At least 5 Mass Shootings over the Weekend !!??

At least 5 Mass Shootings over the Weekend !!??

If it’s mental health and not guns (as the incessant debate goes), then why isn’t our country providing universal coverage of mental health services for all – including therapy (not just drugs)? Texas governor Greg Abbott said that “the Uvalde school shooter had a “mental health challenge” and the state needed to “do a better job with mental health” — yet in April he slashed $211 million from the department that oversees mental health programs.” …

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Hamilton at DPAC Is Not Just a Must-See Musical, It Is a Cultural Phenomenon!
Arts, Published, Community, Music Melissa Rooney Arts, Published, Community, Music Melissa Rooney

Hamilton at DPAC Is Not Just a Must-See Musical, It Is a Cultural Phenomenon!

Regardless of the acting team, the next time Hamilton comes to Durham, you should take your (older) kids for a special night out, including dinner (there are many affordable options). This is the article I wrote for the Triangle Review about my experience going to Hamilton the last time they came to Durham (in 2022).

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Joshua Thompson and Symoné Spencer Win 2022 Triangle Rising Stars Acting Honors

Joshua Thompson and Symoné Spencer Win 2022 Triangle Rising Stars Acting Honors

When I was given the opportunity to review this year's in-person Triangle Rising Stars Showcase and Awards program on Wednesday, May 11th, at the Durham Performing Arts Center, I knew immediately that I had to go. American Idol Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken hosted the event, which featured performances by 2021 TRS Best Actor Joshua Messmore and 2021 TRS Best Actress and 2021 Jimmy® Awards best-actress-award winner Elena Holder.

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To Those Who Message(d) Me Privately This Week

To Those Who Message(d) Me Privately This Week

After questioning the secretive and non-inclusive proceedings of a racially-based political action committee via Facebook, members of that organization attacked and ultimately removed me from the group. This article is in response to that experience.

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PlayMakers Rep's Production of August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned, Starring Samuel Ray Gates, Is a Gift to Triangle Theatergoers

PlayMakers Rep's Production of August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned, Starring Samuel Ray Gates, Is a Gift to Triangle Theatergoers

I would listen for two hours to someone reading August Wilson (1945-2005) aloud while sitting in a chair. But to see his writings performed in a one-person play, as if the actor were August Wilson himself? That is a real gift…

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2Cellos Continue to Entertain and Inspire (with Matt Simons and friends) at the DPAC this Week
Community, Music, Published Melissa Rooney Community, Music, Published Melissa Rooney

2Cellos Continue to Entertain and Inspire (with Matt Simons and friends) at the DPAC this Week

This article was published by Triangle Review on April 8, 2022. My first son discovered 2Cellos when he was twelve; and his first “real” concert was the 2Cellos concert at the Durham Performing Arts Center. This year, the 2Cellos performance at the DPAC was his little brother’s first concert experience, which was even more momentous because it’s the 2Cellos last tour together...

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Postcards from Ireland Featured Three Superb Singers and a Fiddle-Playing Sprite
Arts, Published, Music Melissa Rooney Arts, Published, Music Melissa Rooney

Postcards from Ireland Featured Three Superb Singers and a Fiddle-Playing Sprite

For the Durham Performing Arts Center's Wednesday, March 16th, presentation of Celtic Woman: Postcards from Ireland, my fellow audience members -- who did not have to wear masks after showing vaccination cards and photo IDs at the door -- ranged from 8 to 80 years old and reflected not only the diversity of Durham, NC, but the diverse population that has come to appreciate traditional Irish music and its modern influence.

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DPAC's March 20th STEM-Based Wow in the World Pop-Up Party: Laboratory of Bad Ideas LIVE! Interactive Variety Show Was Entertaining and Educational
Arts, Education, Children, Published Melissa Rooney Arts, Education, Children, Published Melissa Rooney

DPAC's March 20th STEM-Based Wow in the World Pop-Up Party: Laboratory of Bad Ideas LIVE! Interactive Variety Show Was Entertaining and Educational

The Sunday, March 20th, performance of the Wow in the World Pop-Up Party: Laboratory of Bad Ideas at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) is the first children's-theater show that I've attended since I first heard the words "Covid Nineteen." From the well-dressed young families running down Blackwell Street and the lack of parking, it looked like it was going to be sold out…

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Grant Opportunities for Educators (April deadlines)

Grant Opportunities for Educators (April deadlines)

To make grant opportunities I know about available to more than just who I know, this article summarizes the educator grant opportunities I have successfully applied for. The word "grant" is intimidating, but often these grants are quite easy to apply for. Don't let the fear of bureaucracy stop you from at least skimming over what's required.

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