Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH -- When Gwinnett Ballet Theatre needed help constructing stage props for its upcoming production of "Cinderella," the company called on the help of 12 students from Gwinnett Technical College.

Len Diprima, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre chairman, said the company "needed set pieces created quickly and on a very small budget. We approached Gwinnett Tech for help, and they not only fit our construction needs into their winter teaching plans, they did so with enthusiasm and creativity."

Representatives of GBT met with Gwinnett Tech's Program Director Dennis Bowers and Lab Assistant Kathleen Torrance of the residential construction program in fall 2011. Two items were needed for the "Cinderella" production: a large staircase and a pumpkin coach.

Bowers said he was enthusiastic about being able to help Gwinnett Ballet Theatre.

"It's really important to give the students the opportunity to support their community, and it's also a benefit any time they can build something that is going to last," he said.

Added Bowers: "One thing that made the project so appealing was the prospect of creating something of long-term value for GBT. We hope these items will be enjoyed by both the students and other members of the community for years to come."

Two performances of "Cinderella" are scheduled for March 3 at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center: 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors and $13 for groups of ten or more.

Tickets are on sale at any Ticketmaster location, by calling (404) 249-6400 or by visiting the Gwinnett Center Box Office located in the Gwinnett Arena building at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth.

According to its website, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre is "one of the Atlanta Metro area's best known pre-professional classical ballet companies."

For more information, visit www.gwinnettballet.org.