JR Smith, English and Journalism Instructor at Smith County High School and sponsor/director of the production shared that Smith County Playhouse was an idea meant to fill a need. “We have so many students in this county who love theatre and are very talented in this area, but had no outlet close to Carthage for children’s theatre.” The last musical that was produced at SCHS was in 2015, and aside from a few high school plays, the SCHS auditorium wasn’t being used for anything other than a classroom.
In an effort to create change, a team was established over the summer of 2021. They outlined goals for what Smith County Playhouse would look like and also chose Annie for our Spring 2022 musical. “We chose Annie because we felt like it’s positive theme about the possibilities of “tomorrow” was perfect while we were trying to make our way through the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Smith shared.
Smith was sure to add that Annie could not have been produced if not for the amazing community. Smith County Playhouse has been able to raise over $30,000 for the show through various fundraising and grant-making efforts. Every penny has gone to renovating and improving the auditorium and providing the students with meaningful real-world opportunities.
The students have been an integral part of the process of creating this musical. Set designer, Jim Bare, has been working with students since the fall. He’s taught a dedicated group of students how to use tools and design various set pieces. Other adult volunteers helped with painting, sound and lighting design, hair and makeup, costuming, and more. Students are consistently working with these volunteers to gain valuable knowledge.
Auditions for Annie were held in November. Over 100 students from around the county came to audition, and a cast of 70 was selected. The students range from 2nd-12th grade. Students come from a variety of different backgrounds. There are students who are on the football and baseball team. Some students are cheerleaders. Others are in the band. A few are in FFA. Very few of the students had participated in a theatre program before, and have shown tremendous growth since the auditions. Smith asserts “every single one of the students have gained confidence through the process, a life skill they can take with them after high school. With all of our students and adult volunteers working hand-in-hand, we have put together a fantastic product that we are excited to share with the community.”
The production of “Annie” by the Smith County Playhouse begins Friday March 11th with their first show at 6:30 p.m. at the Smith County High School Auditorium. Additional shows will be presented on Saturday, March 12th at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 13th at 2:30 p.m. The shows will continue the weekend of March 18th-20th with show times at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and the 2:30 p.m. show on Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased at Smith County Drug or online at http://smithcounty.booktix.com/ 
