Carolina Theatre Launches Virtual Family & Educational Programs Thanks To Donor Support

DURHAM, NC (November 6, 2020) — Over the next five days, the Carolina Theatre of Durham’s Department of Education & Community Engagement will launch virtual versions of its two signature programs — the Family Saturday Series and the Arts Discovery Educational Series — thanks to generous support from sponsors.

Americana duo Violet Bell kicks off the Family Saturday Series (FSS) schedule on Saturday, November 7 at 11 a.m. The entire 2020-21 FSS is available virtually via livestream on the Carolina Theatre’s YouTube channel at no cost to viewers.

Sports and cultural documentary “Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters” heralds the start of the Arts Discovery Educational Series (ADES) on Tuesday, November 10. The film, and all ADES programming, will be streamed directly to educators and parents who have registered school-age students in advance. ADES live performances will be recorded for digital transmission to the registered audience.

For a full schedule of each series, please see the Carolina Theatre of Durham’s website, carolinatheatre.org.

“We’re moving forward with great family friendly and educational performances,” Carolina Theatre Director of Education & Community Engagement Noel James said. “We hope you will join us in this new digital adventure!”

Despite significant challenges created by the ongoing public health emergency, Carolina Theatre of Durham Inc., the nonprofit organization that operates the historic city-owned venue, has demonstrated its commitment to its community through the continuation of these two programs. This programming would not be possible without the support of sponsors who believe in the important role the Carolina Theatre plays in arts education and accessibility for its community.

The Carolina Theatre thanks the North Carolina Arts Council, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Duke Health, Fifth Third Bank and The Truist Foundation for supporting both of these programs. It greatly appreciates Duke Energy Foundation and Susan and Michael Hershfield for supporting Family Saturday Series, and the Fox Family Foundation, Rob GoFourth and the G.A. LaPlaca Family Fund for their support of Arts Discovery Educational Series.

“We are grateful for the continued support of our long-time sponsors, and are thrilled to receive new support from organizations that value high-quality performing arts in education,” Carolina Theatre Director of Development Ellen Stone said. “It is a testament to the quality of our education programs, and the commitment of our community and sponsors that we can continue offering ADES and FSS during these challenging times.”

All performances in these series will adhere to all safety measures and procedures defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, as well as all orders from Governor Roy Cooper and Durham Mayor Steve Schewel. None will have in-person audiences.

Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. remains committed to serving its community, both in-person and virtually. The 2020-21 Family Saturday Series and Arts Discovery Educational Series proudly continue the historic venue’s legacy as Durham historic showplace since 1926.