Names&Faces: Imagine Performing Arts Center to hold grand opening in Dalton
Jul. 4—Last year, Katie Lane and Samantha Christ looked around the former Dalton Baptist Church and imagined the possibilities.
The longtime friends worked together to start a children's theater and community performance space in downtown Clarks Summit the year before called Imagine NEPA and soon had a waitlist. They also founded the Imagine Performing Arts Fund to provide scholarships and reduced tuition, which received nonprofit status.
Needing a bigger home, Imagine NEPA purchased the building at 113 Church St. with plans for a theater space, dressing rooms, arts and science classrooms and more in the former church.
This weekend, the public can see the result of months of renovations when the Imagine Performing Arts Center holds its grand opening.
"We are beyond thrilled to be opening our doors after nine months of incredibly hard work by so many," Lane said. "We are so incredibly grateful for over 50 individuals and businesses who have given us their time, talent and resources, and over 60 donors who have helped us bring this dream to life for the entire community."
Imagine NEPA will hold a ribbon cutting Friday at 10 a.m., followed by a reception with light refreshments. A trivia night Friday already sold out. However, Imagine NEPA holds monthly trivia nights to finance its scholarship fund, so Lane suggested checking the organization's website and Facebook page for information on the next one.
Then on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., Imagine NEPA invites the community to a free open house with yard games, a photo booth, crafts, cotton candy, popcorn and more. Damian the Magician will perform from 1 to 3 p.m.
Those planning to attend should RSVP by texting 570-599-0643 or emailing imaginenepa@gmail.com. For information, visit imaginenepa.com and Imagine NEPA Performing Arts Center on Facebook.
Contact the writer:
570-348-9100 x5107;
@BWilliamsTT on Twitter.
