New Program Provides Equal Access To Theatre Arts

CHESTERFIELD, Va. - Sept. 7, 2018 - PRLog -- Swift Creek Mill Theatre is offering an opportunity to "Pay What You Can" to see a performance of each Mainstage show; attendees determine the price. This new program is scheduled for the preview Thursday performance of all five Mainstage productions. As part of the new program, the theatre is partnering with other area organizations to give guests an idea of what else is happening in the community. In addition to a great night of live, professional theatre, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about other area not-for-profits that help make the community great.

The Mill is committed to making live, professional theatre accessible to all audiences, regardless of budget. Managing Director Steven Koehler has had success with similar programs at other theatres, in more urban environments. Perhaps that is why this program is so important: the need for arts exposure is tremendous in the surrounding areas.

The first Pay What You Can performance will be Count Dracula on September 13. This witty, wonderful and often funny re-telling of the legendary story about the suave Count with a lust for blood will usher in the autumn season here at the Mill. Flying bats, secret passageways, howling wolves, and the spectacular disappearance of the fanged vampire will prepare you for Halloween in the grandest of style!

The partner for Count Dracula is Virginia Blood Services. Virginia Blood Services (VBS) is the nonprofit provider of blood products to area hospitals. When donors give blood with VBS, they are supporting patients in need every day.

VBS holds nearly 2,700 blood drives every year and has nine donor centers throughout the state including two in Richmond and others throughout Charlottesville, Chester, Glen Allen, Waynesboro, and Harrisonburg. It takes more than 400 donations every day to meet the needs of patients in Charlottesville, Emporia, Farmville, Fishersville, Harrisonburg, Richmond, South Hill, the Staunton/Waynesboro area, Roanoke/New River Valley, Northern Shenandoah Valley area and parts of West Virginia and Washington DC.

The September 13 performance of Count Dracula starts at 8 PM. Doors open at 7 PM. Admission is on a first-come, first served basis. Seats are not available in advance.

Swift Creek Mill is one of the oldest registered landmarks in the nation and is home to historic Swift Creek Mill Theatre, a not-for-profit that has been providing Central and Southside Virginia professional performing arts for over 50 years. "The Mill," as patrons call it, has long been a beacon for cultural arts and a trusted resource in the area. Find out more at https://www.swiftcreekmill.com/pwyc?utm_source=PRLog&....