On December 1, 2020, the MT ED Musical Arts Theatre moved to 4785 Lake Avenue, Charlotte, into the former home of The Penny Arcade music club. Before The Penny Arcade closed for good in 2009 it was one of the most revered and long lasting rock-music clubs in Rochester’s history. Bands like Bon Jovi, Bad Company, Joan Jett and Gregg Allman played there.
Tina Crandall-Gommel of Greece is Founder and Artistic Director of MT ED, a musical education and performing arts program for students ages five to adult. MT ED was formerly located at the Bruce Music & Theatre Academy located at 75 Stutson Street in Charlotte. During the summer programs, Tina walked with her summer camp students down Lake Avenue to the beach each day to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. She said, “I walked by and noticed that The Penny Arcade building was empty, I knew it was a cool space with a stage, I used to go to teen dances there. We were outgrowing our space, so I decided to meet with the landlord to see about renting it. As soon as I saw the space I realized that it would meet our needs perfectly. When my team went through it, we all immediately saw the possibilities of what it could be.”
Renovations immediately began, and are still in process. Completed renovations include complete clean up, painting, repairs to the rest rooms, new stage lighting and a new sound system. They expanded the stage. Currently it is the open box style, the future plans are to frame it so the actors can enter and exit without being seen. They have converted the former kitchen space into the chorus room, the rest of the space is the dance studio and audience seating.
“The Penny Arcade building is a very historic place and it needs to be preserved. In everything we do we want to honor Greg Sullivan, the founder of The Penny Arcade. People have an attachment to their memories and to this place. The bar is famous, known as one of the longest bars in Rochester. We noticed that parents were using the bar to work on, and we decided to keep it and to use it for that purpose. In between classes the kids also use it as a work space. We are also keeping the Penny Arcade sign that is on the front of the building. It is very important to me, and to the neighborhood that we brought music and art back to the building,” Tina said.
COVID has put some delays on the future plans for MT ED. “I have always wanted to work with the Boy and Girl Scouts on their dance/theatre merit badges. We now have the space to do that. Other future plans include a show choir, an improv troupe and an instrumental music program. Plans for the instrumental music program include having a mentor program with our pit band where a student is paired up with a professional pit musician and they work and play together during our live theatre programs,” Tina said.
Tina has also been working with the Charlotte Community Association to provide opportunities for her students to do volunteer work in their community. “I think it is really important to get the kids engaged in their community. Activities like beach clean up, gardening, and visiting nursing homes. Teaching them the importance of giving back to the community, and working toward physical and mental health in the process. Everything is dependent on when we get back to our new normal after this virus. Our team is constantly brainstorming ideas to stretch the imagination of what to do to keep the kids engaged, interested and moving forward,” Tina said.
To learn more about classes and programs offered by MT ED visit www.musicaltheatreeducation.com
