SALISBURY — Piedmont Players Theatre is excited to announce the fourth season of its Youth Theatre Academy.

Directed by Director and Choreographer Gwen Matthews, the program is designed around students who have a passion for theatre and a desire to improve their skills and techniques. Matthews will guide students through a structured curriculum spanning 14 weeks, beginning in October. Students will continue to develop their craft and learn how to take their theater performance to the next level.

The program is designed to be the most exciting extracurricular activity a young student can experience while building a foundation of confidence and poise that will serve the students into adulthood. It will begin on Oct. 3, with a break in December and resuming in January. This year’s program will offer two new classes for third through 12th grade students.

Available classes: 

Mondays — 6:45pm to 8:15pm — “Tackling the One Act.” For students in sixth through 12th grade students. The first semester runs from Oct. 9 to Nov. 20, and the second semester runs from Jan. 8, 2018 to Feb. 18, 2018. Tuition is $300, and includes both semesters.  

This class is designed to give the student a short, but intense experience in performing a one act play. The plays will give students the chance to develop a character, plot and story line in a single act. Students will have the opportunity to improve their memorization techniques. Additionally, some reader’s theater will be used. Students will sharpen their acting skills in both genres of drama and comedy. The program will finish with a showcase performance for parents at the end of each semester.

Tuesdays – 6:45pm to 8:15pm — “Shall We Dance?” For students in fifth through 12th grade. The first semester runs from Oct. 3 to Nov. 21 – there will be no class on Halloween day — and the second semester runs from Jan. 9, 2018 to Feb. 20, 2018. Tuition is $300, and includes both semesters.

This class is designed to acquaint students with dance for musical theater auditions. The students will learn various theatrical dance styles with influences from “West Side Story,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Finnegan’s Rainbow,” “Shrek,” “High School Musical 2” and others. Both newcomers to the stage and students with previous stage training will benefit from this focused curriculum. Dance or yoga shoes are highly recommended. Parents are welcome to the last class of each semester to observe a showcase of their child’s talents.

How to register

With a limited number of spots available this fall, registration is available by calling 704-633-5471 or by stopping by the Piedmont Player offices on the second floor of the Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. in downtown Salisbury. Complete details about the program and to download a registration form visit PiedmontPlayers.com