Interested in being a Summer Camp Counselor for Kidzu? Yes, we know it is only September, but we’re so excited to get started with some fun changes that we just couldn’t wait any longer! Whether you’re a first time counselor or a seasoned veteran, take a minute and click on the link below to let us know you’re interested.
You Can’t Hear Us?
It’s likely because our microphones have quit working.
About four years ago, the Federal Communications Commission decided that a specific slice of the radio spectrum would be reallocated for use in internet broadband services. The aim was to make mobile broadband services faster. The FCC then auctioned off this spectrum to a number of broadband companies that include T-Mobile, Comcast and Dish TV.
This, however, also came at a cost — people, organizations, and businesses across America lost access to this radio spectrum which they used for mostly wireless microphone services. Journalist David Zweig looked into the issue and wrote about how one specific group — school theater and amateur theater productions — will not only be losing access to a valuable resource but also may need to pay thousands of dollars for technological alternatives.
Kudzu Playhouse falls into the $40,000 need category and humbly accepts any and all donations to reach our goal. Our full legal name is Northwest Mississippi Theatre Guild, for those who would like to support our efforts.
Click the “Donate to Kudzu” button in the menu to donate online!
Portions of this article from https://www.marketplace.org/2018/08/28/life/how-high-school-theaters-are-affected-when-fcc-sells-broadcast-waves
Kudzu Playhouse Teases 2019 Season
Kudzu Playhouse teases it’s 2019 season with the announcement of our summer musical: Mamma Mia! Slated for July 12 – 21, 2019 at The Hernando Performing Arts Center.
ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.
The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed smash hit for any theatre. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!
Also coming in 2019… Neil Simon’s Rumors!
At a large, tastefully-appointed Sneden’s Landing townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room, and his wife is nowhere in sight. His lawyer, Ken, and wife, Chris, must get “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and mis-communications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.
Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for more season announcements!
Hunchback “Pay-What-You-Can” Show Added
You asked, we listened!
Announcing an additional “Pay-What-You-Can-Show” on July 21 @ 2:00 P.M.
Come to the box office beginning at 1:30 P.M. and join us for this phenomenal show!
2018 Kudzu Playhouse Scholarship Winners
The 2018 Kudzu Playhouse scholarship winners each have already accomplished some impressive achievements, and they have only just graduated from high school. Ireland Little, the Jim Anderson Legacy Scholarship winner, and Riley Young, the Kudzu Playhouse Heritage Scholarship winner, are both 2018 graduates of Hernando High School.
“Both of these winners have a deep-rooted love for theatre and have dedicated much of their youth to helping cultivate the performing arts in our community,” said Daniel Mullins, Kudzu Playhouse Board Member. “Kudzu Playhouse is proud to support both of these talented young people as they pursue their dreams.”
Ireland Little – Jim Anderson Legacy Scholarship Winner
The Jim Anderson Legacy Scholarship Award is dedicated in honor of a longtime supporter of the arts in DeSoto County, and specifically Kudzu Playhouse. The award recognizes a student who understands the importance of maintaining and supporting arts programs in our community and schools and has demonstrated a commitment to preserving and promoting these programs through participation in a variety of live performance activities.
The daughter of Scott and Erin Little, Ireland has exceeded those criteria remarkably. With over 25 performance and crew credits with Kudzu Playhouse alone and over 14 with Hernando High School, her dedication to the arts and arts instruction is overwhelming. Her academic achievements are equally as impressive. Little was named Valedictorian of Hernando High School’s class of 2018. She plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi and major in biological sciences.
“Arts programs in communities and schools have given people the opportunity to find a home away from home,” said Little in her scholarship essay. “They are necessary in the world we live in. People deserve to have a platform to express themselves and their views. Moreover, maybe one day in the near future, another little girl will decide to do a summer camp…and be changed forever.”
Riley Young – Kudzu Playhouse Heritage Scholarship Winner
The Kudzu Playhouse Heritage Scholarship Award recognizes a student whose participation in the arts has affected significant personal growth in areas such as performance skills, technical skills, public speaking, self-confidence, esteem, or an appreciation of literature and the performing arts.
The son of Andy and Heather Young, Riley has surpassed the requirements for this award to an inspiring degree. With over 22 Kudzu Playhouse performance, crew and service credits alone, nine Hernando High School shows, and more than 20 with Panola Playhouse, his career is already quite prolific, and he’s just getting started. Young was recently named Outstanding Lead Actor at the Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards and will be traveling to New York City in June to compete at the national level.(1) He will also portray the title role in Kudzu Playhouse’s summer production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Young’s academic achievements are just as impressive as his theatrical accomplishments. An honor graduate of Hernando High School’s class of 2018, he plans to attend the University of Memphis and major in musical theatre.
“Before beginning theatre nine years ago, I barely recognized that any part of myself was built to perform in any form or fashion,” said Young in his scholarship essay. “Now I know that I wasn’t meant for anything but the stage.”
While the primary criteria for both awards are involvement in Kudzu Playhouse productions, fundraising, and promotion, students are also evaluated on other accomplishments or activities including non-Kudzu theater/performance experience, academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
(1) Riley Young was named one of eight Finalists at the 2018 Jimmy Awards in New York City, selected from 40 talented young performers from around the country.
