(Excerpts)

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Theater and dance groups fill weekend calendars. Art galleries showcase local and regional pieces. Festivals bring people from outside the area to the county to witness the homegrown talent.

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But at times, the county represents the idea of a struggling artist. Groups compete for actors and audiences.

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TANYA CARROLL

Producing artistic director, Lionheart Theatre Co.

HOME: Norcross

THEATER BACKGROUND: Carroll got involved in theater in high school in Connecticut. Her first show was "Fiddler on the Roof," where she sang in the chorus and worked backstage. She earned a degree in communication arts from Georgia Southern University. About 13 years ago, she started the drama ministry at Norcross Presbyterian Church.

SHOWTIME: Lionheart was born out of the church's drama group about eight years ago, so they could produce a broader spectrum of plays for the community. They moved around the community before finding a home at the Norcross Community and Cultural Arts Center a couple of years ago. They perform in the former church's 70-seat chapel. "I feel like it's really a draw for people in a community to do something like that."

BACKSTAGE: The theater's shoestring budget is about $10,000 annually. She hopes to double that in the next year, with grants, business support and other efforts. They started selling season tickets this year, and sold 15 in the first month. In addition to producing the shows, Carroll has been able to return to the stage. She plays Mrs. Krebs in "Inherit the Wind," which has final performances this weekend and next. "I have about seven lines, and I'm loving every minute of it."

CURTAIN CALL: Carroll, 46, works for Pike Family Nursery. "Everybody in our group has a day job. We rehearse three nights a week. It's a true labor of love for everybody involved."