Youth theater classes on tap this fall at ROH

Classes will culminate with an original piece at the Youth Theatre Showcase. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Opera House is proud to announce the addition of Youth Theater Classes to the 2015/2016 Season. Beginning October 6 and running until December 3, theater classes for students in grades 3-9 will be held after school from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays & Thursdays for a total of 16 sessions plus a Youth Theatre Showcase.

Studying with the Viola Spolin "Theatre Games" method, students build confidence and self-esteem, enhance problem-solving, creative thinking and teamwork skills, and develop a foundation of self-reliance, responsibility and leadership. In a safe, nurturing theatrical environment, students will work on improvisation, character development, basic acting skills, stage movement, rehearsal protocol, scene writing and more; culminating in the presentation of an original piece at the Youth Theatre Showcase.

Award-winning actor Jennifer Batchelder has served as Music Director, Choreographer and Children's Theatre Director throughout New England and beyond. Teaching children's theatre since 1996, Batchelder has inspired legions of young performers in programs including Theatre Arts Excel and Vocal Excel for MSAD 60 in Maine, Drama Director for the Henry Wilson Memorial School in Farmington, N.H., and Youth Education Program Director for the Garrison Players in Dover, N.H.

For more information about classes or to register, please visit RochesterOperaHouse.com or call/stop by the box office (603) 335-1992, M/W/F from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and two hours before the show. Rochester Opera House is located in City Hall, 31 Wakefield Street, Rochester, N.H.