Mount Pleasant Magazine Jan/Feb2016

41 / 194

| | 41
neoclassical facility will take an even larger community
role than before, with new programs that, according to
Carlon, will instill appreciation for the arts in people who
might have missed the opportunity to enjoy the Gaillard
in the past.
“Our president, Executive Director Tom Tomlinson,
had a vision for a community arts venue, and we all share
that vision,” Carlon remarked. “We want this facility to
be enjoyed by everyone. Since opening last October, we’ve
scheduled shows in every genre.”
He isn’t kidding, either. A perusal of the Gaillard
schedule for early 2016 includes a wide variety of
must-see entertainment. Shows are broken down into
classical productions such as choir concerts and operas;
Broadway productions; dance productions, including a
performance this spring by the New York City Ballet; and
pop productions such as the “Experience Hendrix” mini-
festival, slated for February and featuring musicians who
played with the famous guitarist in years past.
“We wanted comedy, classics, rhythm and blues,
country – a little something for everything,” Carlon
emphasized.
Besides an assortment of shows for all tastes, another
tactic to attract devotees is the Kids’ program for 2016,
headed by Rick Jerue, director of education, outreach and
strategic initiatives. The program is targeted to schools
in the tri-county area, particularly Title 1 schools, where
students might not have adequate exposure to the arts.
Approximately 15 shows throughout the year will count
as educational performances. Students will begin with a
study guide and briefing inside their classrooms and learn
about the background of the show before attending.
“We have an education assistant who will teach the kids
about these shows and go over the study guide with them,”
Carlon explained. “That’s followed by an actual field trip
to see the show here at the Gaillard and then a discussion
afterward.”
Carlon mentioned one such show held shortly before
our interview, where a student looked up in awe at the
stage and solemnly declared the event to be “the best day
of his life.” Clearly, the program is already doing its job.
Meanwhile, another inaugural program is underway
at the Gaillard – Charlton Singleton is the first artist-
in-residence. A popular local musician and leader of the