Rainbow Reflections

For 30 years, the Rainbow Company Youth Theatre has put on plays with the help of local youth, and some seasoned adults as well.

To celebrate being one of the oldest continuous arts organizations in the city, and the winner of the 2007 Governor's Arts Award for Leadership in Arts Education, Kris Shepherd was given the task of putting together an art exhibit showcasing the company's history.

And it took a jam-packed exhibit space at the Charleston Heights Arts Center to do so.

"Building a Rainbow," on display through July 29, offers an array of photos of productions reaching back to the company's beginnings in 1976. There's a poster from the first season, as well as Shepherd's favorite item. "I like most the original Rainbow Company T-shirt," says Shepherd, who has been with the company for 13 years as its resident set designer. The shirt hangs at the end of the exhibit. "We had to borrow it from a current student whose aunt was in the original ensemble."

Unique aspects of the exhibit include the hands-on light and sound boards, the costumes that children can try on and the backstage simulation behind black curtains that features the actual light cues called out by a stage manager during a production.

In addition, there's a design-your-own-set display with colored blocks.

A video by ensemble member Andy Lott gives a rundown on the company's recent history.

Shepherd says he built the exhibit with adults and children in mind. The lower portion contains hands-on activities for the kids, and the top contains the photos and memorabilia for adults.

The idea for the exhibit began last year when "we knew we would do something big for the 30th year," Shepherd says. "We wanted to go all-out when we won the Governor's Arts award."

Besides the first season poster, the oldest items include the script from the company's first show, "Pippi Longstocking," and photos taken of that production.

The Rainbow Company conducts theater classes for local students ranging from age 4 to adults. Five shows are produced each year with a core ensemble group.

Students not cast in a production are given jobs such as running the light board, building sets and costumes, and assisting the audience.

Each season, the company also produces an original show featuring an event or person in Nevada history. That production tours local elementary schools and community venues.