Backstage Access

I enjoy my job partly because it allows me to study creative people. I recharge by observing and absorbing creativity. Artists exude passion. Dancers radiate energy. It's captivating and inspiring.

The Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts has invited the public to explore its campus Saturday as part of a celebration recognizing the start of the fifth season at the River Campus.

Sneak backstage at the Bedell Performance Hall. Wander through the Crisp Museum. Lose your way in the River Campus Art Gallery in the Seminary Building.

Students, faculty and guest artists will dance, play music and perform on stage.

Adults rarely carve out time to explore. We run from work to gym to home to errands in a repetitive cycle. At least, that description sums up my life.

This event affords you the chance to amble through the classrooms where students create their art, look backstage where they build sets and sew costumes for plays and linger in the atrium to visit tables and a musical petting zoo.

The facility itself is impressive. It allows the faculty and staff in the departments of music, art and theater and dance to train their students on a professional level. It almost spoils the poor kids, but it at least gives them room to grow in their craft and grants them the possibility to do nearly anything.

And we're allowed to see their products. This year, the Department of Theatre and Dance will create the worlds for "Into the Woods," "Hamlet" and "The Pajama Game." The art students will periodically decorate the Art Gallery, and the concert halls are always filled with symphony, jazz or chamber music.

Visit the campus Saturday. Explore and get acquainted with the facility, so that when you see an event in one of the venues, you'll know and appreciate the effort people put in behind the curtain.