Youth

Saturday Morning Youth Workshops

Children’s Theatre Workshop

This exciting workshop for ages 9 to 15 culminates in a Fine Arts Center Black Box Theatre performance of The Prince and the Pauper. Director Matthew Grandpré leads students through a 13-week program that includes dramatic exercises as well as rehearsals. Audition details will be mailed upon enrollment. Auditions will be held the first Saturday of the workshop, Aug. 10 at 9 am. Additional rehearsals may be called for some Friday evenings.

56261; $275, Thirteen Saturdays, Aug 10 – Nov 16 (no class Nov 9); 9 am-noon; BRCC Fine Arts Center, Black Box Theatre, V135.

Tech Week: Sun, Nov 17, 2-7 pm; Tues – Thurs, Nov 19-21, 6-9 pm

Performances: Fri-Sat, Nov 22-23, 7 pm; and Sun, Nov 24, 3 pm

The Prince and the Pauper. Mark Twain’s classic tale comes to life onstage, freely and masterfully adapted with dynamic female roles, creative staging and a perfect balance of poignant and hilarious moments. When Edward Tudor, Prince of Wales, sees poor Tom Canty mistreated by one of his guards, he invites the pauper into the palace for a bite to eat. After conversing about each other’s lives, the prince suggests they exchange clothing for fun — in Tom’s rags, the prince looks like a “peacock fell in the mud ’n’ froze” while Tom claims the royal regalia is so heavy it’s “like to break me back.” But the fun and games soon become harsh reality when the prince’s guards mistake Edward for the pauper and throw him into the street while Tom is ushered in to handle important stately affairs — which he fumbles through with hilarity and later, poise. Wearing each other’s shoes (literally), the boys discover what it’s like “on the other side,” and it doesn’t take long for each of them to appreciate the life they always knew. What they each learn about the other’s world will illuminate their lives — and yours — forever. This heartfelt comedy features some of the most unique character roles you will ever see in a children’s production.

Matthew Grandpré has been involved in 87 musical and theatrical productions, winning acting awards for his portrayal of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Riff in West Side Story, Lt. Dawson in A Few Good Men, Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof and Dallas Winston in The Outsiders. Among his directing credits: Fiddler on the Roof, Ragtime, To Kill A Mockingbird, Les Miserables, and last fall’s Children’s Theatre Workshop production of Oliver Twist. Matthew has worked at five music studios, served as vocal or music director for seven high school productions, and directed three children’s choirs. He graduated cum laude from Cal State Northridge with a degree in Music Education and received his Special Education teaching credential from Cal State Bakersfield. A teacher’s aide for the Waynesboro Public Schools’ Phoenix Program, he is currently writing a book and original play with a musical score.

Creative Writing Workshop ^NEW

Let your imagination soar! Instructor Jane Dekle will engage students (ages 9 to 12) in fun activities, followed by time to reflect and write. Experiences will include taking field trips, viewing beautiful artwork, discussing historical figures and favorite animals, as well as meaningful life experiences, and making up stories just for fun! Illustrations and other art projects are also part of the fun! Come see just how far your imagination can take you! The workshop will culminate with a reception, where you can read your favorite pieces to family and friends.

56262; $149, Six Saturdays, Sept 28-Nov 2, 9am-noon; BRCC Plecker Center, Computer Lab, P101; Reading/Reception on Saturday, Nov 9, 11 am-noon

Jane Dekle, a kindergarten teacher at Bessie Weller Elementary, graduated from Radford University with a BA in Journalism, and minor in English, and later earned her Post Baccalaureate Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Education. She has taught 12 years in Staunton City Schools, in third grade and kindergarten. Jane is especially interested in writing, and strives to help her students use the written word to become better communicators.

Pottery Workshop

Designed for 12- to 16-year-olds, this hands-on workshop provides a unique opportunity to discover the wonderful world of pottery! In just eight sessions, instructor Arnesa Lind will teach you how to throw cups, bowls and other shapes on the potter’s wheel, as well as create hand-built pots using coil- and slab-building techniques. The basics of textures and ways to make different marks, as well as the glazing process, will be covered. No prior ceramics experience is necessary. The workshop concludes with a reception and exhibition to show your work. Space is limited, so register early!

56263; $189, Eight Saturdays, Sept 21 – Nov 9; 9:30 am-noon; BRCC Fine Arts Center, Ceramics Studio, V113; Reception/Exhibition Saturday, Nov 16, 11 am -noon.

Instructor Arnesa Lind, who began working with clay as an undergraduate student, earned her Art Education degree from Radford, and completed a Master’s degree in Education from James Madison University. She has taught art in Augusta County Schools for more than 30 years, always including pottery in her curriculum. Now the pottery teacher at Fort Defiance High School, Arnesa continues to hone her skills as a regular participant in Phill Ungar’s continuing education pottery classes at BRCC.

Ukulele Workshop

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could learn to play the ukulele? If you are aged 9 to 13 and love music, this is the workshop for you! Not only is the ukulele a totally hip instrument, featured in many current pop acts; it is also very easy to learn! In this fun, 6-week workshop, instructor John Dull will teach you 3 to 4 songs you will play in a recital to show off your new skills to family and friends! Ukuleles provided for classroom use.

56266; $149, Six Saturdays, Sept. 14-Oct 19; 9 am -noon; BRCC Fine Arts Center, V203. Reception/Recital on Saturday, Oct 26, 11 am-noon.

Musician John Dull received his Master of Music degree from East Carolina University in music theory and composition, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bridgewater College in music, focusing on guitar. For nearly a decade, John has taught dozens of private guitar students in North Carolina and Virginia, teaching a variety of styles from classical to folk to rock and beyond. John is currently adjunct Professor of Music (Composition) at Eastern Mennonite University, Guitar Instructor for the Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music Program at EMU, and the Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Staunton.

Classes for High School Students

SAT I Prep

There’s a lot riding on your SAT scores. Instructors Judy Hevener and Sam Alexander at BRCC’s Augusta Center OR Abigail Montgomery and Karen Ruozzi at the BRCC Harrisonburg Center help you prepare to deal successfully with exam topics ranging from writing to critical reading and math. Learn about short passages, long passages, and paired passages that test reading comprehension, as well as higher level math questions (geometric notation, basic trigonometry, and new statistics concepts), and the required essay. Bring pencils, notebook, and a scientific/graphing calculator. Required text available at BRCC Bookstore, The Official SAT Study Guide.

56256; $150; Six Mondays, Sep 16-Oct 21, 6-9 pm; BRCC Augusta Center 56259; $150; Six Wednesdays, Sep 18-Oct 23, 6-9 pm; BRCC Harrisonburg Center

Special Summer SAT I Prep Session

30545; $150; M-F, July 15-19, 9am-12:30pm; BRCC Weyers Cave, Plecker Center

Instructors: Judy Hevener and Karen Ruozzi