Returning for the fifth year, the Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University will host the Spring Movie Series featuring new releases of major motion pictures on its big screen in the Delta & Pine Land Theatre. All tickets are $5 for general admission seating. Popcorn and candy concessions are available for purchase (cash only) to enhance the movie experience. First up in the series is Illumination’s hit animated film, “Sing,” on March 5 at 3 p.m. From the same creators of “Despicable Me,” the film is rated PG and features the voice talents of Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, among others, in this story of a singing competition. Next, the Star Wars epic saga continues in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” on April 9 at 3 p.m. Rated PG-13, the Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Studios film is the first installment of the Star Wars Anthology series, and is set immediately before the events of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.”
The final screening of “The LEGO Batman Movie” will take place April 30 at 3 p.m. In the irreverent spirit of fun that made “The LEGO Movie” a worldwide phenomenon, LEGO Batman, aka Bruce Wayne, stars in his own big-screen adventure in which he must work with others to save Gotham City. This film is rated PG. , or call the ticket office at 662-846-4626. STOMP, the international percussion sensation, makes its Mississippi Delta premiere at the Bologna Performing Arts Center on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. From its beginnings as a street performance in the United Kingdom, STOMP has grown into an international sensation over the past 20 years, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 24 million people. A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, STOMP has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expression. Both household and industrial objects find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists.
It is a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday, and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and drum. Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, STOMP continues its phenomenal run with four global productions: the ongoing sell-out production at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, a permanent London company, and North American and European tours. Throughout its life, the show has continued to change by creating new material. This year, it will incorporate two new pieces. An overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, the production has won numerous awards and sell-out engagements. It is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London’s Tony Award), a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a Special Citation from Best Plays. In addition to the stage shows, STOMP has been an overwhelming success marked by an Academy Award nomination, four Emmy nominations and one Emmy Award for their acclaimed HBO special “Stomp Out Loud,” noteworthy TV appearances including the London 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony, The Academy Awards (produced by Quincy Jones), Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and a series of award-winning international commercials.
“The performers make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” said Cresswell, co-founder and director. Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra; eight Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue; and wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — dustbins, tea chests, radiator hoses, boots, hub caps — to fill the stage with a compelling and unique act that is often imitated but never duplicated. The 2017 Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute at the Bologna Performing Arts Center is gearing up for its annual summer programs. This year marks its 20th summer of operation, impacting the lives of countless emerging artists by providing a unique opportunity for students to gain broad exposure in all artistic disciplines. Core Arts, occurring June 4-17, is an exciting two-week arts intensive residential camp for ages 12-18.
Core Arts provides a positive and supportive environment for students who wish to gain exposure to the arts or aim to further develop their creative abilities. Students stay on the Delta State campus, take classes in a wide range of art forms with highly qualified professional teaching artists during the day, and participate in fun activities at night. Courses are offered in dance, digital arts, music, theater and visual arts. Core Arts culminates with a visual arts exhibition June 16, as well as a final performance which demonstrates the talents of the performing arts campers on June 17. An optional non-residential track is also available for campers ages 12-13. Young artists ages 5-11 are invited to attend PLUS Camp on July 17-22, a high-energy, performance-oriented day camp where students take classes and prepare for their final performance — a choreographed medley of songs that revolve around a central theme. MSAI is excited to welcome back beloved faculty from previous summers and newer additions like Chuck Galey, a Jackson illustrator and an accredited Mississippi Arts Commission teaching artist.
For more information, stop by the BPAC, or call Cade Holder, Arts Education coordinator, at 662-846-4844. The Bologna Performing Arts Center (BPAC) proudly announces that the Gresham and McPherson families of Indianola are the latest recipients of the President’s Award. Delta State University President William N. LaForge presented the award Tuesday, Feb. 7 at a special event on the theater’s stage. The President’s Award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the BPAC. “Since the Bologna Performing Art Center’s beginnings, the Gresham and McPherson families have been ardent supporters, as they are of so many aspects of the arts and Delta culture,” remarked LaForge. “They are shining examples of community support and engagement.” This award is given by Delta State’s president to those who have contributed their expertise, insights and energy to promote the arts for the enrichment of the Delta in special ways. The award is the BPAC’s highest honor.
Acknowledgement is made through a unique award modeled after architectural details of the BPAC façade, which are covered in gold leaf. The Gresham and McPherson families were original supporters of the BPAC when it was first built in 1994 through state funding through the Mississippi legislature. Gresham Petroleum Company and Double Quick, Inc. provided the lead gift for the BPAC’s Recital Hall stage. Over the last 20 years, the Gresham and McPherson families have provided scholarship ticket programs for school-age students to attend matinee performances and youth scholarships for children to the Mississippi Summer Arts Institute, in addition to annual support for the facility’s programs. A multidisciplinary facility, the BPAC presents an annual season of national and international touring productions in addition to its university commitments. or stop by the center. Online registration for the Bologna Performing Arts Center’s S.T.E.A.M. Spring Break Camp is now open.
Locally sponsored by a grant through Monsanto, S.T.E.A.M. will take place March 13-17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp is open to 30 fourth-sixth grade students with interests in the arts and the hard sciences. Fees for camp are $100, and can be paid with a check, money order or credit card. The BPAC will partner with the science, mathematics, art and physics departments to host this week-long, project-based day camp. Camp will conclude on March 17 with a field trip to the lab at Monsanto Farms in Scott, Mississippi. Delta State professors will guide campers as they build rockets, create sculptures from recyclable materials, and visit the newly renovated Wiley planetarium. Sign-ups for camp will be taken by a Google form, found at https://goo.gl/forms/W5zzvut8d3fY9ren1. Scholarship funding is available for campers, but the Arts Education Office must process a $25 non-refundable registration fee prior to scholarship announcements Pick-up and drop-off will be at the West lobby entrance of the BPAC, where counselors will group campers together for the day and then escort them to classes around campus.