From staff reports
The Barrow-Civic Theatre offers a variety of on-stage productions and community events throughout the year, and will now expand its offerings through a newly developed arts education program called Barrow Theatre Institute, with courses available for children through adults.
The mission of the program is to enrich and empower individuals of all ages through high-quality creative arts education. Such opportunities will happen in the evenings and on weekends to allow for after-school and after-work attendance.
Professionals or experts in the subject areas will teach the workshops, which are designed to enhance current skills or develop new ones, with the hope of generating renewed and additional interest in the arts. Workshops will revolve around theater experiences, with instructors creating the content and identifying the parameters for participation.
This fall, the following workshops are available for enrollment:
– A Movement for Actors class, taught by Casey McVay and Hannah McCarthy, will be offered to adults and youth, age 15 and up, featuring basic technique instruction, fitness and well-being, and musical theater dance choreography.
– Voice I, taught by Zachary Covington, will be offered for junior youth and senior youth.
– Two acting workshops, one for youths and one for adults, both taught by Judy Millar, will focus on theater history and the basic skills of acting through scenes and monologues.
– An Improv-ination class for children, taught by Deanna Wolfgong, will focus on introducing children to the world of theater through improvisation and imagination. The course will include games, teamwork activities, self-esteem building, with an exploration of vocal and physical capabilities.
– A spooky and fun class for adults called Makeup F/X Workshop, led by Lilly Rice and Jenna Ronchi, will be offered one day only on Oct. 14. Participants create the ultimate Halloween characters in the Barrow’s dressing room, where they can watch their creations come to life. Space is limited for this class.
Next spring, BTI will complete its first year of offerings with a voice and acting combo class for adults, a children’s mini-Mozarts workshop, a youth Voice II workshop, a Playwriting and Directing class for senior youth, and another children’s Improv-ination class, with plans to continue and expand courses.
Professionals who are interested in instructing courses can inquire by calling 432-5196 or emailing bti@barrowtheatre.com.
With opportunities like these, the Barrow-Civic Theatre hopes that interest in its programs and theatrical productions will continue to grow and provide Venango County and surrounding areas with many more enjoyable years of performance art.
Fall courses begin the last week of September.
People may register or request more information by going online to www.barrowtheatre.com, calling the theater at (814) 437-3440 or visiting the Barrow-Civic Theatre at 1223 Liberty St. in Franklin.
