“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” – Twyla Tharp. 

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana, with its 2010 – 2011 Performing Arts Series, is poised to help you do just that.  Without leaving the Central Louisiana area, you can experience New Orleans rhythm and blues and world-class tap dancing; meet a ventriloquist and her zany characters; screen six independent films and meet their award-winning filmmakers.

The Performing Arts Series opens on Friday, September 24th with the showing of the first film in the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, “The Glass House.”  This documentary follows four Iranian girls striving to pull themselves out of the margins of society.  The screening will be at 7:00pm at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.

The season continues the very next night, Saturday, September 25th, with the New Orleans musical, “Joint’s Jumpin’!”  This dynamic group of performers engages audiences in the powerful traditions of New Orleans rhythm and blues.  This event, sponsored by the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority, also will take place at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.

The film series, which is being underwritten by Capital One Bank, continues with screenings in October, November, February, March and April.  In November, the Arts Council also will host “Rhythmic Circus,” an inventive rapid-fire tap group from Minnesota.  To kick off 2011, the T.R.E.E. House will join with ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger to present “Tea and Puppets” on January 30th next year.  This afternoon performance will include a puppet-making session for children.

Season tickets are available by calling the Arts Council of Central Louisiana at (318) 443-4718.  Special rates for senior citizens and students are available.  For more information on our 2010 – 2011 Performing Arts Series, please visit our website at www.louisiana-arts.org or call (318) 443-4718.