On Stage And In Spanish

Jul 7, 2004 / vol 10 iss 48

On stage and in Spanish The Asheville area's first Spanish-language theater company is bringing a new dimension to the local arts scene. "There isn't really a lot available for Spanish-speaking residents. There's not a lot of arts and cultural events geared toward Spanish speakers," notes UNCA student Tracey Speicher, who helped organize the new company along with fellow students Julia Taylor and Sandra Brown. UNCA Spanish professor Greta Trautmann came up with the idea for the company, with encouragement from Jenny Bunns, the volunteer coordinator at the Asheville Community Theatre. The new company's goal is to serve as a bridge between the Hispanic and non-native Spanish-speaking communities in the area. An open meeting is slated for Tuesday, July 13 at the West Asheville Library from 6-7:30 p.m. The group will choose a play for its first production and schedule auditions and rehearsals. Speicher encouraged all interested area residents to attend, whether or not they speak Spanish. One-liner parts and roles for dancers will be available to non-Spanish speakers, as well as opportunities to help with lighting and sound. The Spanish-Language Theater Company's first performance will be at the end of August in UNCA's newly renovated Highsmith University Center. For more information, call Tracey Speicher at 225-3988, Sandra Brown at 301-8588, or Julia Taylor at 254-9461. – Jason Lauritzen