Each year, the Kiwanis Club of West Akron hosts its Flapjacks and Flowers Event with proceeds going to support the Akron Youth Symphony. Last year’s pancake breakfast was so successful that the Kiwanis was able to up its donation to the $5,000 level and become Red Chair sponsor of Eric Benjamin, Akron Youth Symphony’s music director. This year’s pancake breakfast event … [Read more...]
Theatre on the Spectrum offers drama classes for adults with autism
Through theatre exercises and performances, the Center for Applied Drama and Autism has helped children and teens better adapt to social situations in their lives and develop positive creative outlets. Now, adults on the autism spectrum will be able to enjoy drama and performance through the organization's Theatre on the Spectrum classes. Laura Valendza and Wendy Duke, … [Read more...]
Local filmmaker hosts free screening of ‘Honorable Capitalism?’ at Main Library in downtown Akron
Event takes place April 25, includes discussion -- In 2015, filmmaker Connie Collins interviewed 50 different people about their thoughts on the words capitalism, honor and honorable capitalism. Individuals participated from diverse backgrounds and from locations all over the world. The result of this work, the thought-provoking film "Honorable Capitalism?" will be shown … [Read more...]
Shakespeare Fight Night classes train actors for on-stage combat
Ohio Shakespeare Festival is home to Monday Fight Night, a class that teaches stage combat to actors ages 14 and older. These classes help students learn how to safely mock-fight in a theatre setting. "Despite violence being present in nearly every theatre production, stage combat training is hard to come by for many actors," Fight Director Ryan Zarecki said. "I really … [Read more...]
Photographer Krista Wortendyke brings her violence-awareness project ‘Killing Season Chicago’ to Akron
Chicago-based photographer Krista Wortendyke will feature her work "Killing Season Chicago" at the University of Akron's Myers School of Art. The exhibit will be showcased until Friday, April 14. "Killing Season Chicago" depicts the sites of homicides. In 2010, Wortendyke documented the location of every homicide in Chicago from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The result is an … [Read more...]
Immersive exhibit at University of Akron’s Emily Davis Gallery combines technology, architecture
Plexiglass, LED lights, projectors and other technology will merge for the interactive "Strataform" exhibit at the Emily Davis Gallery, at The University of Akron's Myers School of Art. Opening April 3, "Strataform" reacts to whoever's in the room, using sensors and projectors, casting dreamlike images onto the wall. This "living architecture" exhibit includes nearly 10,000 … [Read more...]
International Institute seeks tutors, conversation partners to help English learners
Refugees, immigrants and others can be tutored in the English language through the new Tutoring and Conversation program developed by the International Institute of Akron. This program allows participants to further their English speaking skills, learn about different cultures and help achieve self-sufficiency and success. Tutor and student pairs, or conversation partners, … [Read more...]
Duchess will perform at BLU Jazz Feb. 18, free masterclass available
Jazz trio Duchess is a throwback to the Boswell Sisters -- who were pioneers of vocal jazz, known for their close harmonies -- but with a modern twist. Focused on entertainment as well as music, Duchess includes humor and banter with every performance. “There is a unifying thing with music,” says Amy Cervini, one of the three vocalists for New York City-based trio. “When … [Read more...]
Ballet In The City offers master classes to recruit male dancers, dance scholarships for African-American students
Ballet In the City wants the community to know that it's OK for guys to dance, too. The nonprofit will provide Master Ballet classes Feb. 12 for both male and female dancers, along with Guys Dance Too class. Guys Dance Too classes are exclusively for males of all age or ability and are even taught solely by male dancers. Dance styles range from traditional ballet to hip … [Read more...]
Doggie Brigade seeks canine recruits to help bring joy to Children’s Hospital patients
In the Akron Children’s Hospital, man’s best friend is often seen walking alongside a wheelchair or bringing a smile to a child’s face. These dogs are specially chosen to help bring comfort, love and joy to each patient. The Akron Children's Hospital's Doggie Brigade, formed entirely of dog and owner volunteers, makes 26 or more hospital visits per year. Thousands of hours … [Read more...]