SC Arts Commission

Is it okay to clap every time the symphony stops playing?

If you're a seasoned concert-goer, that question may never cross your mind. But if you're a young adult attending your first symphony, that question may pose a dilemma. That's why the South Carolina Arts Commission is teaming up with the South Carolina Philharmonic, Trustus Theatre, The Power Company, The Nickelodeon, and The Columbia Museum of Art to launch Columbia's New Audience Road Show. The Road Show is a fun way for Columbia-area residents ages 23-39 to get a behind-the-scenes look at what's involved in creating and presenting art for the stage, screen and wall.

New Audience Road Show members will visit each of the participating arts organizations three times. During the first two visits, participants will learn about the art form, from the basics of composition to the mood-altering effects of stage lighting and camera angles. Participants will talk with artists, staff, and board members, try their hand at each art form and take backstage tours. The third visit will include a performance or opening, and each "Roadie," will be encouraged to invite friends and share what they've learned. The Road Show will also visit with the Columbia Slam Poetry team, Columbia's bluegrass bands, and with anyone and anything else of interest to the group.

What's the catch?
The organizations involved want to attract more young adults to their events, so they want to learn from you as you learn from them. They want to know what you and your peers define as "art," and why you currently attend or don't attend events. The catch is that you must be willing to share your opinion!

What's the cost?
There's no charge to participate.

When does the Road Show hit the road?
The program runs from September 2008 to May 2009.

Who should apply?
The Road Show is for young adults in the Columbia area, ages 23-39. A "roadie" may have no artistic experience, but just want to know why people bother going to arts events. Other roadies may have played in the high school marching band, but have no understanding of what happens on the stage. The main requirement is not being afraid to learn something new.

Application deadline is July 10. Applicants will be invited to informal meetings to find out more details about the program.

Apply Now

The application form is in Portable Document Format (PDF).

• How To Use PDFs

For more information, contact Katie Fox ( 803.734.8696) or visit the Road Show's My Space page.