Taking center stage: Bonnie Kate offers children early start at performing
Published 5:05 pm Monday, January 29, 2018
- Star File Photo The Bonnie Kate Theater is giving up-and-coming performers the chance to hone their craft with theater classes in Februrary. Children have done their part to help with the restoration at the theater. Pictured (in no order) Haylie Pointe, Sarah Ellis, Abby Ellis, Greyson Simerly, Reily Whitson, Emilee Whitson and Aubrey Cole join together on stage during a recent performance.
You’re never too young to learn the basics of the performing arts.
At least that’s the current mentality at the Bonnie Kate Theater when it comes to upcoming events in 2018.
Marcia Ross, events coordinator at the Bonnie Kate, recently announced children from the area will have the chance to participate in an eight-week youth theatre class to learn the ins and outs about what it takes to be a performer.
Geared from youth between the ages of 6 and 10 years old, students will go through an eight-week series of teachings each Tuesday, ranging from storytelling, acting, set and costume work. Classes start Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 4 p.m. Ross added that there is a $50 registration fee to take part in the class. Children will have the chance to strut their stuff during a performance on April 7.
Encouraging the youth to participate in the arts is nothing out of the ordinary for Ross, who has worked with children as an instructor, and that mentality and dedication to the Bonnie Kate has paid dividends.
Along with the regular theatrical performances, more children-based activities have been a success for the facility, according to the coordinator. Near standing-room-only attendance typically greets children’s performances and just recently, the facility was able to offer a showing of the Disney movie “Frozen” which was met with a positive response from the public.
“We want to be something for people of all ages. It is great to see the children get involved with the different performances and be so involved,” Ross recently told the Elizabethton Star.
While the Bonnie Kate works with the future performers of the community, other productions are on the horizon for the month of February.
Keeping excitement brewing has been exciting for the individuals involved with the Bonnie Kate Restoration Project, Ross added. The facility is still accepting donations to assist with renovations and improvements at the Bonnie Kate, with the pressing issue being repairs to the roof.
To learn more about the happenings at the facility, visit bonniekatetheater.com, the Bonnie Kate Theater Restoration Project or call (423) 895-1762.
