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One of the most beautiful old historical structures in
downtown Appomattox is the old courthouse. With a new courthouse now
directly behind the old, the old courthouse was vacant and no longer
being used. There was talk of leveling it.
With a love of old architecture, Appomattox and the arts, I made a
proposal to the county Board of Supervisors, asking permission to lease
and renovate the old unused historical courthouse to turn it into a
lively new cultural arts center for classes and a community theatre. It
was a niche that had not yet been filled in the community, with many
locals interested in the opportunity to take arts classes and perform.
My proposal was granted mid-August of 2006, and a frenzy
of activity followed: new flooring, lighting, newspaper articles,
growing class rosters and open call auditions.
The response was overwhelming from the beginning. Within two
months, the new non-profit Appomattox Courthouse Theatre staged "Anne-Arky",
a youth backstage comedy, "Whodunnit", a murder mystery followed, and
the response was so overwhelming that an encore performance was
required! The Courthouse Theatre also hosted the "Ellington's
Nutcracker," a jazzy adaptation of the classical ballet; "Annie", the
popular musical; and "Witness for the Prosecution", an Agatha Christie
courtroom drama. In addition to running three other popular businesses
in town, I produced four of those productions, directed three, and
co-directed and performed in another.
Now that I am leaving town and onto another exciting adventure, I
lovingly hand over my position to become another supporter in the
audience of future performances at the Appomattox Courthouse Theatre,
having been so very blessed by the opportunity, the miracles that
transpired there, and the friendships that were formed. It will always
have a special place in my heart.
--Jillian Downs Mitchel
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