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Charlotte's performing arts community offers a variety of shows for all ages. In recent years, the Queen City has hosted artists from around the world. Take a look at all Charlotte has to offer to people interested in the arts. Young or old, there a place for everyone on one of the stages in Charlotte. But it hasn't always been like this. Tom Hollis, head of the Drama Department at Central Piedmont Community College, offers a little insight on the Queen City's art community:

"The performing arts in the Queen City are very vibrant. There are a variety of options available for people of all ages and tastes. Ten years ago there weren't as many options. The intermingling of different arts groups wasn't as strong as it is today. Artists move from organization to organization much more freely now. But, overall, the arts scene is much stronger and getting better every day."

Options. Everyone likes options, and that is what the Queen City has to offer. Dinner and a performance? Check it off your wish list because we have it. Young actors fulfilling dreams on stage? Check. Bending over from laughter at the comedy shows? Check. Classic Shakespeare? Check. Dance? Check.

Charlotte has it all. Charlotteans encourage the lovers of the arts to support all the actors and performers. As Tom Hollis puts it, "Life has gotten more hectic. It is getting harder for people to give the time to the arts that it takes to do them well."

The performing arts programs from the colleges in the Queen City have helped in the advancement of the arts as much as the new venues. UNC Charlotte's Department of Dance & Theatre and Central Piedmont Community College, among other colleges in the Queen City, present a variety productions on their stages. Their dedicated students contribute at every level of production, including the backdrops and scenery. This past summer, the CPCC Summer Theatre hosted a full season of excitement. Open the PDF file to meet the cast and crew.

The Amy Laughter Story

Amy Laughter, who performed in the November 2007 play 揇early Beloved� for CPCC Theatre, has been performing for much of her life. Here she shares some of her most rewarding moments on stage and in production.

Maria Sherrill (MS): What has been the most memorable experience in theater at CPCC?
Amy Laughter (AL): There are really too many to name just one....But, overall, it is how they have become my family. I have performed at CPCC about 16 times, so when I am on stage there I am home.

MS: With what other theater companies have you worked?
AL: Theatre Charlotte, Actors Gym, Shakespeare Carolina, Classics Theatre Of Charlotte, African American Children抯 Theatre, Victory Pictures and The Children抯 Theatre.

MS: Out of all the characters you have played in the past, which one have you related to the most?
AL: It is funny because the character I relate to the most is the one I had to make the biggest physical transformation for. I was Shelia in 擳he Boys Next Door.� Sheila was a girl living with mental disabilities and she had the biggest heart, was a hopeless romantic, sometimes pouty, and a goofball. I pulled so much from my heart in that show. It was very important to me to find the humor that she embodied without ever making fun of her. I felt a huge responsibility to represent her with all the dignity she and anyone living with a disability deserved. I found so much of myself in Sheila.

MS: What goals have you set, in regards to performing?
AL: I have been performing since I was a little girl, so I have played a lot of different characters. At this point, I look for roles that challenge me and make me find something new to bring to the stage. I want to always grow and never stop learning.

Theater Photos