The curtain is rising on a new stage in the area’s cultural life with the formation of a community theatre group.

With the assistance of Cullman Parks and Recreation, more than 50 people gathered recently to begin laying the foundation for plays and musicals that will involve a wide range of ages and talents from across Cullman County.

Cullman High School Director of Theatre Wayne Cook has been enlisted to guide the development of local theatre, which will showcase its first production in late summer with a musical.

“We’ve come a long way in the community in recent years with a stronger economy and new businesses, and now it’s time to expand the cultural offerings,” Cook said. “This has been needed a long time and I know there are people who want to be on stage or to be involved in other aspects of theatre. I’m positive we can have a strong program and involve people of all ages.”

While theatre is entertaining, Cook also focuses on the education and enrichment that comes with rehearsing and producing live performances.

“Whether you are a child or an adult, the opportunities to explore and show your creativity is rewarding throughout life. The arts are valuable in not only the community’s quality of life, but also for the individual’s quality of life,” Cook said.

An advisory board has formed to set the direction of community theatre and includes residents who have varying backgrounds in education, theatre and music.

Among those on the board are Cindy Pass, Melva Jackson, Linda Foley and Sara Jane Skinner. Others are being contacted to join in the effort.

“We have people who have impressive experience working with children and adults in theatre, both locally and in other communities,” Cook said. “We are reaching out to more people that we anticipate and hope will be involved.”

Wasting no time to turn on the stage lights, an announcement is expected in about a week to call for auditions. This will include actors, actresses, vocalists, set builders, anyone who can work sound and lights, and residents who are gifted with sewing and creating costumes.

“All of the backstage roles are just important as the performers to make a production take shape,” Cook said. “We see all kinds of opportunities for people to be involved and be proud of their work and what they will be giving back to the community. Even with the tremendous strides we’ve made in education in the school system, this is another form of development that can bring a lot of personal growth.”

The first production Cook described as a large musical. The title and the location of that performance will be announced soon.

“We may be performing at different locations for a while, and that’s good to get started,” Cook said. “We have a lot of work to do and the talent to do it. Eventually, we would like to see a center for the arts where performances and others aspects of the arts can be portrayed for both the community and visitors to the area.”

Waid Harbison of parks and recreation said the initial meeting drew a lot of enthusiasm for moving forward with establishing theatre in Cullman.

“With Wayne’s commitment and the others who are involved, these will be quality productions,” Harbison said.

Nathan Anderson, parks and recreation director, said the city department news of the community theatre group is an important addition to the area.

“We’re thrilled to see this happen and I know parks and recreation will be supportive, because we want to promote the arts and culture as part of a healthy lifestyle. This is a great addition to the quality of life for people across the area to become involved in and support,” Anderson said.