The Drama Studio will celebrate its upcoming 24th anniversary season with an Open House on September 2nd at 6PM. Young people who enjoy acting are encouraged to attend the event which will include a free 45 minute sample acting class.
 
The Open House will feature a tour of the facilities, a 10 minute video of the Drama Studio produced by local TV station WGBY, an introduction of the faculty, then a free acting class for ages 9-12 and 13-16. A separate program for prospective parents will be offered during the acting class period. The Open House will conclude with refreshments for prospective students and their parents.
 
The Studio, located at 41 Oakland Street in Springfield's Historic Forest Park area, offers the region's only conservatory-style acting training program for young people. Over 25 classes in acting technique are offered each year, ranging from introductory courses to such advanced courses as Comedy Improv, Acting Shakespeare, Scene Study, Musical Theatre, and Stage Combat. Over 2000 students have attended classes since the Studio opened in 1978, and graduates of the Studio are active in film, theatre, and television in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
 
In addition to its acting classes, the Drama Studio offers a wide range of performance opportunities for its students. All students can audition for roles in its three main stage productions as well as the Winter Shorts Festival of one-act plays and three touring productions to Springfield elementary schools. In addition, the Studio provides many opportunities for students to write plays, create new work, and develop skills in stage management and technical theatre. The Studio's facilities include a 63 seat Black Box theatre as well as two classrooms, workshops and offices.
 
The Studio provides a unique creative experience for adolescents in the greater Springfield area. Traditionally attracting some of the most creative young minds in the region, the Studio offers unusual opportunities for these college-bound students to stretch their wings in performance, playwriting, and production leadership.
 
The Studio is headed by its founder Steve Hays, who also served as founder and Producing Director of Stage West, an Equity regional theatre located at CityStage in Springfield.
 
Students who wish to attend the Open House should register online at the Studio's Website: www.dramastudio.org.
 
For additional information, please contact Jane Schneeloch at (413) 739-1983.