HCT Recognized by Musical America Worldwide

Hale Centre Theatre (HCT) was recently recognized by a worldwide performing arts publication, Musical America Worldwide, as a recipient of the 30 Professionals of the Year: Profiles in Courage award. HCT received the recognition for its innovation and proactive approach to sharing techniques and behind-the-scenes production through a rough-cut video series, Real Access Hale (RAH).

As part of this recognition, HCT was featured in the December issue of Musical America Special Reports magazine alongside other winners including American Ballet Theatre soloist Misty Copeland and president of Bridge Records Becky Starobin.

"It's an honor to be recognized by such a well-known publication that has acknowledged and supported professional arts for over a century," said HCT Vice-President and Executive Producer Sally Dietlein. "We're thrilled that these videos have impacted the national theater community in such a positive way and that we can share our techniques with the community."

Hale Centre Theatre began RAH over a year ago in November 2013 to enhance the intimate theatre experience and to provide backstage experience for its patrons through social media.

"We want our patrons to understand the professionalism and intricate detail that make our shows so successful," said Michael D. Fox, HCT director of operations and video producer responsible for the idea behind the series. "By bringing our wonderful patrons backstage, we can share with them the unique elements of the shows they wouldn't otherwise see."

HCT's YouTube channel hosts about 50 RAH videos that feature different processes, including the inner workings of a moving stage, how to build a wig with strands of hair, the fly system for "Mary Poppins" and a sneak peek behind the stage during "Les Miserables," to name a few.

The videos produced measurable benefit for HCT both locally and nationally, a requirement for all award winners along with criteria like uniqueness, inventiveness and persistence despite seasoned tradition.

Out of the hundreds of nominations that Musical America received for this award, HCT's selection as one of the top 30 will expose the theatre and their RAH productions to more than 14,000 performing arts organizations and 24,000 professionals in more than 95 countries. HCT has also received thanks from schools and private entities around the nation for the series.

Hale Centre Theatre is celebrating its 50th production of RAH on February 2, at 2 p.m. with a Q&A video chat with Sally Dietlein titled 2.2 @ 2, playing off the date and time. You can find this video and all other HCT RAH productions at www.youtube.com/HaleCentreTheatre.