PENDER COUNTY, NC – Pender County Parks and Recreation has been awarded the 2024 Arts & Humanities Award for Class 3 by the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Association. This recognition highlights the department’s contributions to arts and humanities through its theater programming.
Since launching its theater program, Pender County Parks and Recreation in collaboration with Untitled Theatre Productions has brought a variety of productions to the community, including Music Man Jr., The Addams Family Musical, Hometown Holiday 2023 and 2024, and a week-long theater camp. The camp offered students lessons in audition techniques, improvisation, music, and movement.
Performances have been held at venues such as the Hampstead Annex and Penderlea Auditorium, with many shows selling out.
“We are honored to receive this award and remain committed to providing cultural experiences for our community,” said Zach White, Director of Pender County Parks and Recreation. “These programs showcase local talent and foster creativity among participants of all ages.”
On Monday, Zach White, Pender County Parks and Recreation Director presented the award to the Pender County Board of County Commissioners during their meeting.
Untitled Theatre Productions, in partnership with Pender County Parks and Recreation, is now accepting signups for auditions for a spring musical. Parks and Recreation is eager to expand its theater offerings and looks forward to potential future collaborations with new writers and production companies.
The Arts & Humanities Award reflects the department’s dedication to improving life in Pender County through recreational opportunities. This achievement was made possible by the efforts of the Parks and Recreation team and the support of the Pender County community.
Front row, from left to right: Pender County Parks and Recreation staff Elizabeth Dancy and Jessica Herring accept the 2024 Arts & Humanities Award.
Back row, from left to right: Pender County Board of Commissioners Commissioner Jerry Groves, Commissioner Brad George,
Chairman Randy Burton, Vice-Chairman Ken Smith, and Commissioner Brent Springer.