Davidson Community Players is now offering year-round drama classes and theatrical productions for preschoolers through teenagers through its Connie Company youth theater group. Drama and acting classes begin after Labor Day, Sept. 1, at the Players’ new home in the Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St.

Students will study with theater professionals in an authentic theater environment. Classes for preschoolers and young elementary students will be geared toward team building, self confidence and a basic understanding of theater arts through creative dramatics and storytelling. Classes for teens and tweens will focus on improvisation, rehearsal and performance skills.

The first session includes classes for preschool children on Tuesday mornings, and elementary aged children on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Classes for families who homeschool will be offered on Wednesdays.

Classes are 60-75 minutes long, and are affordably priced at $10 to $15 per class hour. Sessions vary in length from six to 12 weeks.

PRODUCTIONS BEGIN IN JANUARY

Youth productions will begin in January 2009 with Davidson Community Players’ annual joint production with Davidson College theater department. This year’s production will be Rupert Barber’s lighthearted adaptation of the classic fairy tale “Cinderella.” It will be performed in the newly renovated Barber Theatre on the campus of Davidson College.

Following Cinderella will be the company’s first touring production, “The Bully Show!” by Brian Guehring. This interactive play involves youth audience members as participants in the pilot episode of a new game show. As the game show progresses, it becomes evident that the host himself is a bully, and the audience is engaged first hand as the assistants struggle to keep things on track.

“The Bully Show!” challenges upper elementary and middle school students to reconsider assumptions about bullies and victims and will stimulate further discussions on the issue. The production opens in February 2009 at the Armour Street Theatre, and is also available to tour area schools.

In May 2009, DCP will produce “The House at Pooh Corner,” based on the A.A. Milne classic. Open auditions for actors ages 8 to 17 will be held in February. The production will be directed by Connie Company Artistic Director Melissa Ohlman-Roberge, and will provide a great learning experience for young actors.

All classes, workshops and productions are open to the public. In keeping with its mission to encourage community participation in the dramatic arts, scholarships are available. For details, contact Melissa Ohlman-Roberge at Davidson Community Players at 704 892-7953 or ncmor@aol.com ; or check the Davidson Community Players website at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

Davidson Community Players is a non-profit organization established in 1965 to produce theater that entertains, enriches and encourages community participation in the dramatic arts.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Connie’s Kids: Classes for Preschoolers
Preschool classes focus on working together, storytelling and basic theatre games. Children have opportunities to work together as well as solo, building self-confidence in a fun and creative manner. Each session culminates with a sharing for parents and friends.

Ages 4-5 Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30
September 2-October 14 & October 21-December 9
6 classes (each session), $65. Register for both sessions and receive $10 off!
Temporary class location: Habitat for Humanity offices, 29414 N. Main Street, next to the Habitat Restore*

Connie Company jr.: Classes for
Elementary and Homeschool
Theatre Play & Improvisation
This class covers a broad range of theatre games, improvisation techniques and basic performance skills. Students work as members of a team, building important cooperation and collaboration skills. Opportunities for individual and small group work will build self confidence, all in a laid back, fun atmosphere. The session culminates with a sharing for family and friends.

Grades 3-5 Wednesdays, 4:30-5:45
September 17-December 3
12 classes, $150
Temporary class location: Children’s Community School, 565 Griffith Street, Davidson*

Goin’ Global
Explore stories, poems and music from around the world while building important collaboration skills. Experience theatre games and learn basic performance skills in a fun and creative environment. Each session culminates with a sharing for family and friends.

Grades K-2 Saturdays 10am-11:15
September 6-October 11, October25-December 6
6 classes (each session), $65. Register for both sessions and receive $10 off!
Temporary class location: Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main Street, Davidson*

Theatre play & Improvisation for Homeschoolers
Exploe a broad range of theatre games, improvisation techniques and basic performance skills. Students will work as members of a team, building important cooperation and collaboration skills. Opportunities for differentiated, individual and small group work will build self confidence. The session culminates with a sharing for family and friends.

Ages 10-14 Wednesdays, 1:00-2:15
September 17-December 3
12 classes, $150 (Group rate available, call for rates)
Temporary class location: Habitat for Humanity Offices, 29414 N. Main Street, next to the Habitat Restore*

*All classes will move to the Armour Street Theatre beginning in November 2008.