West Side Theatre Guild continues to bring vibrant arts programs to the area

Gary's West Side Theatre Guild has been enriching the region for nearly two decades.

The guild, which is in its 15th year, recently opened its 2011-2012 season with a performance by Grammy-nominated singer Brian McKnight and last month launched the 15th rendition of its popular "Lyrics" series. The venue is located at Gary's West Side Leadership Academy, formerly West Side High School.

Mark Spencer, director of the West Side Theatre Guild, who's celebrating his 20th anniversary with the Gary Community School District this year, said the theater program actually started in his classroom.

"A little over 15 years ago, I started to notice in my classroom that there was a tremendous amount of talent here," he said, adding he believed it was important to help hone and develop that talent and to offer a place to assist in sparking creativity.

"So I started a program after school with area professionals. It was open to all the students and members of the community," he said.

Participants were called on to take part in a revue that featured various disciplines from acting, singing and dancing to poetry.

The revue was actually the first "Lyrics" production, which through the years, has taken on assorted themes. Last month's show had a gospel-theme and even included a reading performance by new Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson.

About the first "Lyrics," Spencer said "To our surprise, more than 200 people showed up (to take part) in the production. We knew we were onto something."

The theater director said "Lyrics" has always been well received in the area. "It's grown through the years based on the expertise of the community."

With "Lyrics," the guild also developed talents behind the scenes, Spencer said. Students and community members were involved and strengthened their skills in the technical components of putting on a show from working with props and lighting to building sets.

"Lyrics" and many of the guild's programs are open to all ages.

"I've always said it's from '8 to 80,'" Spencer said. "All are welcome."

To coincide with what Spencer was doing with the students and the community with its theater programs and "Lyrics," he said he began the professional artist series about five years into the project.

Through that series, Spencer wanted to bring in professional performing artists for the community to enjoy and learn from. With a 2,000-seat venue, West Side Theatre Guild was, and continues to be, a perfect place to showcase eclectic performances.

"We actually started with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre," he said. "We got them on a wing and a prayer."

On Feb. 7, the company's junior troupe, Ailey II, will perform at West Side Theatre Guild.

Through the years, the artist series has starred luminaries including Bill Cosby, Ray Charles, Coretta Scott King, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee and Cicely Tyson.

"These are iconic figures that not only serve to enlighten an audience but educate with their masterful performances," he said.

Spencer said he felt there was "a need" for the professional artists program.

"It not only stimulates (the community) but it serves as a cultural enhancement and a teaching tool," he said.

The guild's film series, which began eight years ago, and WSTG Filmworks program are other enhancements to the rich offerings presented by the organization.

Spencer said he looks forward to the upcoming season of productions and sharing the vibrant arts with the region.

The guild will continue strongly as stressed in its mission statement "Serving the Community ... One Performance at at Time."