Broad River Theatre Company

Broad River Area Theatre Studio

Contact Persons: Jerry Stafford, Managing Director, Amy Drake, Artistic Director

Email: jstafford@broadrivertheatre.org, adrake@broadrivertheatre.org 

Broad River Theatre Company is pleased to announce the opening semester of its theatre education program, Broad River Area Theatre Studio (BRATS). The first semester of this much anticipated program begins January 9, 2007 at the ART Center in Hartwell, GA, and is open to children ages 5-8, 9-12 and 13-17. As the only local studio of its kind focusing on theatrical performance, BRATS' initial classes offered will be in beginning acting. These sessions will focus on all aspect of theatre, from use of the voice, to stage movement, character development, script interpretation and overcoming anxiety and nerves before performance. Beginning in January, courses will be offered each Tuesday and Thursday evening, with periodic showcase performances to exhibit the student's work and progress, and an end of semester production to be held in May. There will be a two week summer workshop held in June, and the fall semester will begin again in September, running through December. Private instruction is also available. As they expand, BRATS also plans to offer specific classes and workshops in different areas of theatre such as voice and diction, audition preparation, set design and construction, as well as many more for all ages from children to adults. Classes will be instructed by BRTC's artistic director, Amy Drake, as well as by managing director Jerry Stafford. At the helm, Ms. Drake holds a BFA in theatre performance, has both managed and performed in children's touring theatre, as well as performed onstage as a professional actress. Both Stafford and Drake are seasoned performers, have served in all aspects of theatre on the community, university and regional settings, and have worked with children in an educational environment. They are excited to share their knowledge and experience with our area youth through this unique program.

A growing theatre company, BRTC was formed in May, 2006 and quickly became popular with their first successful production, Standing Ovations, in August. With a full season of productions planned for 2007, they will again present a concert style musical revue paying tribute to the music of Billy Joel in April, will bring Shakespeare's classic comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream in August, and will finish their season with the widely popular ghost story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow next October.

For more information on BRATS beginning acting classes, please contact Amy Drake via email at adrake@broadrivertheatre.org, or by telephone at 706.283.5910. Additional information is also available on the BRTC website at www.broadrivertheatre.org.