NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Department of Culture of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture launched the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival 2013, now in its 54th year of existence, with the announcement of the festival’s adjudicators for 2013 on Friday, February 1 at its offices.   

Adjudicators are Ms. Elizabeth Thornton, Choral & Instrumental Music; Mr. Lawrence Carroll, Dance; Mr. Valentine Maura, Drama and Mr. Allan P. Wallace, Art and Crafts.   

The Hon. Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture said, “Over the years, the festival has expanded to include all facets of the visual and performing arts, thus making it the only true National Festival in The Bahamas. This festival is designed to not only exhibit the unique creativity of The Bahamian youth but also to showcase our Bahamian culture.”   

Schools throughout the length and breadth of The Bahamas are invited to participate in the categories of Music, Dance, Drama and Art &Craft.  Competition amongst the schools has proven to be very exciting as young aspiring artists and artisans are discovered and exposed.   

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The Freeport Players Guild have elected a new Executive Board for 2013. Led by incoming president Liselle Harris this is a revitalised board full of energy and new ideas to keep theatre ‘live’ in Grand Bahama.  Liselle, the director of many productions at the Regency Theatre, including the recent well-received Alice in Wonderland is eager to welcome new members into the guild, and encourages veteran members to renew their commitment to the performing arts.

She feels that there is an important and urgent need to reinvigorate the theatre scene and display the work of the many talented actors, writers, set designers, costume designers, and lighting and sound technicians who are integral to the growth and progress of our country’s culture. A new membership drive will be implemented and the Young Adults Regency Drama Group (YARD) will be established this year.

Persons who are interested in any aspect of the theatre are welcomed to join the Freeport Players' Guild at the Regency Theatre.

The members of the new Executive Board include Paulette Russell, founder and moderator of the Regency Youth Theatre, as Vice president; Gail Woon as Treasurer; Leona Roach, Secretary; Angela Hackman, past president; and Directors Sue McCrea, Christopher Russell, Ana-Alicia Carroll, Tyler Delva, and Nikia Wells. These dedicated individuals have taken on the awesome task of overseeing the preservation of the only purpose build theatre in the Bahamas and promoting the talents of our performing artists.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- 'Election 2012 - What Just Happened?' comes back to the Freeport stage Jan 26th at the Bishop Michael Eldon auditorium.  The theatrical production is brought to you by the same writers and producer of 'Election 2002- If You Don't Laugh, You'll Cry' and 'Election 2007- Count It Again Man, Count It Again.' It is suitable for the whole family; you do not want to miss this one!

The talented cast from the last two shows are largely back. They include: Will Stubbs, David Wallace, Patrice Johnson, Tameka Forbes, Marquita Whymns, Tawari Rogers and Michael Pintard. There will be guest appearances by PLP, FNM, and DNA politicians.

Ticket prices: $20 general admission ($25 at the door) and $30 preferred seating ($35 at the door). Group rates are available. For tickets reservations and inquiries please contact: 373-6111 or 351-6139 or 225-8254.  E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  See poster below.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The passionate director and producer team of Liselle Harris and Camille deGregory will once again create a fantastical world as they stage Alice in Wonderland at the Regency Theatre on Saturday, January 12^th and Sunday January 13^th. Showtime is at 8pm on Saturday and 4pm matinee on Sunday.

Liselle Harris is no stranger to the Regency Theatre and the stage, a member of the Freeport Players Guild since 1974. Show business is not a business to her but a “passion.”  Liselle has participated in too many shows to count but all worth remembering.  

After several years of starring roles, Liselle discovered another passion, directing. After a quick rest following her last very successful musical production, “Pippa” she took on the daunting task of bringing Alice in Wonderland to the Freeport stage.

Camille deGregory has worked on many plays such as Old Mother Hubbard, Young Playwriter’s Competition, The Prince of Egypt, Clue the Musical, Street Beats, Fox on the Fairway, Excess Baggage, Pippa the Musical, and Fame. This is her debut as producer.