Registration Now Open For Roxy Regional Theatre's School Of The Arts

Budding young performers and adults interested in honing their craft or discovering a new passion will have a creative outlet this fall, with the return of the Roxy Regional Theatre's School of the Arts educational programming.

In March, the School of the Arts had to be suspended and the students' production of Bye Bye Birdie Jr. cancelled, due to recommendations from state and local officials regarding the escalating COVID-19 pandemic and in the interest of the safety of the young performers, patrons and staff.

"That left close to sixty students without a full-time artistic home and, more importantly, took away the safe place in which they all love to grow and blossom," Roxy Regional Theatre Executive Director Ryan Bowie said. "But I am happy to report that the School of the Arts will be back in September, looking a little different and expanded."

Those differences include the presence of a number of safety measures, including extra cleaning between classes and limiting class sizes to no more than ten students to allow for proper social distancing. Facial coverings to mask the nose and mouth will also be required for staff and students, and sanitizing stations will be located throughout the building.

Since 1995, the Roxy Regional Theatre has been introducing youth to the experience of live theatre and expanding their knowledge of the craft through the School of the Arts. While, in the past, the program has only been offered to those aged 9 to 18, this year the School of the Arts has been expanded to also serve adults 18 years of age and older.

The Fall 2020 session runs September 7 through December 19. Classes meet once per week for one hour. Evening and weekend class times are being offered to provide greater flexibility around school and work schedules.

Along with Bowie -- who will be teaching courses on "Musical Theatre Dance" and "Theatre History" -- instructors include company member Sara Anderson with "Relaxation and Body Awareness" and "Public Speaking;" technical director and company member Matthew Combs with "Improvisation," "Comedy," "Playwriting Forum" and "Movement for the Stage;" videographer and company member David Graham with "Acting Basics" and "Vocalization;" and production stage manager Kenneth L. Waters, Jr. with "Sound Design 101," "QLab Training" and "Stage Management."

Tuition starts at $100/month per class, with discounts available for multiple class registrations. Visit www.roxyregionaltheatre.org/schoolofthearts for registration, class descriptions, schedule and instructor information. The registration deadline for all classes is Saturday, September 5, and space is limited.

The Roxy Regional Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing professional live theatre and promoting the arts, with emphasis on education, in Clarksville, Middle Tennessee and the Southeast. The theatre is located at 100 Franklin Street in Historic Downtown Clarksville. For more information, visit www.roxyregionaltheatre.org.