Neon Museum Artist-in-Residence Troy Heard to Present “Dramatic Signs: Bringing Neon to Life” May 9
On May 9, the Neon Museum will host theatre director Troy Heard as its second artist-in-residence. Heard will present “Dramatic Signs: Bringing Neon to Life” from 10 a.m. until noon in the Neon Museum’s North Gallery (Photo credit: Neon Museum).
The Neon Museum’s artist-in-residence program enables artists to engage the community and interpret the collection in fresh and unusual ways.
Participants in this exciting, one-time-only workshop will be coached on using creative drama skills to invent new stories about the legendary signs housed in the Neon Museum. A playful blend of improvisation and storytelling, combined with a healthy dose of teamwork, will bring neon to life.
“With our second artist-in-residence program, we hope to provide an opportunity for direct creative interaction between participants and the signs,” explains Danielle Kelly, executive director, Neon Museum. “By offering these young writers and performers in the community a chance to engage specific signs, we hope to create a setting for new and dynamic interpretations of the collection and shared experiences for all who participate.”
A Georgia native, Heard has been working in entertainment more than half his life. Locally he has directed for Cockroach Theatre, Las Vegas Little Theatre, British National Theatre of America, Super Summer Theatre and serves as creative director for Table 8 Productions. In January he was hired as producing director for the 10-year-old Onyx Theatre as part of its rebranding and revitalization. Honors include being named “Best Director” by Desert Companion magazine in 2012 and 2014, and by the Las Vegas Review-Journal for his 2012 production of “Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom.” Heard has an MFA in Directing from Savannah College of Art and Design and a B.S.Ed. in Theatre Education from Columbus State University.
This artist-in-residence event is designed for participants aged 10 to 12; Neon Museum staff will be on hand and parents may wait for their children in the Neon Boneyard Park, located just west of the North Gallery. There is no cost to participate, but advance registration is required. For more information, call (702) 387-6366.