Deadline Saturday for CCP classes

If you’ve heard about Cumberland County Theatre’s ongoing smash hit production of CATS, you might be surprised to learn that in addition to Broadway veterans and seasoned actors from all over the nation, there are also 19 “homegrown” actors starring in CATS. These are the children and teens who train in Cumberland County Playhouse’s dance, theatre, and voice classes that have been a major part of the Playhouse for 25 years. There are also many veterans of the 25-year program who are performing.

If you would like for a child or teen in your family to take dance, theatre, and/or voice lessons, please be at the Open House and pre-registration for students and parents interested in 2003-04 Dance and Theater Education Programs on Saturday, July 19 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon at the Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Avenue, Crossville. New students as well as returning students and their families are invited.

In addition to classical ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, and adult movement, the 2003-04 season will include new classes in popular and classical singing, modern dance, intro and advanced musical theater, plus Broadway and Rockette dance styles with CATS director/choreographer Stephanie Lang, who returns from New York to direct the Broadway tap musical 42nd Street in September.

“This is such an unparalleled opportunity for the children, teens, and adults of our area,” said Jim Crabtree, Producing Director. “We have just named our Ballet Master Eldar Valiev, director of dance. Eldar and his wife, Ballerina Lilia Valieva, assistant director, both trained at the Russia’s Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg. Internationally, most professionals consider it the most important ballet school in the world. The Kirov is the company which originated the Nutcracker 100 years ago, for example,” said Crabtree.

“Were excited about the leadership, the world-class training, and the high standards Eldar and Lilia bring to our program,” notes Playhouse Producing Director Jim Crabtree. “Many other favorite, notable dance instructors and their classes will be announced at our Open House, pre-registration, July 19 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. We hope to see parents, children, and teens from all of our surrounding counties who might not have known about our 25- year theatre, dance, and voice classes,”said Crabtree. “What many people don’t realize is that, as professional performers come into residence, the Playhouse puts students in class and onstage with top national talent. This is something that is hard to find anywhere in the nation and yet it is right here in rural Tennessee,” said Crabtree.

For more information, or to join the education mailing list, call the Playhouse at 931-484- 4324, or e-mail Jamie Nye ([email protected] ) or Pat Nelson ([email protected])