Playhouse rolls out theater classes for K-12 students

MATTHEWS PLAYHOUSE

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts has announced theater classes for students from kindergarten to high school during the 2024-25 academic year.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is giving children a chance at learning theater from the ground up.

The nonprofit theater company is launching classes and student performance dates for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year. Studies have linked a background in performing arts to greater confidence and self-awareness in children as well as their abilities.

"Our acting classes and student productions are unique because they are led by some of our region’s most respected theater professionals," Matthews Playhouse education director Stefanie Nicholson said in a statement. "Students receive instruction from professional choreographers, theater educators, actors, and directors in a supportive and welcoming environment."

A theater background has also been shown to help children develop valuable communication and critical thinking skills.

"There is simply no substitute for the learning that occurs when a child experiences live theater,” Matthews Playhouse executive and artistic director Sarah Baumgardner said. “Not only does it stimulate the imagination, it opens young people up to new stories, people, and ideas."  

The theater’s classes feature a new curriculum that includes vocal lessons, homeschool classes, and adult programs. Registration is now open for:

• 2024-25 School of Theatre for students in grades K-12. Fall semester classes begin in September, and winter classes start in December.

Participants will build on material learned each week in class and will be eligible to audition for spring 2025 School of Theatre productions: Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark KIDS (March 2025); Arabian Nights (March 2025); Meerkat Mail -(April 2025); Disney's Aladdin Jr. - (April 2025).

• Private voice lessons. Vocal coaches focus on breath control, pitch matching, harmony, audition preparation, and more.

• Grades 9-12 musical theatre and dance classes: Courses for high school students open to all experience levels.

• Adult acting classes: For beginners, experienced actors, and non-performers who are interested in improving public speaking skills.

• Technical theatre classes for grades 9-12: Courses for students interested in technical theatre and design. No prior experience required.

• Homeschool arts classes:  Tuesday classes cover artistic disciplines with an eight-week session format, that wraps with a showcase performance. Students will get personalized evaluations and certificates, with older students receiving semester-end grades based on homeschool requirements.

Field trips for schools and homeschool groups. Weekday performances to enhance and support classroom curriculum.

Matthews Playhouse is booking school groups and homeschool groups for:

• “Scrooge! The Musical:” The musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol" recommended for ages 8 and up. Weekday school performances will be available Dec. 13-20.

• “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory:” Roald Dahl’s story, recommended for ages 8 and up. Weekday school performances Feb. 17-28, 2025.

For more information, visit www.matthewsplayhouse.com or call (704) 846-8343.

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