PNC Arts Council hosts membership drive
The Philadelphia-Neshoba County Arts Council hosted its annual Membership Drive on Thursday, April 4, at the Ellis Theater.
Attendees enjoyed refreshments courtesy of Yates Downtown, Leah's Kitchen, Linda Waltman, and Sarah Alice Fulton, with exciting door prizes.
During the membership drive, the 2024-2025 officers and Board of Directors were introduced. They are President Kinsey Goldman, Vice President Florine Holmes, Secretary Morgan Jay, Treasurer Stacey Thomas, Executive Director Terri Donald, Past Presidents Susan Jackson and Tim Moore, alongside valued directors Trish Bennett, Nelwyn Brantley, Natalie Dreifuss, Penny Hardy, Kenny Hillman, Laura Horn, Kim Kilpatrick, Allison Palmer, Mona Stribling, and Angel Weems.
Goldman gave special recognition to Arts Council members for their support during the previous year, saying, "Our productions are possible due to the generous support of our patrons of the arts, and we want to say thank you! We look forward to another amazing Season of Shows in the coming year.”
Additionally, the PNC Arts Council presented the "Ellis Awards" on Sunday, April 14.
A celebration similar to The Oscars, the coveted Henry Awards were presented to recipients based on votes from the audience, cast members, and production directors.
This year's recipients included: (Best Actor) Jackson Lovorn, Jacob Hancock, Brandon, Davidson, Jacob Winters, Lane Fulton, and Caleb Bradley; (Best Actress) Penny Hardy, Joanie Ballenger, Libby Davidson, Morgan Jay, Haley McFarland, and Valerie Ballard; (Director's Award) Angel Weems, Caleb Jay, Nelwyn Brantley, Isley Washington, Craig Stevens, and Shot Stribling; (New Comer) Hannah Hardy, Abby Baysinger, Cooper Callahan, and John Carter Ballard; (Scene Stealer) Tonya Hancock, Carol Fiedler, and Jackson Lovorn; (Chorus Award) Lucy Jay, Addy Kate Nicholson, Etta Chestnut, Miles Owen, Marli Cooper, Evan Sharp, Lila Hoy, and Samantha Withers; and (Cast Choice) Julia York, Carlos Castillo, Calleigh Weems, Curt Pace, and Kaylee Fryery.
The award ceremony ended with Goldman announcing the exciting 2024-2025 Season of Shows, featuring "Clue" in October, "Annie" in November, and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" in late February.
Those interested in becoming patrons may send an email to pncartscouncil@gmail.com. For audition dates and times, please visit the PNC Arts Council Facebook page.