News

Playhouse's Studio 52 announces winter classes in auditions, theater, dance

By Bill Moss, Published: December 29, 2020

Flat Rock Playhouse’s Studio 52 announced virtual classes this winter for students from age 5 to adult in acting and theatre design as well as expanded programs for youth in musical theatre, acting, audition preparation, on-camera acting and Broadway dance.

Registration is open now. Those who sign up before Jan. 1, you’ll receive a 10 percent discount on tuition.

Classes will be taught by theatre professionals and Vagabonds including Studio 52 Director of Education Anna Kimmell, Flat Rock Playhouse Artistic Associate Matthew Glover, Marlane Barnes, Tania Battista, Lauren Hopkins, Dennis C. Maulden, Bill Muñoz and TJ Simba-Medel. The semester begins the week of Jan. 25 and runs for nine weeks.

Elementary-age artists can explore improvisation, characterization, costume design, and musical theatre in fun and engaging, age-appropriate theatre classes. Middle and high school students can hone their skills and connect with like-minded peers through acting, musical theatre, Broadway Dance, audition preparation and acting for the camera classes. Adults looking to embrace the arts hands-on can join Maluden, the veteran scenic designer, to learn the process of designing a show or learn acting basics from Munoz, a Vagabond and veteran actor, musician and stage manager.

Full and partial need-based scholarships are available for every class through the Dave Hart Scholarship Fund. Scholarship applications are on the Studio 52 website and the deadline is Jan. 11. For those inspired to donate, contributions to the Dave Hart Scholarship Fund are accepted on a rolling basis through the Flat Rock Playhouse website.

"This fall, Studio 52 hosted virtual theatre classes for young artists from all across the country,” Kimmell said. “We’ve received fantastic feedback from our students, and we’re building upon that success with the expansion of our virtual offerings in the new year. We have all-new programs for adults and classes in a wider-range of theatrical subjects. We've assembled an impressive team of teaching artists who are passionate about creating safe and exciting arts education for all ages. Now more than ever, we look to the arts for purpose, comfort, joy, and inspiration. Virtual theatre classes with Studio 52 are a meaningful way to connect with like-minded peers, hone your skills, and unlock your imagination."

Students can expect to participate in engaging Zoom classes, with a balance of ensemble work and personal feedback. The full list of classes including dates, times, and instructors can be found at frpstudio52.org. Register online or by calling the Box Office at (828) 693-0731. Payment plans are available through the box office.