Bill Text: VA HJR231 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Mill Mountain Theatre.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 4-1)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-06 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ231ER) [HJR231 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR231-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Mill Mountain Theatre, one of Roanoke's leading local theaters and a major part of the cultural life of the city for decades, celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024; and
WHEREAS, the vision of producers from New York, the Mill Mountain Theatre began as the Roanoke Summer Theatre in 1964 and was incorporated as the Mill Mountain Playhouse Company two years later; and
WHEREAS, after the Mill Mountain Playhouse Company's building burned down in 1976, the Mill Mountain Theatre emerged from the ashes and took up residence at the Grandin Theatre for ten years before ultimately establishing itself at its current location at Roanoke's Center in the Square; and
WHEREAS, the Mill Mountain Theatre's enduring quality and innovation contributed significantly to the renaissance of downtown Roanoke as the theater became one of the most respected regional theaters in the country; and
WHEREAS, the Mill Mountain Theatre has played host to many productions over the years, including the premiere of the national hit All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten and the American debut of Children of Eden; and
WHEREAS, alongside its productions, the Mill Mountain Theatre has also cultivated the area's theater talent through various programs and initiatives, including the Norfolk Southern Festival of New Works, which for many years planted and nourished the careers of many young playwrights, and the Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory, which plays an instrumental part today in the development of young actors, technical workers, and other performers alike through classes and summer camps; and
WHEREAS, the Mill Mountain Theatre also provides countless opportunities to the Roanoke Valley's aspiring artists, in large part through its apprenticeship and internship programs, as well as its partnership with Hollins University; and
WHEREAS, the Mill Mountain Theatre has generously supported the growth and development of Roanoke's young people through partnerships with local groups such as the West End Center for Youth, the local YMCA after-school program, Roanoke City Public Schools, Roanoke area libraries, Roanoke Parks and Recreation, Star City Reads, and more; and
WHEREAS, through its Mill Mountain Young Audiences series, the Mill Mountain Theatre presents certain performances for no charge or on a pay-what-you-can basis to offer students and adults from all backgrounds and circumstances the opportunity to enjoy the theater; and
WHEREAS, by demonstrating a deep commitment to quality performances and community and youth development, the Mill Mountain Theatre has established its status as an icon of the Roanoke Valley, earning the praise and esteem of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Mill Mountain Theatre on the occasion of its 60th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Mill Mountain Theatre as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its history and its contributions to Roanoke and the Commonwealth.
