Jul 7, 2004 / vol 10 iss 48

On stage and in Spanish

The Asheville area's first Spanish-language theater company is bringing a new dimension to the
local arts scene.
"There isn't really a lot available for Spanish-speaking residents. There's not a lot of arts and
cultural events geared toward Spanish speakers," notes UNCA student Tracey Speicher, who
helped organize the new company along with fellow students Julia Taylor and Sandra Brown.
UNCA Spanish professor Greta Trautmann came up with the idea for the company, with
encouragement from Jenny Bunns, the volunteer coordinator at the Asheville Community
Theatre. The new company's goal is to serve as a bridge between the Hispanic and non-native
Spanish-speaking communities in the area.
An open meeting is slated for Tuesday, July 13 at the West Asheville Library from 6-7:30 p.m.
The group will choose a play for its first production and schedule auditions and rehearsals.
Speicher encouraged all interested area residents to attend, whether or not they speak Spanish.
One-liner parts and roles for dancers will be available to non-Spanish speakers, as well as
opportunities to help with lighting and sound. The Spanish-Language Theater Company's first
performance will be at the end of August in UNCA's newly renovated Highsmith University
Center.
For more information, call Tracey Speicher at 225-3988, Sandra Brown at 301-8588, or Julia
Taylor at 254-9461.
– Jason Lauritzen