Piedmont Players Launches Youth Theatre Academy

"Theatre education is about much more than just improving a student's skills on the stage," says PPT Marketing Director Josh Wainright. "Theatre students tend to have higher test averages as well as higher levels of self-confidence and greater comfort speaking in public, working with others and adapting to new situations. PPT has been discussing offering an on-going curriculum for several years, it was just a matter of having the right person in charge. The moment Alex agreed to oversee the program and its development, it was a no brainer. There is no one better."

PPT's program is designed to be the most exciting extracurricular activity a young student can experience while building a foundation of confidence and poise that will serve the students into adulthood. The program will begin on September 16th, with a break in December and resuming in January. Students in the program will have opportunities to showcase their skills at the end of week 10 and again following week 20. The program will launch with two classes September 16th.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Level I - Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00 pm

As an introduction to theatre arts, students will explore a variety of performance techniques and concepts. Students will have the opportunity to experience, create, and explore theatre in an ensemble as well as an individual capacity. Focused on performance, this course allows students to develop onstage performance skills, create characters, rehearse theatrical pieces, and discover multiple styles of theatre.

Recommended Experience Level: Recommended for grades 4 and up. No previous theatre experience required. Students who have attended workshops, camps and limited production experiences will gain valuable training towards becoming a triple threat. Tuition $375 per year

Level II - Tuesdays 7:15 - 8:30 pm

Students with prior training and moderate to substantial performance experience will bring this performer to the next level in theatre arts. Students will explore a variety of performance techniques and concepts through different applications. Building on their experiences, Level II students will have the opportunity to experience, create, and explore theatre in an ensemble as well as an individual. Focused on developing self-confidence through performance, this course allows students to create characters, rehearse theatrical pieces, and investigate different styles of theatre.

Recommended Experience Level: Recommended for grades 5 and up. Students who have previous coursework and moderate to extensive stage experience will benefit from this class by expanding their existing knowledge base and expanding their skills on stage. Tuition $395 per year.

HOW TO REGISTER

With a limited number of spots available this fall, registration is available by calling 704-633-5471 or by stopping by the PPT Offices on the second floor of the Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. in Downtown Salisbury. Complete details about the program and the inaugural classes please visit PiedmontPlayers.com