Celebrate the Arts, sponsored by the Collaborative Arts of Plano, will kick off its annual event on Aug. 17, 2024, at the Courtyard Theatre — bringing in countless talent from across the city.
Over two decades ago, the visionary leaders and residents of Plano transformed the original Plano Cox High School Gymnasium into a vibrant performance venue, incorporating space for visual arts exhibits. This forward-thinking decision has proven enduring, as the theater continues to captivate thousands of Plano citizens annually, consistently reaching full capacity each year, and showcasing some of the best talent Plano has to offer.
But Celebrate the Arts is the brainchild of Director of Plano Metropolitan Ballet Cindi Lawrence Hanson.
“It started as a way to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Courtyard Theater,” Hanson told Local Profile. “I wanted a spectacular event to bring focus to the important role this wonderful theater has played in the vibrant arts movement of our community. It has showcased theater, dance, music and choral events while doubling as a gallery for visual arts.”
Hanson proposed to offer a single performance encompassing all types of art. When presented to the president of the Collaborative Arts of Plano, which includes all the major art groups in Plano, the idea was deemed "brilliant." With backing from the community, city leaders and Plano arts groups, the Collaborative Arts of Plano decided that Celebrate the Arts should be established as an annual event.
This year, the event will showcase talent from local groups including Plano Metropolitan Ballet, Plano Symphony Orchestra, Plano Comedy Festival, Chamberlain Ballet, Plano International Festival’s Opera on Tap, Outcry Theater, Garage Arts Project, NTPA, Children’s Chorus of Collin County, Plano Community Band’s Plano Clarinet Choir, Rover Dramawerks, Plano Civic Chorus, Plano Art Association, Legacy of Harmony Chorus and the Art Centre of Plano.
“This one event includes live music, dance, theater productions, trained singing voices, live comedy, gallery art and more all performed by amazing Plano artists who are, in fact, your neighbors,” Hanson said. “These are outstanding artists and art groups that have been recognized with numerous credits and awards far beyond our city limits.”
This year, a matinee will be held for the younger audience members at 2;30 p.m., which includes art activities in the lobby. The regular showing is set for 7:30 p.m.
Buy your tickets here.
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