From the opening number of Flight, Tim Artz wanted to grab the audience’s attention and let them know they were in for something different – but it was up to them to come along for the ride.
Indeed, the Wake Forest community came along.
Flight, a family comedy based on the Wright Brothers, involved a 10-person cast, an abstract set, and tuneful music. Both Cora Hemphill and Artz, co-founders of Firebox Theatre Company, are encouraged by the success of their sophomore production. “With a much bigger cast and music throughout, there was a lot to accomplish in one play,” said Hemphill. Artz added, “This production required that everyone involved, including the audience, commit to and accept the world we created.”
Not only did the local blackbox theatre, located above The Cotton Company in Downtown Wake Forest, have another great turnout, but it has also received extremely positive feedback from the community. The pair's first production took place in September of last year, and since then, they have experienced a consistent increase in both ticket sales and buzz. “There was evidence that word about us has spread throughout the community,” said Hemphill.
A large part of their successful show run has been the warm reception from the community and a more proactive approach to asking Downtown businesses for help. Many neighboring shops and restaurants allowed Firebox to display show posters in their windows. Others simply helped by letting their regular patrons know they existed. This, alongside a growing follower base on Facebook, invitations to speak at various community groups, and several sponsorship checks coming in, has grown support for the theatre. “It seems to have lit a fire under some people – people who can help us get things done,” said Artz. “That’s encouraging.”
Creativity has been in no short supply to engage the community. Firebox collaborated with Wayne Williams, a local wildlife photographer who does pictures of birds in flight. He was allowed to display his work in the theatre’s lobby during the show. “The flight theme was present throughout,” said Hemphill. “During the show, Wayne donated one of his pieces for a raffle, which really connected our audience to his work. That was a fun collaboration.” Another unique way of connectivity was by bringing the main prop used in Flight out into the community. Foursquare cloth panels, which started as upright stage ends during production, quickly transformed into the “plane” and soon took off as a highlight of the show. The Firebox team took the prop to Downtown’s Forest Fest, and many people instantly recognized the “plane.” Others were captivated by the creativity the prop brought. In both scenarios, Festival goers were excited to take pictures with the inanimate object. “It really brought that connection to the community,” said Hemphill.
With the word dramatically spreading about their shows, the team at Firebox is excited to draw a crowd next month with an evening of one-acts, this time two dark comedies, that harkens back to their debut last September. “It’s something we’ve found to be a special discovery when we first came here,” said Hemphill. “We’re excited to continue that tradition.” They also have a gripping historical drama coming in September. “We’re excited to have a full season where we can take our audience through a whole arc of offerings inviting people to come and see all of the different things theatre can provide,” said Hemphill. “We have something for everyone.”
In addition to a fully-scheduled production season, the theatre just successfully wrapped up its second semester of children’s acting classes with the new addition of Teen Improv. Hemphill, experienced in education development and outreach management, finds it essential to provide a place for kids to learn about dramatic performance and the ability to explore things creatively. “Creative work and imaginative play are important,” said Hemphill. “Our classes, although they do have a performance showcase, are more about the creative process and teaching of the art. It’s really important because it grows them as people as well as potential artists.” Adult improv classes are also currently in the works.
Firebox aims to continue to find ways it can open up doors to different parts of the local area. Hemphill and Artz are excited to make Wake Forest the next great town of the arts – where professional theatre, dance, and music can thrive. “It really feels like this is the start of something,” said Artz. “I think the longer we stay around, the bigger our name gets, the more real it becomes. Not only for us but for other artists that are looking for an outlet.” Hemphill adds, “I’ve seen and experienced how a healthy, quality theatre can enrich the community around it and how everyone can get involved.”
Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership (WFBIP), echoed this sentiment. “In my experience, I have seen firsthand how the performing arts bring businesses and communities together,” said Cannon. “When there are growing and unique options for arts and entertainment in the Downtown area, it makes the overall experience more fulfilling. This, in turn, attracts more people to come to visit and enjoy these offerings, which helps to increase business for the shops and restaurants in the area. It helps to build a stronger sense of community connection.”
As Firebox Theatre remains committed to producing exceptional theatre and telling captivating stories, they also strive to foster a sense of community and cooperation among neighboring businesses and the local population. “We want to build each other up along the way – with our neighboring businesses and helping bring more people to Downtown, as well as working with schools that have been doing great artistic work for years,” said Hemphill. “We want to find ways to provide something new for them or ways that they can reach out and be a part of what we’re doing.”
The Firebox team is pleased with their progress in this journey thus far. “We’re really thankful for finding some community partners already that want to see something like this here,” said Hemphill. “From the Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment (GJCAE) to the WFBIP, or simply individual community members that have stopped me and said, ‘I’m so glad you’re doing this! We’re so glad you’re here. We should have this in Wake Forest!’ Hearing those comments and feeling the support has been wonderful, and it keeps me propelled to continue to work hard to make this happen.”
Discover more information about Firebox Theatre and ways in which you and your business can provide support to the theatre by visiting: https://www.fireboxtheatre.com/support.
Photography By: David Leone
