SURRY COUNTY SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The Surry Arts Council provides free cultural arts programming for 24 schools in Surry County. Programs are held at the schools, at the Andy Griffith Playhouse, and at the Historic Earle Theatre. These programs are funded by the annual Arts Ball, grants, school contributions and other earmarked funds.

School programs for the 2023-24 year include Dot, Dot, Dot: The Musical (TheatreWorks, USA), Disney's Frozen JR. (Surry Arts Players), The Nutcracker (New York Ballet for Young Audiences), Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (Surry Arts Players), John Brown Jazz Concert, Acting for the Camera workshops with Dan Roebuck, Public speaking workshops with Tyler Matanick, Grease: School Version (Surry Arts Players, High School Film Screening (April 9, 2024), Dr. Siggy's Fantastic Plan (The A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute of the UNC School of the Arts), in school TAPS program for Jones Intermediate, Cedar Ridge Elementary, and White Plains Elementary School, after school Chorus America program for Jones Intermediate, Cedar Ridge Elementary and Dobson Elementary. In addition, bands, choral programs, and other school groups use the Andy Griffith Playhouse for holiday and end of year performances, and regional gathering and competitions. Quiz Bowl is also hosted at the Andy Griffith Playhouse for area students.

Over 15,000 student contacts are made annually!

All of the proceeds from the Arts Ball fund free in-school cultural arts programming for 24 area schools. In 2022, the Surry Arts Council hosted the annual film festival with representatives from high schools in Surry County. Thousands of students were bused to monthly films at the Historic Earle Theatre, hundreds of students participated in guided tours and scavenger hunts in the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, the Andy Griffith Museum, and the Siamese Twins Exhibit.

Please call 336.786.7998 or email melissa@surryarts.org to register your students in advance.

  • EARLE THEATRE FREE MOVIES: Supported in part by the Arts Ball and the United Fund of Surry (Special Friends), 3rd Wednesday, 10:00 am (other times added), concessions available at special rate for students
  • FREE TOURS: Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, Andy Griffith Museum, Betty Lynn Exhibit and Siamese Twins Exhibit (2024), Tours available to all grade levels
  • SPECIAL FRIENDS PROGRAMS: Line Dance Class, Every other Tuesday from 11:00-12:00 pm
  • SPECIAL FRIENDS SEASONAL WORKSHOPS, October 19, November 16, December 14, January 18 and March 21, 10:00 am at SAC Art Studio

Contact melissa@surryarts.org to register students for the shows, museum visits, or movies!

The Surry Arts Council was one of 21 agencies in the US and Canada to receive a Chorus America grant. This program will support weekly after school choral opportunities at Dobson Elementary, Cedar Ridge Elementary, and Jones Intermediate School. These programs will focus on multicultural music themes and the students will get together monthly at the Andy Griffith Playhouse to perform for each other and to sing together. These are funded in part by the United Fund of Surry. In addition to these programs, the SAC hosts numerous concerts with school bands and other groups throughout the year.

CHORUS AMERICA PROGRAM

Tyler Matanick, Coordinator

Weekly at Jones Intermediate School, Cedar Ridge and Dobson Elementary Schools

Email tanya@surryarts.org for information.