Patriot Players Dedicate Season Four to Dan Spaugh

The Patriot Players at Patrick Henry Community College will dedicate their 2016-2017 season to an influential faculty member who made it his life’s work to share a love for the performing arts with his students and community. 

Dan Spaugh taught theatre and speech courses at PHCC for nearly 30 years before passing away in December 2015. Devin Pendleton, artistic director and director of programs for Patriot Players, said dedicating season four to Spaugh is a fitting way to honor his memory.

“A group of Dan’s students, colleagues and friends gathered after his memorial service at PHCC and spent hours just reminiscing about him,” Pendleton said. “They were laughing, there were tears shed, but most of all, there were memories shared that made us all realize just how passionate Dan was about theatre. That’s what made me realize we needed to do something substantial to honor his memory.”

Spaugh was a pioneering force for collegiate performing arts to have a home at Patrick Henry Community College, according to Pendleton.

“Dedicating our season to him is just one way we’re recognizing the hard work he undertook in building a successful collegiate theatre program over the years,” Pendleton said. “Season four will include a lot of diverse, timeless classics. Some of the shows we’ve selected are known favorites of Dan’s he may have wanted to do or thought about doing.”

The upcoming season will deliver quality performances, but will also renew its focus on providing educational opportunities for students and community members.

“Our community is full of students or potential students, and with our roster of exciting shows in the upcoming season, we’re looking forward to educating more,” Pendleton said. “I think we’ve grown by experience and the support of our community. This support allows us to grow continually, and we’re looking now, more than ever, to the renewed connections, partnerships and relationships that we’ve developed over these past few years.”

PHCC President Angeline Godwin added, “Season four promises to be the best yet, so you will not want to miss out. We hope everyone will mark the calendar, join us for the show reveal in April, and be a part of the Patriot Players – either on stage, behind the scenes or in the audience. Collegiate performing arts are alive and well at PHCC.” 

Season four show dates for “Growing Up Gospel 2: The Revival Revue” are Sept. 22 to Oct. 2, and Nov. 25 through Dec. 4 for “Mary Poppins: The Musical.” The following dates are for shows to be announced in April: Feb. 23 through March 5, 2017; April 27 through May 1, 2017; and August 10-19, 2017.

Dr. Greg Hodges, vice president of institutional advancement at PHCC, said, “With a plethora of spectacular shows, theatre lovers from all walks of life will find something around which they can wrap their arms and hearts!”

The entire community is invited to the season four announcement on April 14 at 7 p.m. in Walker Fine Arts Theatre at PHCC. The program will include a third anniversary celebration for the Patriot Players and a special recognition for Spaugh.

To find out more information about the Patriot Players or to purchase a 2016 Main Stage Pass, visitwww.phccpatriotplayers.com or call (276) 638-8777 ext. 0460.