ASHLAND — Melanie Sweeney, director of education and outreach for the Paramount Arts Center, is pleased to release the schedule for the winter session of a newly formed Arts Academy.

 “We have several different sessions in various age groups,” Sweeney said, “and they all begin in January. What’s exciting is that there really is something for almost everyone.”

 For the little ones, there is Mother’s Morning Out. “Children ages 3-5 will enjoy a fun morning while mommy has some time for herself. This is an opportunity to have exposure to the arts at an early age and it will let them explore their creative side,” Sweeney explained.

 Of course parents are welcome to stay with their children if they prefer. These sessions are scheduled for January 14 and 27 and February 12 and 26, all from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Cost is $10 per session and advance registration is required since class size is limited.

 Daycare centers are welcome to register for these sessions as well. Topics include “Fun with Fairy Tales,” “Treasures of the Sea,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “Winter Wonderland.” Activities will include music, movement, arts and crafts and creative drama. Mrs. Sweeney, who holds a degree in arts education, will lead all sessions.

 Home schoolers can take advantage of The ABC’s of Acting, a six week class that will meet January 15,22, 29 and February 12, 19, and 26, all from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Here students will explore the elements of acting, terminology, audition skills, improvisation, creating a character and more. On the final day, students will present a short performance for their parents.

 “This is a great way to introduce arts into the home school curriculum,” Sweeney said. “We have had several requests from home schoolers in the past to offer this type of program and if the interest continues, there is the potential to continue with these by offering advanced sessions.”

 Cost of this class is $75 per student and is geared toward grades 3 - 9. A minimum of 10 students is required and those interested should pre-register by January 9.

 In addition to these classes that are offered in the mornings, there will be two classes offered as part of the Evening Academy. Creating a Character, geared toward students in grades 6 – 12, is a six week class meeting for three days in January and three days in February, from 5 – 6 p.m. Cost is $50 per student for all six classes.

 “This session is geared toward kids who want the maximum exposure to the arts in a particular discipline,” Sweeney explained. “For example, you may have students in a school play or community theater, who during the rehearsal period or even between projects, don’t have the opportunity to really focus on improving their skills. Study here will help them achieve their own personal goals and help them work toward reaching their maximum potential.

Since the class will be individualized for each participant, it isn’t necessary for students to have had any experience. “In fact,” Sweeney said, “this class is perfect for both beginning and experienced acting students as they will have input in their choice of monologue and it will be focused on their individual experience level.”

 No experience is required for the fourth session either, and it is open for students age 12 up through adults. Theatrical Dance will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 5 – 6 p.m. beginning January 13. Cost is $45 per person for a four week period and a minimum of five students is required.

 The dance class will be an on-going session that teaches skills and dance styles necessary to succeed in musical theater. Styles studied will include jazz, ballet, hip-hop, tap, lyrical and more. “Students, regardless of their age or experience level will learn to use their body effectively and confidently on stage,” Sweeney said.

 “Having worked in musical theater, I’ve seen a lot of students, especially male students, who come to auditions and their acting and singing skills are strong but they are intimidated by the dance number,” Sweeney said. “These classes take that fear out of the process, and allows them to become a real triple threat in their performance.”

 All classes will be held at the Paramount Arts Center.

 For questions about the program, please contact Melanie Sweeney, director of education and outreach at extension 311. To register, contact Sweeney or the Paramount Box Office at 606-324-3175. You may also email education@paramountartscenter.com with questions.

 

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