COURTESY MATTHEWS PLAYHOUSE

Matthews Playhouse is launching theater education programs and live performances for young audiences during the 2022-23 academic year.

Student thespians can sharpen their stagecraft at Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts.

The playhouse, which offers theatre education programs and live performances for young people, has announced its School of Theatre acting class schedule and student performance dates for the 2022-23 academic year. Thousands of students from south Charlotte, Mint Hill, Matthews, and Union County have participated in playhouse initiatives and productions since the 1990s.

“Our acting classes and student productions are unique because they are led by some of our region’s most respected theatre professionals,” Matthews Playhouse executive director Sarah Baumgardner said. “Our students receive instruction from professional choreographers, theatre educators, actors, and directors who pass along valuable lessons for up-and-coming performers based on years of experience working in performing arts companies all over the country.”

Parents who want to learn more about  classes or register their children can go online  to www.matthewsplayhouse.com/classes222. Everyone who registers before Aug. 12 will get a $20 discount.

“Our theatre education programs and outreach is an asset to the community,” Matthews Playhouse education director Stefanie Nicholson said. “We strive to extend opportunities to students of all ages, regardless of background, in a creative, supportive atmosphere.”

Studies have shown there are benefits of performing on young people, such as vocabulary development and reading comprehension. “There is simply no substitute for the learning that occurs when a child experiences live theatre,” Baumgardner said. “Not only does it stimulate the imagination, it opens young people up to new stories, people, and ideas.”

Registration for School of Theatre classes are underway, and classes are Sept. 12-Feb. 10, 2023. Participants will build on material learned in class weekly in and will be eligible to audition for spring 2023 productions:

The Chocolate War (March 17-18)

School Dayz (March 18)

Miss Nelson Is Missing “March 18-19)

Matilda Jr. (March 24-25)

Zombie Prom (March 25-26)

The playhouse also has daytime performances of mainstage productions in September and February.

Performance dates for the academic year are:

• Princess Fearless- September 26, 27, 29, 30 @ 9:30 a.m.  and11:30 a.m.

• Seussical The Musical- February 27, 28, and March 2, 3 @ 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Teachers who are interested in field trip opportunities can visit www.matthewsplayhouse.com or call (704) 846-8343.

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