Presale tickets go on sale today for the original Dance in the Annex production of "TRIP THE LIGHT: KISS THE SKY." The event will take place May 10 at Wealthy Theatre.
Presented by Founders Brewing Co., "TRIP THE LIGHT" is Grand Rapids' original modern dance and multimedia concert, featuring live music composed by local musicians of all genres.
"TRIP THE LIGHT provides a platform for nearly 50 artists, from musicians to dancers, choreographers to videographers, to express locally created, original work - in otherwise unorthodox collaboration," says Wealthy Theatre Director Erin Wilson.
DITA and Wealthy Theatre will also host an Education Day for GRPS (Grand Rapids Public Schools) and WMCAT (West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology) students in late April, utilizing TRIP THE LIGHT content as a live, visual arts curriculum, to demonstrate the science of lighting and sound. DITA Education Day is underwritten by Steelcase Inc.
DITA Artistic Director and founder Amy Wilson says this will be the fifth and final TRIP THE LIGHT.
She says the 2014 theme "Kiss the Sky," came about by examining where DITA has been, and wants to go, as a modern dance collective.
"I have heard from patrons of previous TRIP events that the experience is like no other: a wild ride and a shared experience," DITA Artistic Director Amy Wilson says. "We want to examine that, take it apart - and in the future reassemble it in a new way."
But for now, (Amy) Wilson says, this is the final TRIP THE LIGHT as we know it.
"DITA needs to move in a new direction by honoring who we are and at the same time honoring the people who have supported us over the last five years," she says. "Its about growth."
Wealthy Theatre Director Erin Wilson says sponsorship support for TRIP THE LIGHT has allowed it to remain accessible to all.
"This all-volunteer effort has production value that exceeds many events with $25 or $50 ticket prices," Wealthy Theatre Director Erin Wilson says. "But real art belongs to the people and thanks to the support of small and large businesses, the ticket price for TRIP is within reach for many."
During the presale (through April) tickets can be purchased for as little as $10 by CMC members who receive $5 in discounts, (Erin) Wilson says.
"Wealthy Theatre is a place where a lot of new art originates," Wealthy Theatre Director Erin Wilson says. "The kind of art that is invaluable yet undervalued. With this show, the sponsors saw its value and importance, and it aligns perfectly with our mission at CMC.
"So while we could probably fill the house wherever ticket prices were set, TRIP THE LIGHT started out with audiences in the same tax bracket as artists, and that's how it ends."
Besides Founders Brewing Co., TRIP THE LIGHT: KISS THE SKY support is provided by: Kulas Law Office, PLLC; Harmony Brewing, City Flats Hotel, Speak EZ Lounge, Community Media Center (CMC), Essence Restaurant Group and The Meanwhile Bar.
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