Art and culture provide an escape, they introduce new ideas, and they enhance lives.

The Ephrata Performing Arts Center (EPAC) plays an important, but sometimes undervalued, role in our community.

"Art, and specifically live performing art, is something that brings people together," said Zach Haines, who's been EPAC's media director for seven years. "When you're in performing arts, it gives you something to think about. It's a great way to think about topics in different ways. Art extends to an audience, and that audience shares things with (other) people. I think that's such an important message in today's society."

Located at 320 Cocalico St., Ephrata, EPAC has a long tradition of providing quality theater and entertainment to audiences and giving local performers opportunities to hone their skills and share their talents. Physically, EPAC is an intimate space featuring a three-quarter thrust stage that is surrounded by 300 seats on three sides.

"It provides a really interactive experience because the stage is right there," said Haines. "It's almost like theater in the round. You feel like you're in the setting and that you're part of the action. It changes the perceptions of the show when you're in it. It's such an amazing way to be part of the story. It's a very welcoming space for our patrons."

"When you walk through the door, you're greeted by friendly staff," Haines continued. "The performance will go on, and following that, the lobby serves as a space for people to mingle and discuss what they just saw. We like to make sure everyone is taken care of when they come see a show with us. When you come in our doors, you're going to experience some of the best theater you can find in this area."

Typically, EPAC presents seven theatrical performances throughout each year, including musicals over the span of three consecutive weekends and plays over two consecutive weekends. Many of the performers are homegrown actors and actresses from all parts of Lancaster County.

EPAC also hosts special events like concerts, pageants and dance recitals.

"Most of our actor base is local volunteers, and they're sensational," said Haines. "We are fortunate to be in an area where theater is so important in people's lives. The teen performers in this area are astonishingly talented."

"Our mission is to bring a high-caliber production to our community," added Haines. "We believe in the stories we tell. We want to bring them to the community in an accessible manner. We provide a safe space for collaboration and expression. We give audiences things to think about, and they really appreciate the work we do. I hear all the time how EPAC is a jewel in the community. I think that about sums it up."

The venue's origin can be traced to the mid-1950s, when Broadway production troupes traveled to local communities and performed at places like the Ephrata Legion Star Playhouse. Eventually, volunteers dedicated themselves to making sure the theater being performed in Ephrata in summer became a year-round undertaking.

"The Ephrata community banded together to formalize it as a performing arts center," said Haines. "The theater itself is an old barn; it's had a lot renovations over the years, and we haven't looked back. The quality of our shows, the sets, the lights, the costumes - we've really invested in our shows to make them off-Broadway quality. We just keep investing in ourselves and getting better. That's something we're really proud of."

For additional information about Ephrata Performing Arts Center, go to http://www.epactheatre.org.