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WASHINGTON, N.C.— A new organization is taking the stage at Beaufort County Community College. The newly founded Beaufort Performing Arts Collective (BPAC) is comprised of local artists representing all aspects of art activities. The group, inclusive of all ages, will make use of the recently renovated auditorium at BCCC for their performances and collaborate with BCCC’s personal enrichment programs to offer a series of classes this spring. 

Patch Clark is leading BPAC, with Lynda Lane serving as vice-president, Pamela Anderson as secretary, Scot Craigie as treasurer, and Karen Britton, Clay Carter, and James Casey rounding out the board of directors. 

Part of its mission statement states, “We believe that everyone should have access to the transformative power of the arts.” This makes a partnership with the community college a great platform to engage a broader audience across Beaufort County. 

“We are so excited to be partnering with Beaufort County Community College,” said Patch Clark, president of the BPAC board of directors. “We are dedicated to sharing the arts with the community and with underserved populations. We are very exciting about building this program and involving the whole community.” 

“We at the College are absolutely thrilled to be collaborating with BPAC,” said Dr. Dave Loope, BCCC president. “Part of our mission in the humanities is to help people discover more about themselves and to enable them ‘walk in other peoples’ shoes’ for a while, if just on stage. That’s one way the fine arts and humanities enable us to empathize with people who may be different from us in any number of ways. BPAC will help us fulfill that important role for our residents.” 

BPAC seeks to engage new artists through the Continuing Education Division with its offerings. Students will learn all aspects of performing arts while preparing a capstone production. The first class begins on April 4 with a focus on live and cinematic performance and production. Classes will meet Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Each session will be devoted to subjects such as musical theater acting, filmmaking, and production, such as set building and lighting.  

The first capstone performance will take place on Saturday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. and will feature students and experienced actors. It will include a one-act play, a musical and dance performance, and a short independent film.  

People who are interested in growing their theatrical talents are encouraged to register for the class by calling 252-940-6375. The current class is open to students 16 and older. Classes cost only $35, and no experience is required. The price of the class includes complimentary tickets for family members to attend the performance. For more questions about the class, call Clay Carter, director of personal enrichment, at 252-940-6357.