hello

December 14, 2005 - Blairsville Children's Theatre, a division of Honaker Center for Performing Arts, is rehearsing it's first production. The actors are practicing their lines and preparing a fantastic show. The play is called The Christmas Star (by Helen Lowrie).

The play is about two angels. They are looking for humans with Christmas spirit. One angel believes (played by Kristen Feathers) and one angel doubts (played by Emily Boyer). Cast members are working hard, and with the help of Director George Ramsey, the play is sure to be a big hit.

The public is invited to attend the event which will be held at the House of Prayer Fellowship Hall on Friday, December 16, and Saturday, December 17. Show time is 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for ages 3-18.

The Blairsville Children's Theatre is a non-profit, children's drama company and is totally supported by sponsorships from the business community as well as fund raisers and ticket sales. The goal is to perform at least 2 shows per year. Auditions are held for each production. The auditions are open to the public and to students of the Honaker Center for Performing Arts (HCPA). Roles are available for children and adults.

The play is directed by George Ramsey. Ramsey, born and raised in Murphy, N. C., is the Director of the Blairsville Children's Theatre. He holds a B. A. in Early Childhood Education and has extensive training in Living History Theatre, Historical Drama Workshops, Shape Note Singing, Square Dancing, American Sign Language, and Medieval Weaponry & Combat. Ramsey's work with the Licklog Players includes the Wizard of Oz, the Sound of Music, Oliver, Mame, Dearly Departed, and The Foreigner. He has experience with Gypsies in a Trunk and Appalachian Educational and Historical Society with the Reach of Song. Ramsey is delighted to lend his God-given gift and abilities to HCPA and to support the Honaker's dedication to the children of this region.

Nancy Ellingsworth is Director of Acting for HCPA and serves as Assistant Director for The Christmas Star. She teaches line dancing, couples dancing, acting, and creative movement. Ellingsworth has lots of experience, including performances in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Dearly Departed, and To Gillian On Her 37th Birthday. Ellingsworth is an accomplished singer with 3 recordings in her portfolio.

Honaker Center for Performing Arts is located at 70 Town Square in Blairsville, Georgia. HCPA offers dance lessons and acting classes. Owner and Center Director, Barbara Landrum Honaker says, "We hope to offer voice lessons in the near future. If anyone knows of a voice teacher in the area, please let me know!"

Honaker has worked as a choreographer, director, and teacher of dance and baton twirling for 30 years, both nationally and internationally. She has worked with Mount Paran Church of God in Marietta, The Billy Graham Children's Crusades in Atlanta, and for individual artists such as Pendleton Brown, Jerome Olds, Herb Moone, and Psalty the Singing Song Book.

Honaker is choreographer for House of Prayer Church and works with the Adult Praise Dance Team and The Kidstuff Crew Children's Worship Dance Team. Many of Honaker's students have won state, national and international awards and championships for dance, acting and baton twirling. Several of her students have continued their careers professionally.

Honaker has won many awards. She was Majorette Queen of America, Miss College Majorette of America, Olympic Champion of Baton Twirling, and National Dance Champion. Some of her extensive education includes the Atlanta Ballet, Bo Wagner, Dan Youman, and Southern Center for the Performing Arts.

Barbara Honaker is full of energy and grace. Among her many duties, she teaches dance to children and adults. As she twirls and dances, her students watch with respect. Honaker is friendly with a warm personality. She says, "If you are interested in any of the performing arts, drop in and see us. We love visitors."

Many other people are involved in this production of The Christmas Star. Vickie Hall is Stage Manager and Becky Feathers is Assistant Stage Manager. Chuck and Barbara Honaker are in charge of sound, lighting, production, and advertising. Members of the cast include Gretchen, Kristen, Katie, Kristi, Reece, Andrew, Kevin, Will, and Ray.

Everyone is looking forward to opening night. Mark it on your calendar and plan to attend this exciting, professional production. It will certainly kindle the Christmas spirit!