SCC features local class for history, theater enthusiasts

BY BRYCE KELLY

Mt. Pleasant News

History and theater will come together for an evening of entertainment education, and Henry County locals are invited to be a part of the experience.

On Wednesday, May 4, local historian Pat White will be teaching ?Henry County Theaters, Opera Houses and Auditoriums?, an introduction to historic opera houses and theaters in the Henry County area, at SCC?s Mt. Pleasant center. The class is being offered specifically through SCC?s Center for Business (CBIZ).

?This is a part of the general interest classes that SCC offers throughout the year,? said Beth Nickel, Marketing and Sales Director for CBIZ, about the course. ?We have found that people in Henry County and the Mt. Pleasant area seem to really embrace history, which is where the idea for the class really came from.?

According to the class? description, Henry County has a long history of operating opera houses and theaters, both generally known and unknown, going back over 150 years. Participants of the class will study local opera houses and theaters dating from 1860 to today. Students of the class will also learn about the locations of these sites, types of entertainment they provided and what these buildings function as today.

In addition, the course will cover information regarding different plays and operas performed in the area, as well as famous performers that once presented shows in the county.

?Really anyone who has an interest in local history can attend the class,? said White, who says a lot of historical photos and visual aids will be presented. ?I am all about the history of Henry County and what?s taken place here, so I am excited about the class.?

According to White, the class will focus primarily on Mt. Pleasant, but there will also be information shared about opera houses and theaters in areas around the county such as Hillsboro, Salem and Winfield.

?Opera houses and theater was once a lot of people?s main source of entertainment around this area, so at one time, there were lots and lots of little theaters and such, even in the smaller communities around Henry County,? said White.

The class will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., on May 4, at SCC?s Mt. Pleasant center, located at 200 North Main Street. There are no tests and no academic requirements to participate in the course, as the class is meant to encourage comments, questions and discussions, according to Nickel.

Registration for the class may be completed by calling Southeastern Community College at 319-208-5375.