The Patrons of the Arts Society has a mission of delivering high-quality theater to the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the Three Rivers College campus at a discounted rate.

Now the society has gone a step further, bringing the live performances directly to the school systems within the community college’s service area.

The Repertory Imaginary Theatre Company performed “The Elves and the Shoemaker”—underwritten by the Daily American Republic—on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center.

“Exposing young people to art and culture has a big impact on their development,” said R-I Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Patty Robertson, expressing gratitude to the society. “Students need a strong academic foundation, but they also need to be able to think creatively, communicate ideas, solve problems and be sensitive to the world around them. Participation in the arts is one of the best ways to develop these attributes.”

Tinnin Fine Arts Center Director Tim Thompson explained that children’s shows were drawing about 100 attendees, but the Patrons of the Arts board wanted to give even more young people the experience of theater free of charge.

The Theatre Company, which is based in St. Louis, will perform “Goodbye Marianne” on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Junior High and “Goldilocks” on Monday, March 7, at Poplar Bluff’s elementary schools.

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Cutline: Actors hold a Q&A with kindergartners following the performance, revealing some secrets about their set.