New educational programming at Greenbrier Valley Theatre brings West Virginia History to schools across the state

LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – Greenbrier Valley Theatre has long been recognized for its exemplary educational programming, providing opportunities for students ages 5-18 to learn and grow through involvement in the arts. This year, GVT is expanding its educational outreach opportunities with the brand-new Educational Touring Initiative. This Spring, a troupe of five professional actors will tour a new play— Welcome to West Virginia! — to schools across six counties.

Welcome to West Virginia! takes students on a theatrical journey through West Virginia history, drawing inspiration from our public schools’ history curriculum and textbooks. The play covers state landmarks and national parks, the role West Virginia played in the Civil War and how it became its own state, a history of mining, famous figures from West Virginia, and more.

The Educational Touring Initiative was co-created by GVT’s Artistic Associate Jenna Sulecki, who wrote and directed the play. “Theatre and history are a hand-in-glove fit. Theatre is constantly teaching us about where and who we have been in order to understand who we are now,” said Sulecki. “That is the goal of Welcome to West Virginia! —to help students understand the history of our state in order to envision themselves as a part of its future.”

The cast is comprised of GVT newcomers Ross Fagan, Zach Hyman, Allyn Faith Jones, Tori Lyn Koszegi, and Cara Niebling. The tour is managed by Mallory Topel. This crew will tour with a portable set, designed by Katherine Stepanek with assistance from Sol Guire, and a complete set of costumes, designed by Jenna Fawn Brown. Sound design for the play was created by Miles Peery and props were designed by Ashton Webb.

Welcome to West Virginia! is touring elementary and middle schools across Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, and Monroe counties between April 22 and May 17, 2024. This project was supported during initial writing and planning by Uncle Larry’s Fund, and this leg of the tour is supported in part by the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area.

Now entering its 57th season, Greenbrier Valley Theatre is a mainstay and theatre destination located in Lewisburg, WV. The arts organization has been further recognized as a “West Virginia Jewel of the Hills,” awarded the Living the Dream Service Organization Honor Roll by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, and is a multi-year recipient of Non-Profit Business of the Year. GVT boasts a robust series of year-round programming and educational offers with the goal to enlighten, enrich, and enliven the region. Visit gvtheatre.org to learn more.

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