'Alleghany Theatre Works' Theatre Classes Have Begun at The Historic Masonic Theatre   Clifton Forge, VA (Oct. 9, 2019) - The Historic Masonic Theatre is proud to introduce our educational theater program, Alleghany Theatre Works (ATW). Jeff Stern, Historic Masonic Theatre executive director says, “We created ATW to give creative kids a place to learn, explore, and perform. Throughout the year, we'll offer ongoing classes and performance opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school-aged actors. ATW is overseen by former English and theatre educator, Donna Beirne, and features a core group of experienced educators, technicians, and directors”. The Theatre classes are taught by Jacy Burdette. A native of the Alleghany Highlands, Jacy Burdette is an award-winning director and theatre educator. Having earned her theatre degree from the University of Virginia at Wise, Jacy has directed numerous plays including The Yellow Boat, which won the Virginia One-Act State Championship. In the summer of 2018, Jacy worked at a Governor’s school in Virginia where high school students earn college credits teaching theatre to high school students. She developed and implemented a theatre arts curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students. She has worked with numerous elementary age children, many of whom are disadvantaged or who have special needs. In her instruction, Jacy uses the three basic building blocks of theatre - the body, the voice, and the imagination to help students become the best they can be. Jacy brings her passion and her love of theatre and all its possibilities to the Historic Masonic Theatre. The first series of classes, “Curtain Warmers” runs through October 24 and meet every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The class is composed of theater games, improvisation exercises, and mask making. Students will learn to work together as a team to create. The final class will be a “sharing” performance. Showcase, October 26 at 1:00 pm. The next series of classes are “Curtain Call I” and runs from November 7 through January 9 every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. These classes are designed for children nine to thirteen years old. Students will learn about acting and technical theatre with plenty of hands-on activities. Students will learn basic production skills and participate in theatrical exercises. The class will culminate in a showcase of the students’ works. Showcase is on January 11 at 2:00 pm. Requirements: Reading Skills The next series of classes are “Curtain Call II” designed for ages ten through fourteen. A continuation of Curtain Call I, students will sharpen their theatrical skills including improvisation, recording and implementing stage blocking, developing a character for a production, warming up body and voice for performance, rehearsing and publicly performing a play, directing others in small performance pieces, playwriting, understanding the role of the stage manager, and how to use costumes, makeup, props and set to enhance a performance. Classes run every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm from January 30 through March 12. Showcase will take place on March 14 at 1:00 pm. Requirements: Curtain Call I or by audition. If you would want to get involved with ATW as a director, instructor, assistant or technician, send a message to the Theatre’s Facebook page or email the Theatre at info@historicmasonictheatre.com. For more information on The Historic Masonic Theatre’s shows, events or classes please visit www.historicmasonictheatre.com, call our Box Office at 540 862 5655 or drop by during Theatre office hours from 10:00 to 3:00 every week day.

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