Higher Ground, a part of the Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Appalachian Program, is thrilled to announce its 10th community performance in twenty years, Angels Unaware. The original musical drama was created in 2022-2024 by people in Harlan County in collaboration with guest artists and is based on interviews collected by SKCTC students and community members. Angels Unaware uses story and song to process the questions, "How do we take care of ourselves?" and "How do we take care of each other?" This original production is directed by Kate Handzlik, SKCTC Assistant Professor and Higher Ground Creative Director. Nicole Garneau of Disputanta, KY is the artist-in-residence. John Adams is the Music director. Robert Gipe spearheaded the writing of this piece. Chicago-based Kevin Iega Jeff choreographed the play with support from Kaitlyn Skidmore Patel. Maranda Marie DeBusk of Columbus, OH is the Lighting Designer, Pamela Adolphi is the scenic designer, and Jeff Becker of New Orleans, LA is the creative consultant. Over eighty-five community members are involved in the production of Angels Unaware.

Angels Unaware will premiere on July 19, 2024, with subsequent performances on July 20, 21, 26, and 28, as well as July 27 as a part of the Mountains of Appalachian Music Arts and Wellness Festival (MAMAW Fest). Angels Unaware and MAMAW Fest are part of a campaign from One Nation/One Project titled Arts for EveryBody, where 18 cities and counties across the United States are producing large-scale participatory art projects on the same day to celebrate how the arts positively impact mental and physical wellbeing.