Studio 1

Studio 1 has consistently looked for ways to make theatre more accessible to those in our community. Three prime examples of this were our ASL shadowed production, our Shorts program, and our sensory-sensitive performances. Our ASL shadowed production of Blithe Spirit in November 2024 brought ASL interpreters onstage as part of the storytelling. Interns from UNC Greensboro's Programs in Deafness majors served as the interpreters and co-storytellers alongside the actors. The interpreters are brought onstage as part of the actions, instead of being off to the side, making theatre more accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing audience. Throughout the season, Studio 1 has had at least one performance of each of the main stage shows professionally ASL-interpreted to make theatre more accessible. The Shorts program is a production of short skits performed by people of all ages and physical and mental abilities. It is known as a side-by-side theatre program. The rehearsals and the production calendar are shorter than traditional shows and allow time for building relationships that transcend the stage. If an actor needs special assistance to remember their lines or blocking, cast member friends become their "shadow and assist them by standing by their side. This provides opportunities for many in the community to experience the joy of theatre in a way that honors and encourages them.Additionally, each season the Studio chooses at least one production for which they offer a sensory sensitive performance where they invite individuals and their families with sensory sensitivities to attend a show designed to make them feel welcome, included, and part of the Studio 1 family. The production of Broadway Bound was a sensory-sensitive performance, and it was a joy to share the magic of theatre with those who might not typically attend theatre. The Studio 1 community strives to be inclusive and partners regularly with people with special needs in ways that are meaningful to all participants. Studio 1 has invested heavily in the arts in Alamance County. Executive Director Tami Kress as well as several other Studio 1 regulars have been involved in the local Community Conversation Arts Team. Alamance County is home to a vast array of artists and arts organizations who want to build bridges to bring our community closer together in purpose and need through connection, intention and exposure. This group is taking the lead in community arts conversations as part of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation's Community Conversations initiated through Impact Alamance. It is made up of members from Alamance Arts, The Burlington Writers Club, Painted Grape, Studio 1 and Alamance Children's Theatre. Through hosting events at their space, organizing meetings, and getting to know other artists in the community, Studio 1 continues to lead in excellence in Alamance County Arts as they find ways to celebrate and lift up what is already happening in Alamance County.Studio 1 has continued their work at Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre (SCOT), revitalizing a beloved and historic Alamance County landmark. Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre has had years of performances, and its revitalization is encouraging those who have attended productions there in the past to return again as well as invite others to experience the historic Sword of Peace, Pathway to Freedom and other productions for the first time. Performances and events at Snow Camp both commemorate the history of the location itself as well as offer new and exciting opportunities (such as the Festival of Lights) to draw individuals and families to experience the joy of Snow Camp.Through employing local vendors and caterers and extending opportunities for local craftsmen and artisans to sell their goods, Studio 1 at SCOT is investing in the future of Alamance County, while also honoring its historic past. The 2024-25 season marked Studio 1s second full season at the newly renovated SCOT, and it was a rousing success, drawing in new and old audiences alike to see a variety of shows. In April of 2025, Snow Camp welcomed over 600 patrons across three performances to experience a revitalized performance of Sword of Peace, a much-beloved Alamance County tradition.

Main Stage: In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Studio 1 continued to contribute to the growth of arts in Alamance County by providing quality artistic offerings in their performances and through active community engagement and service. The 2024-25 season produced 4 mainstage productions (three musicals and one straight play) as well as two independent projects, one American Sign Language shadowed production, one side-by-side production, two summer productions, three summer camp productions, and one youth show. Throughout the season, Studio 1 received various awards and nominations for all that they have contributed to the local community. At the end of 2024, Studio 1 was nominated for several Broadway World Raleigh Awards. These awards are nominated and voted on by local theatre community members. Studio 1 was nominated in a number of categories, including individual awards for acting and directing and more. We won 4 of these awards. It is evident that Studios local impact and reputation in the community continues to grow. The Studio 1 community is passionate about the work that the Studio does in providing unique and quality theatre in Alamance County.Throughout the 2024-25 fiscal year, Studio 1 maintained their partnership with local community organizations, tying each one of the four mainstage shows to a community service project such as collecting clothing donations for Close of Hope and doing a food drive for SAFE. Additionally, the Studio continued their partnership with Alamance County Public Libraries with their Lit to Life commitment producing at least one mainstage show every season based on a work of literature to inspire a love of good stories in the community.With the establishment of a Diversity Board made up of Studio 1 participants, Studio 1 is proactively looking for ways to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, including those of people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. The Studio took part in the 2025 Alamance Pride Festival, hosting a booth at the busy event. The Studio provides a creative outlet and a safe and supportive environment for individuals from marginalized communities to express themselves and grow both individually and within a community.