Artistic expression welcomes you once the “beep, beep” from the front door buzzer goes off at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center, located in the heart of historic downtown Leeds.

The Leeds Theatre and Arts Center celebrates all forms of artistry including the performing arts, visual arts, the written word and all things that honor the arts.

Home to the Leeds Arts Council (LAC), LAC began in 1985 by being a part of the Jefferson County Community Schools, but in 1992 became its own entity and in 1993 earned its 501c(3) status.

Its latest adaptation “Around the World in 80 Days” written by Mark Brown and directed by Cliff Keen, Jr.

Showcases 10 talented actors who play 38 parts.

Among those taking on the task on bringing the crazy antics of these characters to life are Thomas Shaw, Lewis Armstrong, Cliff Keen Jr., Alec Beiswenger, Victoria Boyce, Noelle Gunn, Katy Walker, Suellen Wilkins and Rachael White.

Quick changes, onstage antics and great comedic moments will be seen on stage during “Around the World in 80 Days,” according to LAC president Sandy Nicholson.

“Around the World in 80 Days” opens Friday, April 11^th at 7 p.m. and runs April 12^th, 18^th and 19^th at 7 p.m. and April 13^th and 20^th at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10, so call 205-699-1892 to reserve yours today.

Constantly planning to bring thought provoking conversation, starting quality productions to art lovers, means already working on the next performance.

In honor of the thought process of “constant art in motion” auditions for Shrek the Musical are being held April 14^th and 15^th at 7 p.m. at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center located at 8140 Parkway Drive.

All acting levels and ages can audition for the roles in Shrek the Musical.

This is play isn’t a children’s production it’s a full on production where all ranges of acting skills can be seen center stage.

The curtain goes up on Shrek the Musical in July.

Not only does LAC spotlight phenomenal programming for its theatre it also hosts bi-monthly poetry readings.

Headed up by published poet, award winning photographer and LAC board member Grady Sue Saxon, she hosts approximately 10 to 12 members at each reading. One of which recently had her first book published.

LAC’s hosting Joanne Cage’s book signing for “The Lightness of the Dark” Saturday, April 5^th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., not only does Joanne attend the poetry readings, she’s also a Leeds resident.

April is national poetry month so honoring Joanne’s accomplishment of having her first book published is a fantastic way to celebrate.

Then Sunday, April 6^th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. an artist reception for Guy M. Barnes will occur.

Barnes is a Leeds artist who enjoys using repurposed wood to create incredible pieces with his carving skills.

During the month of April Guy’s carved crosses will be displayed in the LAC lobby, which serves as serves as a gallery.

Striving to offer the arts to their community and beyond LAC is currently asking for pledges in order to provide military veterans at the Colonel Robert L. Howard Retirement Home a Resident Appreciation Day. For as little as $10 people can enable at least one veteran to see “Around the World in 80 Days.”

If you’re interested in donating money to this cause contact LAC’s business administrator Pam Ayers at 205-699-1892 or email leedsartscouncil@windstream.net.

Focused on “a program for the advancement of the arts,” LAC “exists to cultivate an interest in the arts and to provide an opportunity and place for everyone to participate in the arts for the community.”

Operating under a 15-member board of directors, LAC “continues to move forward into the future with high expectations for continued growth of appreciation of the arts.”

Members of the LAC want to share what means so much to them with you as a tool of unity for its community.

“Theatre and music play a big part in my life,” said Nicholson. “Growing up a sang in the church choir, my sons were in plays at school singing and doing lighting. For me art is just a way of life.”

“LAC is important to the community for life-long entertainment and learning in art, music, drama and giving children their first experience in acting, singing and learning all about theatre,” said Doris Jarvis, LAC treasurer.

Debbie Landry, LAC recording secretary, added, “The LAC provides a vital component to a healthy, diverse community by providing direct access to all the arts: theatre, music, visual arts, literary arts, etcetera. I am proud to be a part of the Leeds Arts Council.”

Landry speaks from experience too as her youngest son, who’s now a professional actor/musician in New York City, “was first bitten by the acting bug on the stage in Leeds.”

LAC board member Grady Sue Saxon says, “It is important for the Leeds Arts Council to provide a welcoming, attractive, well-maintained arts center that offers a variety of opportunities for Leeds area citizens to enjoy, as an audience and/or a participant, all aspects of the arts including music, visual arts, performing and literary, in various styles and forms at affordable prices for area citizens.”

Honored to have the capability to unlock a world of creativity to so many who share a love of the arts, the Leeds Arts Council remains a proud presence in downtown Leeds with a purpose “to foster and encourage an appreciation of the arts by all people and to provide an opportunity for all people to learn and grow in knowledge of drama, theatre, music history and art appreciation.”

They invite you to join them and look forward to seeing you at the theatre.

For all things Leeds Arts Council log onto www.leedsartscouncil.org.