>
 |
| Frank Sinatra, Jr. will come to the Lamar County FAC March 1. |
Scott Votaw, Director of Lamar County Schools’ Fine Arts Center, has an extensive performing arts background. He has danced with Lucille Ball, sang at the Grand Ol’ Opry, toured with Scandinavian World Cruises and Carnival, and worked in Calafornia in film and television production.
When he returned to Griffin, his hometown, the Lamar school system was in the process of planning the Fine Arts Center, which is now beginning its second year. They asked him to be involved with the planning, construction and design, so Votaw began volunteering and later signed on as director of the facility.
In addition to working with Lamar County students, Votaw has used his connections in the performing arts world to solicit big-name acts to come perform at the Center in order to raise some money to fund the kids’ performances. Frank Sinatra, Jr. is scheduled to perform March 1 at 7:30 p.m with his 20-piece band. Votaw is also working to secure performances by groups such as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
These community performances will help raise money for the arts. “We have no budget, no monies for the arts,” said Votaw. “These performances will help get money in the coffers so I can do something with the kids without using tax dollars.”
Another community event occurring at the FAC is the Chamber Theatre’s Production, “ENCORE,” a two-act play with short stories by authors such as Poe, Twain, Washington Irving, and more. These performances will be February 11 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and are geared towards students and senior citizens.
Votaw hopes that by the FAC’s third year, the program will be self-sufficient and not be a drain on the school system.
The schools use the Center for play performances, PTA meetings and football programs. Previously without a performing arts space, Votaw says “This is all new territory” for the Lamar County Schools.
The high school drama group now has a place to perform, and they also learn the backstage positions by running sound, lighting and curtain for elementary and middle school performances.
“It’s just a great opportunity to expose kids to new things,” said Votaw. “Anytime you can motivate a child and watch that light come on, you know you’re on to something.”
For ticket prices and more information, visit http://www.fineartscenteronline.com.
The GRIP 
Leave a comment