News

Playhouse announces virtual classes at Studio 52

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 3, 2020

Flat Rock Playhouse’s Studio 52 is offering virtual classes this fall for students near and far.

There are classes open to students in kindergarten all the way through high school seniors with options for acting and musical theatre. Classes will be taught by theatre professionals and Vagabonds including Studio 52 Director of Education Anna Kimmell, Flat Rock Playhouse Artistic Director and Artistic Associate Lisa K. Bryant and Matthew Glover, Betsy Bisson, Tania Battista and Flat Rock Playhouse newcomer TJ Medel. The semester begins the week of Sept. 21 and runs for nine weeks.

For younger artists, there are classes available for K-2nd grades and 3rd-5th grades where students learn the basics and fun-damentals of theatre including improvisation, acting through movement, and creative play. For older artists, there are classes for 6th-8th grades and 9th-12th grades that dive further into theatre and music theatre with self-scripting, scene work, and even audition prep. Full and partial scholarships are available through the Dave Hart Scholarship Fund. Scholarship applications are on the Studio 52 website and the deadline is September 4. For those inspired to donate, contributions to the Dave Hart Scholarship Fund are accepted on a rolling basis through the Flat Rock Playhouse website.

“Theatre has never been more important than it is right now,” says Studio 52 Director of Education Anna Kimmell. “Not only do these classes give students a chance to connect through a shared passion and develop their talents in theatre arts, but they’re also learning valuable life skills like communication, problem solving, and creativity. All of these have proven instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The announcement of Kimmell joining as Director of Education was shared on August 21. She comes to the Playhouse from Arkansas Repertory Theatre where she also worked as Director of Education.

 Visit the Studio 52 website for a full list of classes including dates, times, and instructors. Register online or call the Box Office at (828) 693-073. Registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 17.