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Matthews Playhouse School of Theatre Spring 2022 Production of 'Animal Farm' - Photography @ Tom Henderson Photography
“There is simply no substitute for the learning that occurs when a child experiences live theatre. Not only does it stimulate the imagination, it opens young people up to new stories, people, and ideas.” - Matthews Playhouse Managing Director, Sarah Baumgardner
Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts, known for its popular theatre education programs and live performances for young people, has announced its School of Theatre acting class schedule and student performance dates for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. Since launching in the 1990s, thousands of children of all ages and backgrounds in the South Charlotte, Mecklenburg, and Union County region have benefited from performing arts classes and productions at the theatre.
“Our acting classes and student productions are unique because they are led by some of our region’s most respected theatre professionals,” says Matthews Playhouse Executive Director, Sarah Baumgardner. “Our students receive instruction from professional choreographers, theatre educators, actors, and directors who pass along valuable lessons for up-and-coming performers based on years of experience working in performing arts companies all over the country.”
Matthews Playhouse School of Theatre Spring 2022 Production of 'Oaklahoma' - Photography @ Tom Henderson Photography
“Our theatre education programs and outreach is an asset to the community,” says Matthews Playhouse Education Director, Stefanie Nicholson. “We strive to extend opportunities to students of all ages, regardless of background, in a creative, supportive atmosphere.” Registrations for the 2022-2023 Matthews Playhouse School of Theatre classes are now underway. Classes will begin the week of September 12, 2022 and will continue through February 10, 2023. Students that participate in the program will build on material learned each week in class and will be eligible to audition for the following Spring 2023 School of Theatre productions:
The Chocolate War- March 17-18, 2023
School Dayz March 18, 2023
Miss Nelson Is Missing March 18-19, 2023
Matilda Jr. March 24 -25, 2023
Zombie Prom March 25-26, 2023
Parents who want to learn more about the School of Theatre classes and/or register their children may do so by going to www.matthewsplayhouse.com/classes222. Anyone who registers before August 12, 2022 will receive $20 off their class registrations.
School Performances
Rainbow Fish- Winter 2022 Photography @ Tom Henderson Photography
In addition to its School of Theatre, Matthews Playhouse offers day-time school performances of its mainstage productions in September 2022 and February 2023. Multiple studies have linked the performing arts to vocabulary development and reading comprehension skills. “There is simply no substitute for the learning that occurs when a child experiences live theatre,” says Baumgardner. “Not only does it stimulate the imagination, it opens young people up to new stories, people, and ideas.”
School performance dates for the 2022-2023 school year are as follows:
Princess Fearless- September 26, 27, 29, 30 @ 9:30 am &11:30am
Seussical The Musical- February 27, 28, and March 2, 3 @ 9:30am & 11:30am
Educators interested in field trip opportunities are encouraged to visit www.matthewsplayhouse.com or call (704) 846-8343.