The Paramount Players Set the Stage for Artistic Growth in Our Community

The Paramount Players Set the Stage

for Artistic Growth in Our Community

Brandy York

The Ashland Beacon

You don’t have to travel to Broadway to experience an incredible theater production. Thanks to the extraordinary talent of The Paramount Players, world-class theatrical entertainment is right at your fingertips in Ashland. Whether you’ve seen their captivating performances live or caught a glimpse through their advertisements, one thing is for sure: The Paramount Players are a shining artistic gem in the tristate area!

  Based in the historic Paramount Arts Center, The Paramount Players have become a thriving hub for creative talent and artistic development. With several productions each year, there’s always something to spark your interest. These talented local performers have racked up numerous awards, including the IMEA Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical for CATS, Rent, and Cabaret, as well as the KTA Outstanding Production Award for Rent, Cabaret, Forever Plaid, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Nearly a century after the Paramount Arts Center first opened its doors as a venue for silent films, the atmosphere remains vibrant, alive with the energy of music, dance, and acting by our very own hometown stars. With a seating capacity of 1,417 and an average of 120 performances each year, the PAC continues to provide a dynamic space for creativity to flourish, offering an unparalleled environment for The Paramount Players to share their artistic talents with the community.

  Their season has already showcased the thrilling Stranger Sings and the beloved holiday classic White Christmas. Next up? The highly anticipated production of The Lightning Thief, which follows Percy Jackson, the half-blood son of a Greek god, as he struggles with newfound powers and an urgent quest to stop a war between the gods. Matt Hammond, Director of Education at The Paramount Arts Center, gave us a sneak peek into this action-packed adventure.

“When Zeus’ master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he must retrieve the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war among the gods,” Hammond explained. “But to succeed, Percy will have to do more than track down the thief – he must journey to the Underworld, solve the Oracle’s riddle warning of betrayal by a friend, and face the father who abandoned him.”

  Producing any show is no small feat, and The Lightning Thief is no exception, with around 50 talented individuals working to bring this epic story to life. Hammond shared that the experience isn’t just about the production – it’s about inspiring the next generation of local artists. “The theme of this show is beautiful: ‘The things that make us different, make us strong.’ It’s a powerful message for both the youth and adults in our community,” he said.

  You can catch The Lightning Thief on Feb. 21 at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., or on Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss out!

  If you’ve ever dreamed of taking center stage – or contributing behind the scenes – The Paramount Players could be your ticket. Hammond mentioned that auditions are held about six times a year, with the next round coming up for their spring show. For more details, including audition information and showtimes, head to their website at paramountartscenter.com. Whether you're planning a perfect date night, a family outing, or a school trip, there's no need to travel to the big city when you can enjoy these incredible productions right here at home!

  In addition to attending shows, there are numerous ways to support The Paramount Players. Through their Patron Program, you can make a financial contribution at various levels, from $100 Bronze to $1,000 Diamond. Each tier offers its own set of benefits, such as tickets, social media shout-outs, your name in the playbill, and exclusive memorabilia.

  For more information on upcoming shows, auditions, or how you can help support the cause, contact Matt Hammond at 606.324.0007 or via email at matt@paramountartscenter.com.