment, I used an AI writing assistant to try and do so in a concise and easy-to-understand way. Let me know what you think.
I’m excited to share a unique, minimalistic approach that will utilize simple yet evocative elements to bring The Secret Garden to life for our audiences. While a minimalistic aesthetic may seem limited, it actually allows for greater creativity and flexibility in the production. By relying on the audience’s imagination to fill in the details, we can create a more immersive experience that will stay with them long after the curtain call.
- A vital element in our set design will be hanging ropes and draped clear plastic sheeting to create a sense of transparency and etherealness. The translucent sheets will create a “ghostly” effect for certain scenes and the violent storms that sweep across the moors in others. The ropes will re-drape the plastic sheets to dictate stage entrances and exits and come together to create the symbolic tree within the secret garden. Together, the sheets and ropes will provide a sense of height and weight to the settings and add an impression of mystery and intrigue on stage while maintaining the set’s minimalist aesthetic:
- Antique furniture and rolling doorframes will be versatile props to chart young Mary’s journey from Bombay, India, to the moors of England; the numerous rooms and endless hallways inside her uncle’s mansion; and the maze of garden hedges outside. At the same time, floating windows and picture frames accentuate the gothic origins of the story.
- Candles, lanterns, chandeliers, and projected imagery will add period ambiance to each scene and further enhance the mansion’s eerie atmosphere and the garden’s wondrous beauty.
- A single raised flower bed will imply the mansion’s gardens, while an oversized wind chime will suggest the reveal of the Secret Garden, reflecting a dappled rainbow of light that fills the theatre.
- This minimalistic vision will hopefully attest to the power of simplicity thanks to our attention to detail. But, more than anything, it will allow the focus to remain on the performers and the story they are telling.
We look forward to transporting our audiences to this magical world and letting their imaginations run wild In The Secret Garden this September at the PAC.
Audience Survey Winners
Congratulations to ELLEN FALK, MELIA MATTINGLY, PATTY SCOTT and AMELIA TARRENCE – each a lucky winner of a $20 PAC gift certificate for completing an Audience Survey last month.
PAC Spotlight – April 2023
This month, The PAC Spotlight shines on MCT alumni, PAC Aide and JHHS choral member Anaiah Abbott.
What do you want to do when you grow up?
I want to be a music producer and work with all kinds of talented people.
What have you seen at the PAC?
I can’t even count how many things I’ve seen in the PAC. I have seen so many shows, choir concerts, and band concerts.
What have you participated in at the PAC?
I participated in school shows, Missoula Children’s Theatre, choir concerts, Youth Theater of Hardin County, and band concerts. I have also been a PAC aide.
What have been your most rewarding PAC experiences?
My most rewarding PAC experience has been the JHHS production of The Wedding Singer. I played Rosie. That show was hard to learn, but the moment we had our first audience, I could feel all my nerves fade, and the applause was much more worth it knowing how hard we worked.
What did you learn from your PAC experiences?
I have learned teamwork and determination, and I also learned that you should never give up. I have auditioned for lots of things only not to get a part or a big part. I just worked to play a small role as well as I could and worked hard to get a better part next time. These qualities have transferred to my daily life as well.
How have you benefited from the PAC?
The PAC has shown me how much I love theater. I would have never found my passion for the arts if I hadn’t been able to come to the PAC and see my first play.
Why is the PAC important to you?
The PAC is important to me because it is important to share the performing arts for others to enjoy. Seeing small children’s faces light up after seeing a show is one of the most heartwarming things I have ever seen.
Why should the PAC be important to others?
Others should appreciate the PAC because it is a fun experience for all ages. It also shows the arts fantastically. It gives a place for people to perform what they have worked so hard on.
Now Showing – MAY 2023
May 2, 2023
HCS Event: John Hardin High School Fine Arts Spring Show.
Tuesday, May 2, 7 PM.
Tickets: Free
Tickets available: April 10
POC Phyllis Westfall 270-769-8906.
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net.
May 3, 2023
HCS Event: Bluegrass Middle School Band Concert.
Wednesday, May 3, 7 PM.
Tickets: $5 including fees, Children 5th grade and below FREE
Tickets available: April 3.
POC Joshua Mitchell 270-765-2658.
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net.
May 4, 2023
HCS Event: West Hardin Middle School Band Concert.
Thursday, May 4, 7 PM.
Tickets: Free
Tickets available: April 17.
POC Laura Hedges. Laura.Hedges@hardin.kyschools.us.
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net.
May 9, 2023
Third Party Event: 72nd Abound Credit Union Annual Membership Meeting featuring local entertainment.
Tuesday, May 9, Doors open at 4:30 PM. Meeting starts at 5:30 PM.
Tickets are required and are free.
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net.
POC Marc Prasch meprasch@aboundcu.com
May 11, 2023
HCS Event: North Hardin High School Choral Concert.
Thursday, May 11, 7 PM.
Tickets: Free
Tickets available: Now
POC Cassie Lucas 270-369-3167.
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net.
May 13, 2023
Third Party Event: Lawson School of Music Musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
Saturday May 13, 6 PM.
ickets: Adults: $18.25, Students, 17& under: $13 (fees included).
Tickets available now.
POC Heather Lawson heatherlawsonmusic@gmail.com.
May 17
HCS Event: Hardin County Schools Board of Education Meeting.
Wednesday, May 17, 6 PM. Student Recognitions.
Note Change in Date.
POC Kaycie Pawley 270-769-8817.
May 18, 2023
HCS Event: John Hardin High School Band Concert.
Thursday, May 18, 7 PM.
Tickets: Free
Tickets available: May 3.
POC Brian Ellis. Brian.Ellis@hardin.kyschools.us.
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net.
May 20, 2023
Third Party Event: The Dance Centre of Elizabethtown’s Spring Recitals “Seussical” and “Cakewalk.”
May 20, Saturday, 1 & 4 PM.
Tickets: $5 fees included
Tickets on Sale: April 3.
POC Sherry Barnard 270-765-5464.
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net.
May 21, 2023
Third Party Event: Heather Lawson School of Music Recital.
Sunday, May 21, 3 & 6 PM.
Tickets: Adults $13 and Students $8
Tickets available: Now
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net.
POC Heather Lawson. heatherlawsonmusic@gmail.com.
May 23, 2023
Third Party Event: Studio One-Eleven Recital.
Tuesday, May 23, NOTE TIME CHANGE: 6 PM. (incorrectly listed at 6:30 PM.)
Tickets: $10 including fees.
Tickets on Sale: May 1.
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net.
POC Katie Bennett studiooneelevenky@gmail.com
May 27, 28, 2023
Third Party Event: Allegro Dance Theatre Spring Recitals.
Saturday, May 27 at 2:00-Singin In The Rain- Special Recital Edition
Saturday, May 27- 7:30pm- Recital including The Little Princess, Raymonda Variations and Broadway Rhythm
Sunday May 28- 3;00pm- Recital including The Little Princess, Raymonda Variations and Broadway Rhythm
Tickets: $7 (fees included)
Tickets on Sale: April 21
Livestream: Yes
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net.
Under the direction of Carol Zagar 270-352-1333.
May 31, June 2, and 4, 2023
Third Party Event: Center Stage Dance Studio’s Spring Recitals.
Wednesday, May 31, 7 PM, Friday June 2, 7 PM & Sunday June 4, 3 PM. Tickets: $18.25
Tickets on Sale: Now
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net
POC Yvonne Groves 270-769-5505.
Coming Soon – JUNE 2023
May 31, June 2, and 4, 2023
Third Party Event: Center Stage Dance Studio’s Spring Recitals.
Wednesday, May 31, 7 PM, Friday June 2, 7 PM & Sunday June 4, 3 PM. Tickets: $18.25
Tickets on Sale: Now
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net
POC Yvonne Groves 270-769-5505.
June 8, 2023
Third Party Event: Allegro Dance Theatre Summer Camp production based on MOANA.
Thursday June 8, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $5 fees included
Tickets on Sale: Now
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net
POC Carol Zagar 270-352-1333.
June 11 and 12, 2023
Third Party Event: Dance Center of Elizabethtown Summer Camp production of 101 DALMATIANS
Saturday June 10, 3 PM & Sunday June 11, 3 PM.
Tickets: $5
Tickets on Sale: June 1.
All seats reserved through the PAC at www.thepac.net
POC Sherry Barnard 270-765-5464.
June 16 and 17, 2023
PAC AUDITIONS for ProAm Classical CLUE
Friday, June 16, 8 PM & Saturday, June 17, 11 AM.
Video submission deadline: June 10th.
POC Aaron Taylor 270-769-8838 .
June 18 and 19, 2023
PAC AUDITIONS for ProAm Musical THE SECRET GARDEN
Sunday, June 18, 8 PM & Monday, June 19, 8 PM.
Video submission deadline: June 10th.
POC Bart Lovins, 270-304-6165 .
In Review – APRIL 2023
On April 1, Aaron Harp Magic presented “GRAND ILLUSION” featuring Master Magician Lance Burton benefiting the Ronald McDonald House before an audience of 318.
On April 18, 53 Elementary and 39 Middle & High Hardin County School Gifted & Talented students participated in a Musical Theatre Intensive.
On April 21, the PAC PRESENTED Kentucky Shakespeare in HAMLET before a school day performance of 440 HCS and 77 Non-HCS students and a public audience of 85
On April 25, the PAC hosted the Hardin County Schools Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. 26 students with North Hardin High School Choirs performed before an audience of 98 volunteers.
On April 28 & 29, 41 HCS and 11 Non-HCS 6th through 8th-grade students participated in AUDITIONS for Youth Theatre of Hardin County’s summer production of OKLAHOMA.
Total Served in APRIL: 599 HCS Students, 90 Non-HCS Students, 57 Adults, and 501 Audience Members.
Total Served Year to Date: 14,288 HCS Students, 4,540 Non-HCS Students, 5,205 Adults, 17,755 Public Audience Members and 44 Live-stream.