Penobscot Theatre Company Announces Upcoming Educational Programming

Penobscot Theatre Company is proud to announce its Dramatic Academy offerings for the coming academic year. "We're delighted to bring back fan favorites and expand in new directions to meet burgeoning interest in the community!" said Director of Education Amy Roeder. "Whether novice or veteran, young or...seasoned, there's a place for you to play at Penobscot Theatre."

Up first is a musical theatre boot camp taught by noted local music teachers Philip and Tina Burns: September 9, 12 and 19 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Designed for students aged 12 and up, this comprehensive master class series will focus on releasing tensions that directly affect vocal freedom, movement, technique and artistic expression.

The company's popular after-school, performance-based classes for youths aged 4-15 will continue in the coming year with a fresh lineup based on literary classics. The fall session, beginning September 15, will culminate in public performance of Shuddersome: Tales of Poe; Harriet the Spy will come to life during the winter session; and the academic year will close with Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox. Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. "This year, we are adding a bonus hour to each of our after-school classes for our Youth Troupe (aged 7-15)," said Roeder, "so that we can spend some more time focusing on fundamental skill-building."

Teens 13 and up have a special opportunity to take intensive classes through the theatre's Young Adult Performance Conservatory, as well. The classes are ideal for serious students of acting seeking a greater challenge in the classroom; and they will culminate in a studio performance of a classic work. Conservatory classes will be Monday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm, beginning September 14.

"I'm excited about the growth of our adult offerings," said Roeder, a veteran of Chicago's Second City and ImprovAcadia, "because really, why should kids have all the fun? I love hearing from folks mid-career or adapting to empty nests who say, 'Yes, it's my turn!'" In addition to the Musical Theatre Boot Camp, Penobscot Theatre Company's year-long master class series offers adults a chance to dip their toes in the world of theatre, delve into a topic of particular interest, or jump in with both feet. And the theatre's increasingly popular adult improv classes are back again, with a beginner's level class starting on September 16.

As a special offer, any adult registering for a class with a teen family member will receive 10% off one enrollment.