These days we’re all looking for outlets — ways to get our voice heard, ways to get out of the house and fellowship with friends, ways delve into talents or find new talents. We’re always searching for something to scratch that itch. 

The Plaza Arts Center has provided lots of people that outlet through the years. Serving the Lake Country, The Plaza provides live music, theatrical performances, youth education programs, and we have two entities under our umbrella, which provide history and chances to shine on stage. The history element is brought by The Old School History Museum which houses lots of artifacts, unique displays and some of the history of Lake Country. The acting element is brought by PAPA, the Plaza Alliance for the Performing Arts. 

PAPA was founded as a non-profit organization in 1978 by a passionate group of Putnam County residents. They did this because they saw the need to create opportunities for local artists and talents interested in performing. PAPA produced its first play in 1978 and dozens more in several different venues until the opening of The Plaza Arts Center in 2008. In that year, PAPA came under the umbrella of The Plaza Arts Center. 

The group is a great asset to The Plaza and provides some much needed opportunities for adults to get involved in something bigger than themselves. I personally have enjoyed talking with the passionate people involved in PAPA and love their mission of truly to providing a space for people to come express themselves, grow in their talents and discover talents. 

I feel so encouraged that groups like PAPA exist, especially in smaller towns. Having a theater is an important part of society — it provides an outlet not only for the people on and behind the stage, but a way for the community to come escape for a little while in the audience. 

Theater is proven to make you more confident, more receptive and what better way to get involved than in your own hometown? 

Just like most organizations, PAPA’s theatrical schedule got canceled last year because of COVID, but they are back and ready to perform in 2021. They are starting out their schedule with Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party.”

“Being absent from the Plaza stage has been difficult for those of us who enjoy performing and bringing stories through theatre to our community,” said Margaret Morris, PAPA’s chair. “In November, PAPA is pleased to present the production, Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party. This comedy is sure to supply much needed laughter for those attending. I am personally looking forward to enjoying the fellowship of good friends.” 

Whether needing a good laugh in the audience or looking for a way to get on the stage, PAPA is a great way to get involved in your local theater. The Plaza and PAPA are reliant on volunteers and the community to thrive, so let’s keep both going. 

PAPA is hosting open auditions for their upcoming performances of Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party” Sept. 1 and 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Plaza Arts Center. This is the perfect first opportunity to get involved. 

Taylor Hembree is the marketing director at The Plaza Arts Center. The Plaza Arts Center is located at 305 N. Madison Ave. in Eatonton, Ga.