Acting classes offered through Town’s parks and recreation department
By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
With funding for the arts being nearly non-existent in the public school system, youngsters are truly missing out on a well-rounded educational experience, according to Apple Valley resident and acting coach Melanie Myers.
To help remedy the problem, Myers said she recently began offering affordable acting classes through the Town of Apple Valley’s parks and recreation department.
Along with her aim to teach character development, improvisation and other theater basics, Myers says she strives to give her students an outlet for self-expression and creative inspiration.
“I was always a very shy kid but I started participating in theater production as a freshman in high school,” said Myers, a graduate of Apple Valley High. “It really opened me up and I hope it will do the same for many others who might be afraid to come out of their shells.
“Already I’ve witnessed quite a few really quiet kids become confident individuals on the stage who I barely recognized. It has been so fantastic to watch them blossom.”
Earlier this year, Myers staged a production of “The Wizard of Oz,” as well as a murder mystery dinner theater. Her next show, “A Snow White Christmas,” is planned for December with a date to be announced later.
“ ‘A Snow White Christmas’ is pretty much the traditional story of Snow White but it is set at Christmastime,” said Myers. “It’s a really cute little play and will feature a younger cast of kids. It’s great for them because it’s not very demanding as far as a lot of lines needing to be learned.”
Myers’ workshops began on Aug. 13 and will be held every Wednesday through December in the James Woody Auditorium at 13467 Navajo Road.
The beginning class for youngsters ages 6 through 12 takes place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The advanced class for kids ages 12 and older is held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
“The advanced drama class will rehearse a Christmas play and perform it as a dinner theater show some time in December,” said Myers, who has directed plays at A Dancer’s Pointe studio in Apple Valley. “We recently put on a murder mystery dinner theatre show with over 35 kids and it was so successful we are expecting another great turnout.”
The fee for Myers’ classes is $32 per student per month. Additionally, there is a one-time material fee of $30, which covers scripts, costumes and props, Myers said.
“These classes are extremely important for the town and the community and I hope everyone who hears about them will help us get the word out,” said Myers, a costume and set design expert. “Considering how schools have been eliminating their arts programs, kids need a place to perform and this is just the place.
“Also, I can’t think of a better way for them to channel their creative energy and have lots of fun in the process.”
Visit www.applevalley.org for more information.