Backstage Plan Offers Culture at a Bargain

Backstage, a program at the Walton Arts Center, offers three cultural evenings and a new world of social gatherings for young professionals. r

“The idea initially grew out of conversation with several of our corporate sponsors who were concerned that their younger employees, especially those who had moved from urban areas, didn’t have anything to do and weren’t getting involved in cultural activities,” said Terri Trotter, vice president of communications for the Walton Arts Center. “What we’ve done to create the program is combine cultural and artistic activities with social and networking time.”r

Members pay $65, or $125 for a couple, for an annual membership. In return, they can attend three exclusive programs.r

“One of their big torches they carry is that the value is just tremendous,” Trotter said. “Where else can you go and get three evenings of food and drink and entertainment for that price?”r

Elise Mitchell, a Backstage member since it started, said she loves the way the program exposes members to a variety of art programs. r

“It’s a great way to not only develop interest in the arts from young people, but also to develop lifelong loyalties to arts programming,” Mitchell said. r

This Backstage season begins Sept. 26 with The Comedy Club featuring Robert Dubac’s “The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?” and a Backstage club party.r

The second program is Jan. 17 in the Nadine Baum Studios and has become “the event of the season” for Backstage members, Trotter said. r

The group will take a turn at studio lessons, making pottery and participating in other interactive art demonstrations. The theme of this season’s studio event is “Salsa in the Studios.” r

The final event for this Backstage season is set for June 10. “Sultry Summer Nights” is a party in the Walton Arts Center’s main lobby and will include a “mini wine tasting,” Trotter said. The a capella/comedy group Toxic Audio will perform.