Each semester, Pike County Extension for Fine Arts partners with Artists Collaborative Theatre (ACT) in Elkhorn City to offer theatre classes to students in grades K – 12. The completely tuition-free after school classes are one of our biggest and most well received programs. Every aspect of the classes is free; students are even given snacks and transported to the theatre and back completely free of charge.

This year, we had 40-50 students attend the classes each semester. The students learned acting skills, set design, lighting and sound board techniques, and assisted in the construction of their costumes. Through theatre, they also learn social skills, responsibility, and self-worth. Parent of each child report not only an increase in their children’s self-esteem, but a deeper connection to the world.

Each semester, students spend part of the class time rehearsing a full-length play. They present their play onstage, just as the adult company does, for two weeks. Then, they take the show on the road to Pike County school students.  This year, the students performed Peter Pan, Jr and Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.  We visited five schools during Peter Pan, Jr where approximately 1,500 students were able to experience live theatre. We are currently scheduling tours for The Lion King, Jr.

Parents in our area save $32,500 in theatre class tuition fees per year (based on local rates) with the tuition-free program.