A new school for theatre and allied arts opened its doors in Hope this week.
The joint venture between Hope Performing Arts Community Theatre and Lori’s Piano Studio offers students the Music for Young Children program; dance classes for children, adults, youth and seniors; voice lessons; acting lessons; self protection courses; and a variety of workshops, group and private lessons. Currently registered students span in age from two to 85.
“It’s a one-stop shop for the arts,” said co-owner and instructor Cheryl Lynne Lacey. “The goal is just to make it a real community place. We want children and youth to recognize the importance of being part of the community through participation in community events.”
Students are given a free membership to the community theatre group and will have the opportunity to participate in theatrical shows and presentations. Lacey hopes the school will help foster community spirit. Participation in the arts not only increases literacy skills, but improves self-esteem through social networking, she added.
Over the last year, the theatre group participated in numerous events including Concerts in the Park, Story Time in the Park, Run for Hospice, and the Cariboo Wagon Road 150th anniversary celebration. They also presented the Christmas pantomime Beauty, the Baron and the Beast; Musical Monster Mash; and Fool’s Gold. Hope Performing Arts Community Theatre is currently looking to cast for its new production Broadway and Beyond, and will be introducing the Broadway Babies, children from the dance and music studio.
Hope School for Community Theatre and Allied Arts is located on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Wallace Street. For more information, contact Lacey at 604-206-7227, Lori Steberl at 604-869-6478, or email hopepact@gmail.com or lorispianostudio@gmail.com. Regular updates on program offerings can be found on the Hope Performing Arts Community Theatre Facebook page.