WOB Begins Classes 3/1

Last fall, the Way Off Broadway Actor's Studio, which was created in 2003 as an extension of the theaters wildly popular Children's Theatre Summer Camp, completely reshaped and revamped its program. Offering classes in the spring and fall, to bookend the summer camp, Way Off Broadway has set out to offer the best possible classes to children interested in the performing arts.

During each spring and fall session, students focus on and learn all of the aspects of theater through vocal music, acting exercises, and basic choreography, as well as scene studies and performance techniques. They do this as the class rehearses for a full scale Broadway-style production that is performed at the end of the session.

For the 2011 Spring Session, the Actors' Studio will be presenting Friday Knight Fever, a show that joyfully spoofs a time when mood rings and Magic Eight Balls revealed the wisdom of the world, when "Women's Lib" empowered a new generation and when disco music reigned. The students of Culpepper High are distressed that Rita's Roller Skating Rink, a favorite hangout of many of the local teens, must close temporarily for remodeling. At least Rita still is allowing them to hang out at the rink's snack bar. Meanwhile, back at school, principal Mrs. Flint is depressed. Work isn't as stimulating as it once was, and she is contemplating retirement, much to the glee of Doris Drake, her bitterly jealous vice-principal. A letter brought in by loyal secretary Stacy renews Mrs. Flint's enthusiasm: she has been named a finalist for Principal of the Year. The judges plan to talk to students away from school - like at the roller rink - so Mrs. Flint is determined to have a "true cross-section" of students hang out there. She convinces the sponsor of the chess club to hold practices at the rink to improve their concentration and have a better chance of beating the Soviets at their upcoming international meet. But all this extra activity at the rink is making things extremely difficult for jewel thief Buzz and his cohort in crime Delilah, who have hidden a stolen diamond right on Rita's disco ball. You can imagine the hysterical confusion when all converge at the roller rink at the same time. Throw in school thugs Greg, Peter and Bobby, who are disguised as cheerleaders to help the malicious vice-principal thwart Mrs. Flint's attempts to impress the judges, and you've got enough crazy energy on stage for a disco dance! Good thing Rita promised the kids they can have one Friday in honor of their school mascot . . . the Knight! They'll call their dance the Friday Knight Fever!

The class will begin on Tuesday, March 1st and meet once a week for nine weeks, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. At the conclusion of the nine week session, the students will perform on Wednesday evening, May 4th and Saturday afternoon, May 7th. Registration is done on a first-come first serve basis and costs $290 per student. The spring session of the Actors' Studio is for student 10 - 15 years old and will be taught by Bill Kiska, Way Off Broadway's Executive Producer, and Jordan Stocksdale, the theatre's Creative Director. Registration may be done in person at the theater or by calling (301) 662-6600.

For additional information about Way Off Broadway, including all of its productions and events, visit www.wayoffbroadway.com.

The Actors' Studio is part of The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, which has been a leader in the region's performing arts community since it first opened in 1995. Under the direction of the Kiska Family since 2002, WOB has produced such productions as A Funny Thing . . . Forum, Guys & Dolls, Steel Magnolias, Oklahoma!, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, The Odd Couple, A Chorus Line, The Sound of Music, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Evita, and Cats, as well as the regional and area premieres of Neil Simon's The Goodbye Girl - The Musical, Jerry Herman's La Cage aux Folles, the musical comedy The Wedding Singer, and Mel Brooks' The Producers. Located along Route 40 West, the Golden Mile in Frederick, the theatre also produces a one-of-a-kind children's lunch theatre, as well as special events throughout the year. Way Off Broadway's 2011 Mainstage Season features The Drowsy Chaperone, Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific, Hairspray, Chicago, and Christmas Tidings.