About The Eatonton messenger. (Eatonton, Ga.) 18??-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 28, 2025)
C2 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2025 The Tatonton Allessenger www.msgrnews.com ‘Hairspray’ next for The Plaza's young directors The Plaza Arts Center has announced the next production in its Young Directors Series will be the hit Broadway musical “Hairspray.” Performances will take place Jan. 22-25 and Jan. 29-Feb. 1, next year at the historic, downtown Eatonton theater. The Plaza’s Young Directors Series was created to highlight and support theater leaders early in their directing careers by providing them the opportunity to show case their talents on The Plaza stage. Similar to the well-received production of “The Color Purple,” next year’s “Hairspray” will present dynamic, high-quality storytelling led by emerging directo rial talent. “This program not only gives young directors valuable experience, but it also strengthens our community’s connection to the arts,” The Plaza Marketing Director Taylor Surman said. “We are excited to bring ‘Hair spray’ to The Plaza stage and continue investing in the future of local theater.” Set in 1960s Balti more, “Hairspray” tells the story of Tracy Turn- blad, a spirited teenager whose dream of dancing on national television quickly grows into a mission to promote acceptance, equality, and change. With a lively score, colorful charac ters, and an entertaining, uplifting message, the production promises to resonate with audiences of all ages. Auditions are now open. Virtual auditions can be submitted via email sent to auditions@ theplazaartscenter. com and must include a resume, headshot, one-minute song sample of choice, and which character the submitting The Plaza Arts Center YOUNG DIRECTORS SERIES presents hirslrey actor is auditioning for. In-person callbacks will be held Oct. 4, 2025. For more information about The Plaza’s production of “Hair spray,” auditions, or the Young Directors Series, visit The Plaza online at|plazacenter.org/] young-directors-series. — Contributed The Plaza thanks patrons for successful summer As the final curtain falls on another unforgettable summer at The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton, we are filled with immense gratitude for the over whelming support from our community. Thanks to all the parents, students, volunteers, and patrons, this summer was our most successful yet, reflecting a continued belief in the power of the arts. This year, we introduced a brand-new camp — ARTRAGEOUS - our first-ever art intensive. ♦ Young artists dove into color, creativity, and imag ination in ways we had only dreamed of. Their work was bold, thoughtful, and completely inspiring. The art intensive ended with a variety of projects like clay mugs, self-por traits, paintings, and more. We are so proud of the artists who joined us for this new adventure and are already dreaming up what’s coming next summer. Our two long-standing summer camps returned with tremendous enthu siasm, and thanks to the community, they sold out faster than ever. Each camper brought unique energy, curiosity, and joy to The Plaza and the stage. Watching them grow in confidence and creativity was a gift for everyone involved. This year’s Camp Broadway performance, “Groove On,” shattered previous attendance records. This camp, in collaboration with The Arts Barn, allowed young actors and actresses to explore creative move ment, learn how to be confident on stage and enjoy performing for a live audience. We also saw record- breaking attendance for the Broadway Inten sive performances of “HONK!,” our summer musical. Also, in collabo ration with The Arts Barn, the Broadway Intensive shows are some of the public’s favorites to come and see. This charming and heartwarming production was a hit with audiences of all ages, and a true showcase of the incredible talent that we have locally and from points farther away. In fact, our talent pool this year expanded across Georgia and even into Florida. Last but certainly not least, our Art Camp was bursting at the seams. With more than 50 kids, volunteers had their hands full with all of the creativity and spirit the campers brought each day. Starting with tie-dye, the kids learned about a new creative outlet each session. We saw them make clay bowls, string art initials, create mixed- media collages, and much more. We saw so many young kids come out of their shells and make some incredible work to show their family and friends. We say it often, but it can never be said enough, thank you. Thank you for registering your chil dren, for buying tickets, for sharing our posts, for applauding our campers, and for believing in the mission of The Plaza Arts Center. Also, a special thank you goes to everyone — organi zations, churches, individ uals — who donated funds for camp scholarships. Keeping these opportu nities affordable is very much important to The Plaza. You helped create a space where creativity thrives, friendships form, and the arts continue to flourish. — Contributed ------- lilM BANK OF MADISON Rotary Raffle Week 32 97- Rotary COMMITMENT: HERE. NOW. SUPER RAFFLE WINNER CARRIE HUGH 4 Prize Sponsor % 5 CONTRIBUTED The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties is excited to announce that Carrie Hughes is the Week 32 winner of the 2025 Super Raffle. Carrie won a shopping spree ($300 value) sponsored by Oconee Cellar. Pictured is Past District Governor Rich Panyik with prize winner Carrie Hughes and Layla Hughes. Prize sponsor Oconee Cellar was unavailable for the photo. ALWAYS. Contact us for your Lot and Construction Loans! COME IN AND MEET THE LAKE TEAM Lake Country Loan Production Office 1041 Founders Row Greensboro, GA 30642 (762) 445-1133 LAKE OCONEE FARMERS MARKET Main Office 133 N. Main St., Madison (706) 342-1953 Eatonton Rd Branch 1540 Eatonton Rd., Madison (706) 342-1953 Member FDIC Bank of Social Circle A Division of Bank of Madison 1281 N. Cherokee Rd., Social Circle (770) 464-0213 www.bankofmadisonga.com Every Saturday • 8 AM to 12 PM Support Lake Country's Farmers, Makers, Bakers, & more! 40+ vendors every week. Located in the greenspace at 119 Harmony Crossing, Eatonton, GA 31204 @LakeOconeeFarmersMarket www.vharmonycrossing.com/farmersmarket
