Academy Theatre Presents 'The Sunrise of AIDS'

Combining community outreach and creativity, Academy Theatre does it again with its world premiere of The Sunrise of AIDS. This production has been created by a professional ensemble of actors, playwrights, and educators under the leadership of Robert Drake, the Artistic Director of The Academy Theatre.

After debuting at the Hapeville Performing Arts Center and the Stockbridge Community Arts the show will go on tour. The story tells of a granddaughter and friend who are too shy to ask their mother about getting tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Grandma not only takes them but volunteers to be the first to take the test. When she's the one that's positive, the family must examine the effect it will have on them. "According to the CDC People aged 55 and older accounted for one-quarter of all Americans living with HIV, that makes this show not only relevant but necessary." says Brenda Porter, who is the dramaturg for the project and Artistic Director of Impact Theatre Atlanta. "Creating new works has been a part of The Academy since inception," says Lorrene Fey, Managing Director of The Academy. "I am excited The National Endowment for the Arts continues to support us bringing meaningful, new work to our communities.

"Due to language and content, this show is not suitable for young audiences.The City of Hapeville, the Hapeville Association of Tourism and Trade, and the Academy Theatre have entered into a public/private partnership to serve the citizens of Hapeville. The City of Hapeville and the Hapeville Association of Tourism and Trade are official sponsors of the Academy Theatre's programming in Hapeville.The City of Stockbridge and Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority have entered into a public/private partnership with Academy Theatre to serve the citizens of Stockbridge. The City of Stockbridge and the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority are official sponsors of the Academy Theatre's programming in Stockbridge.Academy Theatre's programming for the 2015-2016 season is sponsored in part by the Henry County Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the Georgia Council for the Arts. Sunrise of AIDS is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.Who: Academy TheatreWhat: Sunrise of AIDS, created by the Academy TheatreWhen: Nov. 7 through 15 in HapevilleNov. 21 and 22 in StockbridgeFriday/Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. Where: Hapeville Performing Arts Center 599 N. Central Ave. Hapeville, GA 30354 Tickets available at http://sunrise-hape.bpt.me Stockbridge Community Arts Center 146 Burke St. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Tickets available at http://sunrise-stock.bpt.me