Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center - Cumming, Georgia

George M.

This was our first visit to this theater. We saw Hello Dolly. The talent was excellent. The seats were comfortable and transitioning around during intermission was relatively easy

Pradeep Y.

Huge auditorium with ample seating. The stage is very large designed for group performances. The sound quality is superb and clear. Two levels of seating - normal and balcony. Lobby, restrooms, parking - everything is awesome and user friendly.

Mitchell R.

Beautiful facility for arts, meetngs and large group gatherings. Parking can be rough for large assemblys so arrive early.

M C.

Amazing venue! Recently had our daughter's graduation and it is a remarkable place. It is big enough but still maintained the intimate vibe of being close to the stage. You still get a good view anywhere you sit. The outside design and architecture is great for pictorials too whether it's sunrise or sunset. The parking is big enough and not a long walk from the buidling. I just wish FCS would've made it even bigger to accommodate all the graduations in the county.

Ashley W.

The acting girl that performs here is excellent! My husband and I watched Beauty and the Beast over the weekend and could not get over how phenomenal the production was. This is a high-quality venue that fit our budget. We highly recommend it and we look forward to enjoying more at the FoCAL theater!

Jonathan A.

This review is from the perspective of someone seeking to become part of a community theatre and is not intended to reflect the quality of the facilities nor the productions themselves.

I've lived in Forsyth county for a couple of years. I'd been wanting to get back into musical theater for a while and someone let me know about FoCAL. I found them on the internet and was excited to see they had an upcoming production of my favorite musical, Little Shop of Horrors.

I signed up to audition and subsequently received a link with the audition details.
Before the audition, I sent an email to Dawn (the person who sent out the email and I believe the director of FoCAL) asking if we could audition for multiple parts and, if so, if we needed to sign up for multiple audition slots. She never responded.

Since I wasn't sure if I could audition for multiple roles, I picked one and prepared using the guidelines I'd received. They said to prepare a one minute monologue from ANY show and to select an excerpt from one of the songs in the list provided.

A few weeks before the original audition date I received an email stating the audition dates were moved up a week. I responded to this email but, again, received no reply.

The day of auditions came. I had been preparing at this point for a few months and was a little nervous, but excited.
I walked into the lobby of a gorgeous building and walked up to a man seated at a laptop. He took my name, told me to fill out a piece of paper, and didn't say another word to me.
I was the first one to audition for the show on the first day.
I knew something was amiss when I started my audition and was asked which monologue I'd be reading from the show. I was confused and thrown off - the directions clearly stated it was to be a one-minute monologue from ANY show, and I'd selected one from a different show.

I stumbled through my prepared monologue because I was thrown off guard. To their credit, they allowed me to read one of the monologues they had intended for us to read off a page.

I was also told to sing BOTH songs on the list, rather than one, like their audition instructions said. As I mentioned above, Little Shop is my favorite musical and I know almost every song by memory, so this wasn't a huge issue.

At the end of my audition, I was told what to prepare for callbacks.

When I left, I felt pretty good. I knew I fumbled my prepared monologue a bit but was hopeful they'd understand, given the fact that the parameters of the audition were changed not only that day, but literally during my audition. I knew I performed well in my singing; I'm a professionally trained singer and music educator.

The day of callbacks came and I hadn't heard anything. Since I was told what to prepare, I assumed I would be getting called back. I called and left a message on two different lines; I was uncertain who I needed to speak with.
Nobody called me back but I did receive an email later that day stating not all parts would need a callback and to keep my eyes open for further news.

Two weeks went by and I heard nothing. I emailed the guy who sent out the previous email asking for an update. Nothing. I called the center. Nothing. Eventually I inferred I wouldn't be a part of the show.

This was particularly upsetting to me. I would have gladly accepted an ensemble role, and indicated such on my audition form. And I don't mean to sound conceited, but I know I'm a good enough singer to at least be a part of the production in that way.

I have performed in community theatres in Georgia, Florida, California, and New York. I've been a part of dozens of productions. I have never encountered a group so disorganized, so disinterested, and so insular. Not a single one of my phone calls or emails ever received a response.

I'm sure the quality of the production will be outstanding, so if you're somebody in Forsyth County that wants to watch a good show in a fancy building, I encourage you to check it out. But if you're an artist new to the area seeking community, I highly encourage you to look elsewhere.

Brett M.

Esther Basch is a Holocaust survivor, she's been nicknamed “The Honey Girl.” I kissed her precious little hand. So delicate, so small but endured unimaginable terror. I walked up on stage after the show,I had to go; compelled by something inside me. I smiled......showing her bodyguard my hands; he stood at ease. I knelt down and looked into the most loving forgiving eyes I have ever seen. One of Gods CHOSEN! She took my hand in hers. The words "God Bless You" came from my mouth. She smiled at me. An undescribeable moment frozen in time that will affect and stay with me for the rest of my life. Sincerely, Brett Miller

Say S.

Cool place to visit and see your children's art work... They also host events like school plays and such.