Award-Winning Author Dana Rau Joins Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education Faculty

The Warner Theatre Center For Arts Education is excited to welcome award-winning author Dana Rau to its teaching staff. Ms. Rau will be leading two, 10-week courses for the Winter Semester at the WTCAE, Sparking the Creative Writer I & II.

Sometimes it's hard for aspiring writers, or even seasoned writers, to get started. But there is no better way to get creative juices flowing than to push up our sleeves, experiment with words, and be fearless. In these courses, we will turn down the volume on our inner critics and rethink the writing process as a chance to explore. Through writing games and exercises, we will tap into a sense of discovery that will benefit students in all their creative pursuits. No previous experience necessary. All skill levels welcome.

Sparking the Creative Writer I (ages 13-17) will begin December 2nd and be held Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm. Sparking the Creative Writer II (ages 17-adult) will begin December 3rd and be held Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Instructor Dana Meachen Rau is an author, artist, and editor. She received her BA in Creative Writing and Art History from Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, and her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, Vermont.

Over her almost twenty years working as a freelancer, she has published more than 300 books in a variety of genres and age levels, including early readers, picture books, biographies, and nonfiction. Some of her awards and recognition include: the Association for Library Services to Children Notable Children's Books of 2014; Bank Street Best Books of 2014; Booklist Top 10 Early Literacy Series of 2009; and Science Books and Film Magazine Best Books of 2005 and 2009.

For information or to register, call the Warner Theatre Center For Arts Education at 860-489-7180 ext 148.

Built by Warner Brothers Studios and opened in 1931 as a movie palace (1,772 seats), the Warner Theatre was described then as "Connecticut's Most Beautiful Theatre." Damaged extensively in a flood, the Warner was slated for demolition in the early 1980s until the non-profit Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts (NCAA) was founded and purchased the theatre. The Warner reopened as a performing arts center in 1983, and restoration of the main lobbies and auditorium was completed in November 2002. In 2008, the new 50,000 square foot Carole and Ray Neag Performing Arts Center, which houses a 300 seat studio theatre, 200 seat restaurant and expansive school for the arts, was completed. Today, the Warner is in operation year-round with more than 160 performances and 100,000 patrons passing through its doors each season. Over 10,000 students, pre K-adult, participate in arts education programs and classes. Together, with the support of the community, the Warner has raised close to $17 million to revitalize its facilities. NCAA's mission is to preserve the Warner Theatre as an historic landmark, enhance its reputation as a center of artistic excellence and a focal point of community involvement, and satisfy the diverse cultural needs of the region. To learn more about the Warner Theatre, visit our website: www.warnertheatre.org.

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